New York - Here We Come

YES, we traveled across the country to New York while I was 32-33 weeks pregnant! This means I was 8 months and in my 3rd trimester. With a final approval from my doctor two days before we left and a note from him saying I could fly, we were packed and ready to go. However, we did make sure to travel with a birthing kit in our carry-on... just in case.

Visiting New York was a first for both James and I. Aside from knowing we were going to be in New York City from August 28 - Sept. 1 and then in Buffalo from Sept. 2-5, we did not go with any itinerary. We figured we would make it up while there depending on what we wanted to see. This worked out great for us as we were able to see everything we had hoped to, plus more!

After a red-eye flight from San Jose to NYC, that landed at 6:50 am, we wasted no time in hitting the pavement to see the sights. Our first stop was seeing the Empire State Building. We decided to get the full tourist experience and go up to the observatory on the 86th floor, that overlooks all of Manhattan. There are 3 elevators that everyone takes to get you as far as the 80th floor and from there you have a choice to either wait for the single elevator that will take you the remaining 6 floors or you climb the 6 flights of stairs. We were given a 20 minute wait time for the elevator, which was ridiculous to me, so we decided to take the stairs. I felt pretty good as I went through the door that led to the stair well, and looked back to watch person after person chose the elevator. Come on people there is an 8 month pregnant lady choosing the stairs!

James climbing the 6 flights of stairs

86th floor, here we come!

On the 86th floor of the Empire State Building, over looking Downtown Manhattan where the Twin Towers used to stand.

Our first day in NYC (Sat. 8/28) also included: Times Square, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and dinner at PJ Clarkes. Which I have to mention we walked 20 blocks to get to. Lets just say I made sure we took a taxi back to the hotel that night!

Visiting the M&M store in Times Square.

After spending two days by ourselves in NYC we were joined by Jason and Krista. They are the whole reason for this trip, because their wedding was going to be held in Buffalo on Sat. September 4th. Jason's family also traveled to NYC, where we all vacationed together until we flew to Buffalo later in the week for the wedding. Those that joined us included: Jill (Jason's Mom), Brad, Erin and Emily (Jason's Uncle, Aunt and cousin), Tutu (Jason's Grandma), and Jay, Elaine, Cage and Casey (Jason's Uncle, Aunt, and cousins).

James and I in Times Square

Our hotel was only 3 blocks from Times Square so we spent most nights hanging out in this area.

The rest of our time in NYC was spent doing the following:

Sunday, August 29 - Took the subway to Downtown to see:

• The World Trade Center - Museum, "Remember" Tour, & 10 House fire station
• Financial District - Wall Street
• Battery Park - Statue of Liberty, Castle Clinton Fort

Monday, August 30 -Took the subway to Uptown to see:

• Central Park - We all walked across the width of it
• Central Park Zoo - The girls did this
• O'Leary's Bar - This is how the guys spent their afternoon instead of the zoo
• Times Square for the evening

Tuesday, August 31 -

• Rockefeller Center
• FAO Schwartz
• Grand Central Station
• The Addams Family - Broadway show

Wednesday, September 1 - James and I enjoyed Downtown so much that we went back for more

• Canal St. - all of the "knock-off" shops
• Museum of American Finance
• Trinity Church (1 block from World Trade Center)
• St. Paul's Chapel (across the street from World Trade Center)
• Cross beam found at the World Trade Center site

Then on Thursday, September 2, we flew to Buffalo, NY for the remainder of our trip where we did the following:

Thursday, September 2 - Krista was our Tour Guide!

• Oldest tree in Buffalo
• Saw part of Lake Erie
• Dinner at Cheryl's house (Krista's sister)

Friday, September 3 -

• Rehearsal at the Avanti Mansion (James was Jason's Best Man)
• Niagara Falls
• Wet Jet Boat Tour (Pregnant women not allowed, but I hear it was a great time from James and everyone else)
• Rehearsal dinner

On the Maid of The Mist boat with Niagara Falls behind us. Soaking wet, but good times!


Saturday, September 4th, Jason and Krista's Wedding Day!

James spent the day with Jason and the other guys taking pictures, getting ready and doing his Best Man duties. I on the other hand, enjoyed a relaxing day getting my hair done and getting ready for the wedding.

Here is a picture of my swollen feet (they did not swell till we reached Buffalo) in the 3 inch heals that I wore with my dress. What can I say they went with my outfit... and after 1.5 hours I changed into silver sandals so that I could dance the night away!

Here we are with the newlyweds Mr. & Mrs. Todd! Jason and Krista are an amazing couple and wonderful friends. We were very excited to spend this special day with them. It was a beautiful wedding!

James and I dancing to FOOTLOOSE!!!

On Sunday, September 5th, we enjoyed a brunch with everyone before boarding our flight to head home. I am proud to say that Brooke and I made it home safely and James did not have to use the birthing kit. Thank goodness!