Spring Break {Part Three}

Most of our Spring Break was filled with sunshine but unfortunately our day in NYC was filled with cold rain. But we got lucky! As soon as we left the Children's Museum of Manhattan the rain let up. My brother is not one to waste a bit of good luck so he had us walk up to Central Park. 

The beauty of Central Park never ceases to amaze me. In the middle of all those tall building is an island of green. I always know I am still in the city as skyscrapers frame the park, yet the park is so quiet and serene. And I always find something "new to me" about the park.

This time was no different. Uncle Tom is a great uncle and he lead this nephews to Belvedere Castle. Really what little boy doesn't love a castle!?! Belvedere Castle was built by one of Central Park's co-designers, Calvert Vaux, in 1869. Belvedere Castle has been reporting New York City's weather since 1919 to the National Weather Serves. And now it also serves as Central Park's Visitor Center. 

Belvedere Castle is also privileged to have the highest vantage point of the Park and its cityscape. Visitors are allowed to climb up to the second highest look out deck of the castle to take it all in.

 Turns out that all three of my kiddos do not have a fear of heights. That's a good thing right!?!

Spring Break {Part Two}

After our day at the Jersey Shore we all slept well which was a good thing since the next day was jam-packed. Mom and I took the kiddos in to New York City for a day with my brother. Two Spring Breaks ago the kiddos and I spent a day with Uncle Tom in NYC and the kids have been begging to go back. I wish I had taken a picture of when I told them that the stars had lined up for them again - they were so excited!

A big part to our NYC trip was just getting into the city. First we took the train into the city. L was so excited to be on a train. I can't count the number of times he said "cool" during the ride.

Unfortunately, L was not as excited for his first cab ride. Smiles from the older two. L not so much!

After a quick stop at Uncle Tom's apartment we headed up to the Upper West Side.  Our first stop was at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. The museum has five levels and each level has a different themed exhibit. We spent most of our time on the lower level which housed the STEAM exhibit. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art and math. This level was filled with hands on experiments and DIY projects.

In all honesty, this is the only level that appealed to all three of my kiddos. It is really is hard to make an eleven year old, nine year old and five year old happy with the same activity so I think CMOM is really doing something right with their STEAM exhibit!

Spring Break {Part One}

The kiddos had off last week for Spring Break. To be honest I am not sure who was looking forward to it more - we were all in need of a nice break. No school, no PTO meetings, no field hockey or lacrosse. The only bummer was that Hubby was not able to take any time off. So last Monday the kiddos and I packed up the car and headed North for three days.

Our first stop was the Jersey Shore. (And no it is nothing like MTV makes it out to be!) We had a nice time chatting with my Gram and filling her in on all the things we have been up to this year. Then we took a walk up to the beach.  

The boys wasted no time at all. They had their shoes off, feet in the sand and digging for treasures in 10 seconds tops! I just love their enthusiasm but I do wish that beach "treasures" didn't smell as much as they do.

One little sad note about our time on the beach was that I was reminded that B is not a little girl anymore. The little girl that would have not minded the cold sea breeze and digging in the sand is gone. But at least my tween was sweet enough to let L chase her all over the beach.

All in all it was a perfect start to our Spring Break. I even convinced the boys to stay out of the water. I call that winning!