The Piedmont Pages: New York, New York- and some Big News!

Well we took our first day trip this past weekend to NYC and it was incredible. Ever since I was a little girl I have wanted to see NYC during the holidays and even though she won't remember it, it was so great to give Ellie this experience and see all the sites through her eyes. Poor little thing woke up with an infected eye (as you will see in most of the pics) so she was not her usual photogenic self but we still got some good shots and it just looks like she is winking (so talented). My Uncle Kevin met us in NYC and he is the best tour guide you could ever ask for. Ellie slept through the first two hours of our touring - I think the train ride took it out of her. But she woke up in time for the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes which was the highlight of the day. Again, Uncle Kevin came through and got us incredible seats and I got to watch a real new yorker fight (not really but my uncle was about to show us southerners how new yorkers don't back down when some pushy lady tries to take your seats- it was great). The show was 90 minutes and held Ellie's attention the whole time which is no small fete for a 16 month old- I was happy to sit for the extended period but more on that later.

After the show we took Ellie to FAO Schwartz where she was so excited over the puppy stuffed animals so we of course got her a souvenior (but I am proud to say I resisted buying the huge one eventhough it was tempting). We had the absolute best weather especially since the next day it snowed so we walked to Central Park before seeing the tree at Rockefeller Center. On the way to the tree we totally got caught in a tourist trap where there were a bunch of sesame street characters which I am guessing were some new yorkers who rented costumes to make a few bucks during the holidays. Anyways, ellie's head almost exploded when she saw "melmo" (elmo) so of course we had to get a pic which entailed a small donation but it was worth it. After the tree we headed to dinner to get some real new york pizza where we met up with my Aunt Judy and Cousin Max. I just feel so unbelievably lucky to finally live so close to so many family members and be able to see them more often- it truly is a blessing. I want to say a big thank you to both my uncle kevin and aunt judy who made our day trip to NYC unforgettable.

At the end of the day, we were extremely tired but it was so worth it. I was especially tired as we are expecting Baby Piedmont #2 in July- BIG NEWS!!!!- I know I just snuck that in there but I figured no time like the present to spill the beans. Mike and I are so extremely excited (and scared) about having another baby and just pray he or she is as healthy, happy and loving as our precious Ellie- she has made our lives so much happier than we could have everimagined and we know baby #2 will do the same (once we overcome the shock of having 2 kids). And we are so thrilled that Mike is in the War College and will be home for the entire first three months (and longer) so that he can experience all the sleepless nights, etc etc- well I am really thrilled not to sure how he feels- I kid.

We hope everyone is having as wonderful a Christmas season as we are and that we can see you all soon! Merry Christmas

The Train Station

Ellie and Daddy on her first train ride

In Front of the Macy's window- we are laughing hysterically because my Uncle Kevin could not see a thing while taking the picture and was cracking us up - notice ellie sleeping she was thrilled with the window displays.

At bryant park- amazing- they turn the park into an ice skating rink and shopping area and build an entire restaurant overlooking the park just for the Christmas season. For all you project runway fans I just loved being in the place where the show is taped- i related most of my nyc experiences back to tv.