We have quite the fun filled week. Wednesday and Thursday of last week we went to Atlanta to see a Braves game and the Lion King at the Fox Theater. Both had me in tears just watching the kiddos faces. KJ even received a game ball from a player. He's been showing anyone and everyone that glance his way. They were overjoyed to say the least. In the in between times we filled with Yeah Burger {both days, it's that good} and store wandering. Room and Board has quickly become a favorite shop and Ellie has deemed the above bunk bed as the only present she wants for her birthday. HA. I personally have put this chair on my very own wish list. Saturday we had baseball {we won}, Ellie's ballet recital {she's amazing}, and my family came over for dinner in which I cooked {they were proud}. We even managed to fit in our local town festival and a bit of gardening.

The lights, the noise, the constant walking, the whole over stimulation of the city may have led me to crash and burn here. I kid, sort of. I would not say I am bored, only boring people are bored, right? I would say that getting back into the routine of laundry, school, and me sitting in front of the computer for hours isn't quite as exhilarating though. It's not that I don't enjoy those things, but I am coming to realize that I need to pick up the camera for fun, have more good lunches with friends, and maybe even take in the good country air to keep my creativity going. This weekend I did take some time to sink my hands into my garden soil and it was almost supernatural how I felt my self exhale in a way I don't think it had since we got back from our trip. I could think more clearly even. I hope I don't loose the excitement of the city over time. It really did spur me on and give me a taste for adventure again...

On our last day in the city it was quite dreary, but we knew it could not go to waste. So we re-visited Grand Central and Chelsea Market for places that are fun even if it raining a bit. We also ventured to the library on advice from Molly and I am so happy we did. We sat and read books then took some time to explore. It was so beautiful. I am sure I would have been a better student back in the day if I could have spent my hours studying here. HA.

I think you either love the subway or hate it. I personally loved it. I even managed to deal with my fear of germs EVEN when I realized a man was peeing right next to me. Okay maybe I died just a little. BESIDES that though most everyone was friendly and the music that was played throughout was quite a treat. The kiddos loved dancing and giving the "performers" money. The oh so serious umbrella stance in the photo above lead to quite the rendition of a Mary Poppins dance.

The Freedom Tower was quite a site to behold. So many emotions running through. I remember going in the buildings as a small child and during 9/11 the Mr went up to serve with our church. Seeing what kind of beauty it now holds was chilling.

One reason we decided to stay in Jersey instead of Manhattan for the last leg of our trip was so we would have ample opportunities to go to Carlo's Bakery. We decided to go on a Sunday morning while there was a slight drizzle and as you can see it could not have been better timing. Ellie wants her wedding cake to be made here, wants to bake here, and I am sure would marry into their family if she could. When most children watch cartoons she watches re-runs of Cake Boss to study technique. For her this may have been better than Disney World.

FAVORITE PLACES TO GO:

Chelsea Market {which has a salt, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar filling station that is amazing - thanks Molly for the rec!}

SOHO for good shopping and is also where Purl Soho was located. Such an inspiring shop!

New York City Library

Grand Central Station

Rockefeller Center {close to good shopping like the lego store, american girl store, supped up J.Crew, etc. and of course it is remarkable during Christmas}

The High Line Park

Walking the Streets of Chelsea, Hoboken and Brooklyn.

The ABC Carpet and Home store which was nothing like I imagined it to be.

AFFILIATE LINKS PRESENT

Summer Favorites {affiliates}