Thanksgiving

Bobby and I hosted Karen, Cody, and baby Cameron (the Fleming's) for a few days over Thanksgiving - they arrived in the evening of Thanksgiving Eve and they left on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. We did a lot in the few days they were here! My dad and Wendy also came to NYC for the holiday, but they stayed at a hotel in Brooklyn closer to where Wendy's sister lives. My aunt Mary (dad's sister) also came to NYC for the holiday and she stayed in a hotel in Manhattan so she was able to join us for most of our activities.

While they were here, I took a lot of iphone pictures of Cameron to text to my mom. Cody took a lot of "touristy" photos so hopefully Karen will put those on her blog one day! :) Here's a recap of our holiday weekend activities as seen through my iphone photos ... a.k.a. several pictures of Cameron!

Wednesday
Bobby and I left Columbia University at about 3:15 to get on what we thought would be a 30 minute ride to La Guardia to greet everyone when they got off their plane at 5. However, the 30 minute ride turned into a 2 hour ride packed with people. Thankfully Karen's plane was late, too, so we still beat them to the airport. After taking the bus and subway back to Chelsea, we ate at a brick oven pizza restaurant that's near our apartment, and then lounged at home the rest of the evening.

Cameron on the bus ride to Manhattan.

Back at the apartment, Bobby and Cameron were getting to know one another.

Thanksgiving Day
We (Fleming's and Mary and myself) woke up early (well, we overslept, but it was still early) to see the parade. We made it to 74th Street by 7:30 am and it was already packed! Next time we need to get there much earlier!! We were able to see the parade floats and balloons but that was about it. We also learned we were standing on the wrong side of the street - we were on the north side and should have been on the south side so we could see everything longer.

Cam and Karen at the parade. I promise, Cam was excited, she's just not a fan of that coat!

After the parade, we walked around Central Park to burn off some time before we had to meet for lunch at 1 pm. We ended up sitting and chatting at the fountain and Bobby and my dad and Wendy met us there. Then we headed to the Boathouse for a delicious Thanksgiving meal! We also had a celebrity sighting: John O'Hurley was at the Boathouse, too!

Cam took a nap while we walked through the park. She wanted to rest before the exciting lunch!

First time Wendy held Cam! I was impressed Wendy actually asked to hold her!!

After lunch we all walked to Rockefeller and Grand Central Station and then headed back to our apartment to hang out.

Cam had fun in Rockefeller Center!

Back at the apartment, Bobby decided she should learn how to text! :)

She is such a good baby!! Soooo good at sitting and just hanging out!

Friday
On Friday we again woke up early, but this time our goal was to see The Today Show. Cody and Karen managed to make it on the screen, but Cameron and I did not. Oh well, maybe next time. After the show, we walked to a couple of the local stores (NBC and Nintendo), then went to Dean & Deluca for some coffee and to feed Cam.

The Today Show

Karen, Cam, and the free teddy bear they got at the Today Show set (St. Jude's bear).

Mary got to hold and play with Cam at D&D.

Mary also got to give Cam a bottle. Such a sweet moment!

Then we headed to Wendy's sister's house in Brooklyn where she hosted a delicious brunch! It was fun getting to meet her and her in-laws and spend time with my dad and Wendy.

The Fleming's on the subway.

Cam decided to take a nap at the brunch.

That night Karen and Cody had a date night (it was Cody's birthday), so Bobby and I got to babysit!!! Seriously, best gift ever! We had fun! We took her to our hamburger restaurant and she was so well behaved and she entertained a few of the customers. Then we went back to the apartment where she sat on the couch and stared at Bobby until she fell on her back. Then she realized she was laying in comfy fleece blankets and she was asleep within a few minutes!

She was trying to look at Bobby and he'd lean back so she'd lean back. Eventually she fell into those blankets and put herself to sleep!

Saturday
On Saturday we met Santa! We headed to Macy's to their Santa winter wonderland and we were all amazed at what we saw! It was like a ride at Disney! They had a singing tree, entertaining animals, beautiful mini-buildings, and other things you couldn't take your eyes off of. We were sad the line wasn't longer because we really wanted to enjoy everything, but it was nice being able to quickly get in to meet Santa (sorry, no pics of Santa).

There are wooden escalators at Macy's!

She may not look it, but she was excited to meet Santa!

After Santa, we walked to Chelsea for hamburgers and to walk the High Line and walk through Chelsea Market. Then we headed downtown to see the World Trade Center, Wall Street, and the Statue of Liberty.  That night we had dinner at Les Halles with my dad, Wendy, her sister and her sister's husband. Dinner was delicious!

She didn't get a hamburger, but she was still happy to eat!

One of the new Towers

Seriously, how cute is she???!!!

She and Bobby liked to talk at night before bed.

Sunday
On Sunday the Fleming's packed to leave. Sad! We stopped to get waffles at Columbus Circle, and then we headed to the airport to say good-bye.

We talked and she told me she didn't want to leave - she was having fun in NYC!

Saying good-bye to Uncle Bobby - how sweet is this?!!!!

Bobby and I had an excellent time hosting the Fleming's - our first house guests at our humble abode!