The Youngins: Back to the City

Well, it has been almost a year since the move back to Seattle from NYC. Mom and Dad have been getting the itch for the hustle and bustle of the city. And to be honest, no other city in the country has the energy of New York. So, we figured it was time for a trip back to the city of Ella's birth and a check to see how hard it would be with a toddler as opposed to a newborn.

The trip was comprised of the typical travel extravaganza....drive to the airport parking lot, take a bus to the airport, through security (no liquids of course), then the jetway and onto the plane....6 hours later....off the plane, JFK, the Airtrain, the A train, an escalator and wallah...we're in Hell's Kitchen. Oh, and don't forget the three hour time change. As always Ella was a trooper. She did take a spill on the jetway in Seattle and consequently there was a scrape on her nose. There was a nap strike, a diaper failure, and someone in the aisle seat; but all things considered Ella weathered the journey in flying colors.

The godmothers were kind enough to shack up together for a week, freeing up Kerri's apartment for our little family. In order to pass the time until Kerri was off work, we headed for a park with luggage in tow.

Ella enjoyed herself thoroughly...the play equipment was just her size, just what you'd expect for Hell's Kitchen park.

Our first night was delivery (oh the ease of New York). Dad went out for the staples at the grocery store and ever present Duane Reade, while Mom and the girls caught up. Mom had shipped out a pack and play which was ideally suited to Manhattan apartment life. We all relaxed and decompressed after a long day of travel and work.

The next day, and every day there after, we hit a little park between 8th & 9th. It was a lifesaver. Then it was off!

The lights of Times Square were a huge hit.

Even former residents can get caught up taking in the sights.

If you look very closely you'll see the spire of the Chrysler building in the background...Ella was unshaken by the traffic (car and foot). Off to the subway to pass the time in the old neighborhood.

Lunch was in the East Village, at 99 Miles to Philly. Arguably the best cheesesteak in the city; all six tables of it.

After lunch we headed walked around and made a seminal purchase at the old K-Mart, an umbrella stroller for a whopping 12 dollars. (Not shown but terribly valuable and important to note....) Then we headed toward Washington Square, NYU, and the heart of Greenwich Village.

That took us right past our old apartment building, the home Ella came home to (insert sigh). She didn't seem nostalgic though...

Once we arrived at Washington Square Park, it was off to the cool shade of the playground. Ella took a swing on the same swing set she had her very first swing.

You might think the water spray and the sand would have been a hit, especially with the heat, but Ella didn't seem to appreciate it this day.

Ella has begun to keep close track of the community toys at the park, and as soon as something opens up that she wants...it's go time. Here she has acquired the doll stroller and of course put the soccer ball in the stroller.