THE PRESTIDGES: New York living (week 1)

For those who are just tuning in...we moved to New York City! Well for the summer that is. Adam had been doing his 3 month long internship in the city and after being apart for 2 months, we decided to sublet a place and move there with him his last month there. I would be lying if I said it was a non-stop party (with kids involved the party always ends (but I mean that with love, little guys!)) but we had fun none the less.

When you think about a vacation you think you can forgo all parent and personal responsibly, or I do at least. But when living somewhere else for a whole month, I was still putting B down for his naps, making dinner, cleaning the house, doing laundry and on top of all that, trying to explore the biggest city with 2 kids in tow. So at times I was not having fun, but once we were out and about and not lost, things were great!! We stayed on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and we grew to really enjoy it. Adam's office is in Midtown East, so for a slightly easier commute we are also looking into moving to the Upper East Side as well. So we will see where we end up at the end of next summer. But for now, here is the first week in the city.

Who knew minivans could be so great for families? ...Okay well everyone does, but we just figured it out. Adam, now long-removed from Texas glory days of driving this —

—unashamedly loved it. Can you say "features"! And Solana, applying totally rational linguistic analysis decided that our "Minnie-van" was actually a "Mickey-van!" So that was a fun way to road-trip in style.

The Manhattan Minivans at church is what they are called. Seriously I can't find which one is ours.

Watching taxis go by became her favorite past time activity. She and Adam counted 100 in about a minute. The little surprises of discovering what she enjoys are always so fun!

Sugar and Plumm was amazing! Macaroons were to die for.

Heading down to Riverside Park. I actually really liked this area better than Central Park, mainly because it was less crowded.

First park we hit, she had a blast and loved making new friends.

First time in the swings. I love his "I'm not so sure about this..." face

Going to The Dakota was a fun one to see. The gates right here are where John Lennon was shot and killed. Yoko still lives there. I love historic buildings, and there are so many in New York!

The Dakota is the oldest residential building on the Upper West Side, and it really is so beautiful, and right next to Central Park.

Elephant park was so much fun. I was so impressed by the parks they have everywhere, all so different and all so fun!! Especially because most of them have water stuff to do. It's the only kind of free entertainment you can find in the city.

Just chillin' - at West Elm! After a long day roaming the city, Solana decided to make the display chair her personal lounge, cozying up with a blanket and pillows. All that's missing are a show and a snack!

Best. Bakery. Ever! Period. Cookies are to die for. Just Yelp it.

I have no idea what this face is, but it makes me laugh every time. She had a similar face, which she called her "Princess Face". She loves picking up flowers everywhere we go, including Traders.