We just returned from a Family Vacation. I think I now need a vacation from my vacation.
Don't get me wrong, we had a blast. But, if you know me, you know that I will tell it how it is, no messing around. For those of you who have perfect children who never fight and do what you ask the first time you ask (or the tenth time for the matter) either you live on Fantasy Island, or you are a LIAR!
The kids were fighting by the time we got to the airport! Luckily when we got to the gate we saw some friends and figured out we were all on the same flight as far as Chicago. The one good thing about Southwest, we were able to all sit together. This allowed the kids to spread out and not have to sit by their siblings for a whole 4 hours!
We arrived in NYC around midnight. We were staying in a hotel in Time Square and since it was only 9pm for us, we decided to go walk around and find something to eat. It is true, NY is the "city that never sleeps!" (Thinking about it, with 5 of us in a tiny hotel room, we didn't sleep much either!)
Son #1 was not so excited to be walking around a big, crowded, stinky city at midnight. He doesn't really like to be out of his comfort zone. It made him even more uncomfortable that guys were hitting on his sister! Of course it freaked me out a little too, but I know it is only a sign of things to come!
After our late night in Time Square, we slept in, and the time difference didn't help! We did some more walking around the city. Hit the Empire State Building, St. Mary's, and of course....
The Yankees Clubhouse Store!
Then we headed to Central Park. Played some baseball and then rented bikes and road about 8 miles through the park!
2 nights in this hotel room was more than enough bonding for us! Luckily the TWIN air mattress I packed fit barely between the 2 DOUBLE beds that we pushed against the walls! After the first night we had to go purchase the fan you see because my family is addicted to the sound and can't sleep without a little white noise!
If you are wondering what that rag is laying on the air mattress, it is "Froggy" #2's baby blanket that has seen it's better days.
Most people would plan a trip to NY to see the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, and a Broadway play, and then maybe hit a ball game since they were already there. Oh no, not us! It was the opposite! We were there to see the Yankees! Love them or hate them, the new stadium is beautiful!
We stocked up on the Yankee gear.
We also had dessert at Ella's Stardust Diner. 2 days in the city was enough. We left and headed Upstate. We first went to Hyde Park, home of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. I am not sure why we don't have any pictures of that. It was way cooler than I thought it was going to be. We visited his family home on the Hudson and the Presidential Library. The kids liked it too, although they thought the Quality Inn we stayed in didn't weigh so heavy on the "Quality" side!
We left Hyde Park and headed to Utica, NY to see Rick's parents who are serving a mission for the LDS Church. We haven't seen them almost 2 years and we were so excited to get to be with them for a few days! The Tunneys drove from Ohio and met us there. 
We went to Cooperstown to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame. (Of course, why would we not!)
After a fun time with Grandma and Grandpa, it was time to let them get back to work and for us to head to Ohio with the Tunney Clan. We kind of just happened to end up at Niagara Falls for the 4th of July Fireworks! It was definitely worth the drive and the hungry stomachs. We hadn't had dinner and thought we could find food there. Note to self, not enough food at Niagara Falls to feed the million and a half people that show up for fireworks. After a bit of crankiness, we ended up at Taco Bell around 11:30pm. We should have just gone hungry. Grosses food ever!! Lesson learned; pack a picnic!
There were a lot of "bugs" out. They were trying to keep themselves covered. I think G Tunney had had enough family because he departed from Buffalo to China (or so he says) and the rest of us continued on to Columbus, via some religious history sights.
We were able to see many wonderful places along the way and enjoy the
Spirit of the Restoration.
I guess the cameras were put away when we got to Columbus because I haven't one picture! If I did I would post one of the Tunney's beautiful home, their puppies, Katelin in her flannel while 98 degrees and like 100% humidity, and Rick mowing the lawn (yes it is true!)
It was super hot in Columbus, so we spent a lot of time enjoying the Tunney's home! We watched movies, ate good food, and enjoyed time together. We feel lucky to be part of such a wonderful family, and wish we could get together more often!
