Hello New York City

This is one of the first things we saw as we were in our shuttle headed for Manhattan.

One of the first things we wanted to see was the 9/11 memorial.

They have a long way to go but they've made a lot of progress in rebuilding.

We saw a tiny little garden on one of our walks one morning.

Peeking out behind the tall buildings is the Crystler building.

Our hotel room over looked Times Square so we went down each night to check it out.

Harry Potter ...all grown up!

A place where you could hang out and take pictures. We were all the way up on the top.

This one is for Whitney. Reese's Peanut butter cups ...Yummmm!

And of course we had to get a picture of Homer Simpson for Elder Stephen!

I think this was in the subway???

I took these shots just before the NY policeman came over and told me to turn off my camera. Oops! I guess things have been a little tense following the whole Osama Ben Laden episode. My first clue should have been all of policeman with assault rifles and dogs all over the place!

Here we are at Carlos' Bake Shop from The Cake Boss show. Where's Buddy?

Here's one of the sisters from the show keeping everyone in line.

I had one of these little babies ...and went back for another after I finished the first one!

Their delivery truck was parked behind the shop in the alley. While we were taking pictues of the truck another sister pulled up in her big SUV. She had to hunt for a parking space just like everyone else. It really is a mom and pop operation.

Madeline was so sweet and thanked us for coming all of the way to New Jersey to see her. I think she's the nicest sister. Gary thinks she looks like the women in my family. She reminds me of my mom's mother.

There was a beautiful park near the bakery with a spectacular view. We sat in the park for awhile enjoying our treats and enjoying the scenery until it started to rain.

This is the church we went to on Sunday. It's also Steve and Kirsten's ward. They were so sweet to invite us over to their cute apartment afterwards for an awesome dinner. Thanks guys!!!

This is also the building that has the temple on the top floors. Notice the angel moroni on the short spire! We had a great time and I will try to post some additional photos and video.

I'm not in Kansas anymore

I just got back from having an awesome visit with my 4 favorite grand kids. True ...they are my only grand kids (so far) but they are pretty special! It's quite a long drive to get there which makes me appreciate them even more when I do get to spend time with them. I know you are all waiting for the best part ...the pictures, so I will get right to them!

On Ben's 7th birthday he got a new pet. A gecko lizard he named Spot.

A pretty nice habitat. Spot is one lucky lizard!

No visit would be complete without Grace in her princess outfit.

Jillian is getting so big and with a personality to match.

Ben still loves to read and can't wait to share the latest things he has learned.

Who says you can't teach an old grandma some new tricks?!?

Jillian loves to explore.

Grace always has a big smile for everyone.

It took Sabrina a little longer to warm up.

One day we drove to the Wichita museum of Natural science.

I thought this plane made out of license plates was pretty cool.

Sabrina thought this milk cow was pretty fun too.

Jess and Jillian playing with some pretend vegetables. Yum!

There were a lot of simulators for the kids to pretend to drive and fly.

This was one of the cute little critters we got to watch while he ate his lunch.

The kids brought two of their best friends and their mom along.


Jillian had fun trying to plot her escape.

She couldn't wait to check everything out.

What a cutie!

Jess took Jillian into the wind tunnel which was a simulation of a tornado. You'll need to fasten your seat belts before watching my "creative" attempt to make it interesting! Jillian liked it until it got a little too windy and "took her breath away". Luckily they were able to abandon ship before she got too scared.

They had a model of a dead rat and what it would look like as it decomposed. Yikes!

Everyone thought it was pretty disgusting.

It was kind of like a car wreck ...they couldn't help but look

again ...and again! Poor Gracie!!!

Surprisingly Sabrina thought it was pretty cool.

Well ...maybe it wasn't that bad!

They got to spend some time building their own creations too.




Good job Ben!

We also saw a movie about "the Prehistoric Monsters of the Deep".

It was a little long. Thank goodness for some gum to help us get through it!

Sabrina while working on an art project.

Jillian loves to be outside.

They all spent several hours riding their bikes.

...even Jillian!

When she wasn't riding a bike, or taking grandma on laps up and down the street


...she was supervising the festivities from her directors chair.

Jilian going for a spin on one of the bikes.

It was fun watching the girls while they were making up games and playing together. They're not only sisters ...but best friends.

The week was over before I knew it and it was time to head home to my sweetie and his trusty side-kick Copper. Later that day I knew I was back in Texas when I started seeing the beautiful Blue Bells growing along the side of the road. It's good to be back but I can't wait to see them all again!