Grand Day!
Thanks to everyone who sent good wishes for Hannah – and who encouraged me to take Maxie with us – what an AMAZING DAY we had!
We walked to the train station so we wouldn’t have to deal with parking (and a possible ticket…) It was a lovely Autumn Day – cool and sunny – and we stopped for a donut and chocolate milk (coffee for mom) before we caught the train to NYC.
On the way we met a lovely family, the two kids attend Solomon Schecter Day School, which was closed for Sukkot. Han and Max had a great time bonding with the two kids, reading to each other, looking out the window – kids stuff. We exchanged emails so hopefully we’ll be getting together soon!
Our first stop in the city was to a bead store to buy some elastic and a few items I needed. The kids were so well behaved! Then we took a cab down to the bowling alley (what fun THAT was – the kids loved the mini-van taxi that stopped for us!)
Bowling was incredibly fun! I sat back and let the kids bowl while I knitted – it was actually a lot more fun for all of us that way (they got more bowling time, I got more watching my kids time!) The lunch at the lanes was terrific, just the kind of food an 8 year old wants on her birthday. A private party came in just as we were finishing our meal, and that delayed our dessert by abot 40 minutes (bummer) but overall a great experience!
Then we took a cab up to the Plaza for the special surprise that Hannah didn’t know about! Daddy met us there (he works on the East Side these days and gets off work at 2:30 on Fridays) and we strolled over to where the carriages are for rent. On the way a woman from the Disney store asked Hannah if she’d like a tiara and scepter (free – as a promotion) which made her feel like a Queen! When Hannah thanked the woman she told her it was her birthday, at which point she asked us to wait a few minutes, left – then returned with some amazing gifts for Hannah (Princess Barbie, Princess drawing kit, ticket to the “Princess Experience” at the Disney Store.)
To be honest, it’s the type of stuff Hannah knows NOT to ask me for at this point – not the biggest fan of the whole Princess/Disney thing. But what an amazing thing to happen to a little girl on her 8th (almost) birthday! It was so great because it was totally unexpected – and not too much, just right.
Then we picked out a horse and cab, climbed in and had such a lovely ride around the bottom part of Central Park. It was so great – I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed it! So touristy, and so much fun! To be in that carriage on a beautiful day with my kids and Gerry was a very special thing.
A walk through the zoo, then a ride home in our car (Gerry has to be at work at 4:00 am, so he drives in) ended a remarkable day!
Every 8 year old should have so much fun – I’m so happy for her!