NYC-The Top of the Rock

We decided instead of going to the Empire State building and waiting in the LONG lines, we would go to the Top of the Rock instead. Of course, before we went up, I had to check out Rockefeller plaza and go see what was going on at the Today show. We didn't get up early to go when they were outside, but we did get a glimpse of Al Rocker through the window. It was pretty neat since every morning of my maternity leave was spent watching the TODAY show.

I am so glad that we did get to go to the top of the Rock! I wish that pictures could capture the beauty and amazing views that we saw! We were 67 stories up and could see a lot of the city from where we were! I really wish we could have gone at night too. We stayed up there a while and went to each side of the three viewing floors. My favorite view was of Central Park.


The Statue of Liberty from the Top of the Rock. This is as close as we got. Next time we go back, I would like to go there!

View of Central Park...AMAZING!!

The Empire State Building

New York, New York

Tommy and I were able to take a trip to New York City at the end of October. We were chosen by the bank that we recieve the farm loan from to go and learn about the Farm Credit Bank. I have always wanted to visit NYC and this was a great opportunity. We basically got an all expense paid trip to NYC and Washington DC. Even though it was not at the best of times due to school, I couldn't pass up the opportunity.

It was the first time that we had ever left Tanner...I say "we" it was more "me". I had NEVER left him overnight, so leaving him for several nights while being hundreds of miles away was really tough! Tommy had been away from him a few nights one time when I was visiting my family. I cried like a big baby but I knew that we needed to get away. It was our first big trip since our Honeymoon 2 1/2 years ago.

We left on Sunday morning and caught an early flight to NYC. We arrived around 11:30 and I got to experience my first ride in a cab...ummm terrifying!!! We got checked into the hotel and took off. I will try not to go into too much detail because I would write a novel, but I must include the following story.

Once we dropped our stuff off at the Roosevelt Hotel, we took off to explore the city. There were several touristy things that was on my MUST DO LIST. One of the main things that I wanted to do was go to Central Park. We were on our way using my phone to guide our way, and we came upon St. Patrick's Cathedral. This was also a place that I had to visit due to the recommendations of several people. I could hardly stand my excitement as I awed over the beauty of this amazing building. By this time it was about 1:30 in the afternoon. I decided that we MUST go in...we were right there and who knew if we would make it back to visit. We were looking for an entrance...now here I must interject...if my husband were telling the story, he would say that he told me as I was looking for an entrance to "look down there at the sign" because he remembered that it was Sunday. I, however, do not recall the story that way. When he said, "look down here," I thought he was talking about the other entrance. We were right in front of one, so I didnt see the need in going to the next one. I watched as several other people made their way into the cathedral. So, "Honey, people are going in here. Let's go." So without stopping me, we made our way past the man at the door who was dressed in a suit (should have been a warning sign) and into the church. Here is where it gets interesting....as we enter this beautiful building, we notice that it is FILLED with people, all who are kneeling down. Welcome to our first MASS!!! Who has church at 1:30 in the afternoon?? Us Baptist get out at 12:00!!! So by this time we are already in the church, too late to turn around. So what do we do?? We go sit in the pew and kneel too! The priest was at the front...forgive me because in my embarrasment I do not know exactly what he was doing. I do recall saying the Lord's Prayer, which of course we both knew. I do have to say that we were not the only ones who had interrupted mass...there were tourists there with shopping bags...at least we weren't one of those people!! So as soon as they started going to the front for communion, we jetted out of there. Holy taledo...First, I was so embarrassed...second, I guess God was reminding us that we skipped out on church. However, I did get to see the church and we actually got to go back and visit when they weren't in the MIDDLE of mass!!!

The fountain in Central Park that is in all the movies. I'm sure it has a name, I just dont know what it is. I took a hundred pictures at the fountain!

The leaves on the trees were amazing. Tommy saw on the news that we went at the "prime" times to see the leaves on the trees! Central Park was amazing and one of my favorite places in NYC!! I want to go back!!!