Trip up North

We braved the skies and flew up to Newark on Wednesday morning. My mom dropped us off at the Nashville airport and we were loaded up with stuff, Charlie's car seat, stroller, and car seat base, and clothes for all 3 of us. (success - no checked bag fees).

Boy, flying with Pat was so much easier than the last time Charlie and I flew solo.

Kate picked us up early that afternoon and it was great to be back in Oradell where we used to live. We enjoyed the great weather and took Charlie for a walk to his favorite swings. Kate fixed a great salmon dinner and Charlie enjoyed playing with some of Pat's old toys that Kate had found in the basement and cleaned up. On Thursday morning Pat and I drove into the city to pick up Charlie's favorite cousin! We briefly saw Mike before he headed off to work and then we drove Greer back to Oradell for cousin play time.

It has been decided (by me) that Greer is the most beautiful baby and Charlie is the cutest.

 Big gorgeous eyes and lips!

Later that afternoon we headed to the nearby town of Glen Rock so I could see my friend Kathy and her son Connor. Even though the two little guys are the same age (us mom and dads met at birth class), Connor looks more like a little boy, an adorable one!

 He was good at smiling for the camera!

At one point Charlie did one of his famous roars and scared Connor, it was too cute.

From there we headed south on the Parkway to see Warren and Alyssa in Bloomfield.  Great to see them!  Then we headed back to Oradell and Maura and Mike came out after work for a great spaghetti and meatball supper.  Then on Friday we lounged around a bit and I did a little bit of shopping (didn't bring many PJs for CQ).  That afternoon Grandpa Paul arrived town and got to hang out with his grandson while Pat and I fought the traffic to Hoboken.  We met Warren, Sean, and Denis for a delicious pizza dinner at Grimaldi's.  From there we headed to Liberty Bar to meet up with a whole slew of friends.  It was such a fabulous turnout for my invitation just 24 hours prior.  It was great to see so many friends that we've been missing down here... and we were lucky to get top notch babysitters.  :o) 

Then Saturday morning Pat, Charlie and I took NJ Transit into the city to meet up with Laurisa and Rob.  They had a wedding the night before so this was the time we worked out to meet up with them.  It was a gorgeous day and we did some people (and dog) watching at Madison Square Park.

Laurisa and Rob brought their dog Ralphie too, of course.  He was so well behaved and great around Charlie.

This post is getting a little too long...and Greer's baptism day deserves it's own post.  I'll be back blogging soon!  :o)

High Line Adventure

This was supposed to post on Sunday...but appears to still be in my "drafts" section, so here ya go!

Pat was away all weekend at Warren's bachelor party, so CQ and I had some big fun together.  Sunday we drove and parked in Hoboken where we met up with Devon.  We met her kitty Sir Winston who was quite interested in the stroller.  He was so cute.

From there we took the ferry into NYC and walked down along the water until we got to 30th street.  We met up for a quick visit with Lacie and Neil there.  They came all the way to see us for a quick chat and to meet Charlie - very sweet.    

The new section of the High Line runs up to 30th St so Devon, Andrea, CQ, and I started there and strolled on south.

There were tons of people which really did mean you had to stroll.  It was kind of hard to get around people with the path being so narrow, but  that was fine.

You can see some parts of the old railroad tracks at certain spots.

We then had a late brunch (french toast, yum!) at Pastis with Erin and Laurisa.

 Charlie and his hat buddy Andrea.  :)  Probably my favorite picture of the day!

It was a really fun day in the city.  My girlfriends were all so helpful with Charlie, helping me maneuver the stroller, hold/feed him, etc.  That's what friends are for I guess.  :)  Very glad Pat is back from the bachelor party though - and glad he had fun.
Anyone who has the chance, definitely take a walk on the High Line!

Sunday in the City

We took Charlie into NYC yesterday afternoon for the first time.  After we finally found a parking spot, we made it to Maura and Mike's apartment and then walked all over Central Park with Maura.  We then met up with Mike and had a great dinner at Pappardella and then grabbed dessert at Insomnia Cookies.

All loaded up and ready for the ride.

Driving down along the Henry Hudson, tons of people out biking, running, and walking.

 Pat had no complaints about the carrier, and Charlie seemed pretty happy in it the whole time.

 The park was packed with people enjoying the great day.

 A painting class:

 I love these trees. 

Mike and I both thought this was a good spot for a photo.  And right before this we crossed paths with Tom Brady, Gisele Bundchen, and their little boy.

Charlie enjoyed testing out his soon-to-be-cousin's new toys.  When is she coming out??  :o)

Such a great day!

And I'll leave you with a very brief video of a guy in Central Park playing the banjo, and also the tamborine and drum, each with one foot.  Sounded great!