NYC

A few weeks ago, we headed to New York City for the girls' annual birthday trip.  Last year, it was unbearably hot and this year, it was chilly and rainy, which was fine with us.  We were in the city all day, splitting our day between shopping and the theater.  We went to American Girl and FAO Schwarz, had lunch at Junior's and then saw Aladdin, which was so amazing.  I've seen a lot of shows over the years but this production of Aladdin might just be the best performance of all.  The costumes were spectacular, the ensemble performances were insane and the genie was spectacular.  Given the number of standing ovations during the show, I wasn't the only one that thought it was great.  It was such a great day!

5:40am - ready to go! 

First stop - the hair salon at American Girl.

Emily was desperate for hair extensions for her doll (truth be told, she'd like them in her own hair too but I would never allow that!), so I relented and she was soooo happy!

So pleased with Caroline's hair!

Saige has three different colored hair extensions, much to Emily's satisfaction.

The bags look bigger than they are - I got out of the store for under $100 for the first time ever!

We love Lindt - the obsession (that's right, JD, obsession) in our house has reached a level of insanity, beginning with Lee and trickling down to the girls.  When we stumbled upon a Lindt store on 5th Avenue, it seemed like fate.  I won't even begin to think about how much I spent, but I can say that the final dollar amount rivaled what I spent at American Girl Place.  And for this photo, one that perfectly captures Elizabeth's sense of humor, it was worth it!

Tattoos at FAO!

Snowflakes in August....

A winged heart.  She's going to grow up to be a biker chick, I just know it.

The creepiest new attraction in Times Square - a dancing "baby".  It was bizarre. 

The hi-light of our trip! 

We didn't forget about Lee (happily at home); we brought him cheesecake (which he loves) from Junior's. 

This is the most staged photo ever.  Elizabeth absolutely hated the cheesecake - like her mother, she is a choc-a-holic through and through (who likes cheesecake?  blech. disgusting.  where's the chocolate?).  This big "bite" was on the heels of a smaller bite that she could barely get down.

Up since 5am; in the city for close to 9 hours; it was amazing that she made it as long as she did.