The big move came and we survived it. We have been talking about moving to NYC for almost 2 years. And its crazy to think it actually arrived. Just weeks before our move we found a fabulous place in Battery Park City in lower manhattan. Adam made 2 trips without me to the city to find us a place, so I was a bit nervous moving to an area I had never visited. But I trusted Adam completely in his ability to find a great location. And once I moved in I was pleasantly surprised how much I like the area. Lots of parks, really clean, and we love our view of the city and of the Hudson River. And more importantly we know we are meant to live here. So whatever comes, it comes with confidence.
We figured the easiest thing was to rent a mini-van and drive up, so we made a fun over-night stop in Philadelphia. We arrived around 4 - the kids go to bed around 7 - so we had about 2.5 hours to take a whirlwind tour of the highlights of that fun city.
In front a Independence Hall. (Full family photos by strangers, that actually turn out, are always really appreciated.)
Trying my first Philly Cheese Steak at the Reading Terminal Market…..it was delicious!
Amazing ice cream from Bassets Ice Cream - which has been in business since 1861!!
On the way back to the hotel, we passed this fountain area, with lots of kids running around and playing in the water. Adam and I looked at each other and figured, "Why not?" and told the kids to go crazy. They looked at us with disbelief, slowly edged over to the water, making sure they weren't going to get in trouble, and then ran around and had a great time!
Are first view of our new home! Driving into the city was pretty fun. We had lots of NYC music blasting in the car.
Adam picked out our new apartment, and we were pleasantly surprised how much we liked it.
We all love our view and are amazed that we got it, but I think Boston might love it the most. He stands at the window and yells "Hi guys!" to the people walking 35 floors below. On our first morning in our new home, Solana woke up and suggested that we go look out the window and maybe we would "see some handsome people that we could be friends with." So sweet.
Their is something magical in an empty house. We loved it!
We hit up Trader Joe's as soon as got there, and this glorious line awaited us...agh.
Love.
Tear Drop Park. We have so many cool parks in our neighborhood.
That's our house! The one in the middle at the very top. Don't worry if you can't see it, I still have a hard time explaining it to Solana.
A little walk on the Esplanade, which runs along the Hudson River. (Statue of Liberty in the background, to Adam's right.)
Craft day at the park. We made crowns.
On 9/11 we sat and explained the tragedy to Solana. The view from their room includes the beautiful waterfall memorial and explaining it was hard for such a sweet child's mild to comprehend. She had lots of questions. And we didn't have lots of answers. Quite a somber experience to remember that event from so close.
The evening on 9/11 they projected a light into the sky.
Another cool spot on the Esplanade.
Our little princess just taking a break from being a princess. I love this photo that Adam snagged. It captures her perfectly.
Solana does surprisingly well scootering around the city.
We had a girls' day out, and of course she wanted to go to Sephora and get lip gloss. She'll be a city girl pretty soon...
If anyone enjoys the view, its definitely Boston. He stands on his perch and watches it all!
She is my world.
This adorable 4 year old started her 2nd year of preschool. Every morning she walks 15-20 minutes to school with her Daddy. They hold hands the whole way….how cute is that!? Hopefully next year her school will be much closer, but for right now, we're just grateful she got in!
Big dreams from little people.
Adam's first week at his new firm, and Solana's first day of school. It was a very busy week of new experiences and big adjustments.
Outside the less-than-picturesque entrance to her school. So different from her last school, which was the stereotypical Virginia setting, with changing leaves, etc. This is the quintessential NYC school, held in the bottom floors of a new high rise.
Its kind of trek to walk to school everyday. But its pretty cool that she goes to school in the Frank Gehry building, which Solana says looks "Jiggly".
Boston does a pretty amazing job at keeping up with his sister
Princess nap time.
The Ikea ferry is a big hit with the kids! And with me as well :)
Boston, pointing out the Statue of Liberty to everyone.
Using a drum as a hat to shield you from the shower water….I love your logic, Bostie.
If I had a dollar for every time Boston points the sky when he sees a helicopter I would be starting a great savings for his college fund. He is obsessed with things in the sky and has a remarkable ability to spot or hear anything.
Walking back on a Sunday evening we captured this great view on our way home.
A little High Line walk. Nothing like a great park in the sky.
Popsicles and bare feet. Life is pretty sweet right about now
Our last warm day of the month. It was 80.
Subway with the family.
Hitting up Levain Bakery in the morning is always a wise choice. It is one of our favorite things on the island of Manhattan, and we are more than willing to make the trip uptown.
mmmm…..
The church train (that's what Solana calls it)
Yes, Boston I see the helicopter.
September is done, bring on the fall weather! Changes are ahead.
3 comments:
What an exciting change! Your family is so beautiful - Good luck in NY!
The view from your apartment is amazing!! It looks like you guys are doing great in the big city so far!
You do such cool things! You are the best mom in the world! And an Ikea ferry!? That sounds like fun ;) Looks you're adjusting nicely to the big city change. I would probably be bald from all of the stress. NYC better stay good to you or I'll come and beat it up!
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