Rounding Out Spring Break with a Swim Meet

We arrived it back in Raleigh Tuesday night so that the kids could make it to their one day of school for the week (and more importantly keep their dentist appointments that had been made 6 months prior).

Quick rest at the bus stop as we walked home from the park Wednesday after school now on spring break part two!

After snow on the ground in NJ, we returned to our bridal wreath and forsythia blooming.

Also we saw a baby squirrel get slightly confused on the ground inside our fence before eventually finding its way out.

The weekend was a special one for me as it was time again for the NC Short Course Yards Masters Swimming Championships.

Breaking out the UVA gear for the occasion.

My friend Dani and I snap a quick picture on deck in our gear.

I'm lucky enough to have these goofballs cheering me on in the stands.

Jack keeping a close eye on the action.

First leg of the 100 IM. I'm in the lane closest to the camera.

This year I signed up for both Saturday and Sunday of the meet, rounding out my events with the big 200 fly! Yikes.

First 50 of the 200 Fly! 

I took it out like a champ and died like a beast, but I finished and felt pretty good about doing so, 15 years from the last time I competitively swam that event.

After our unorthodox spring break we were back to the grind for a short week before Easter weekend, meaning on Tuesday Clara had her weekly swim lesson. Jack seemed to have swim fever as I looked up from Meghan to see him climbing the fence. We headed out to the playground after that.

Next up, Easter in Richmond.

Spring Break: NYC!

After arriving in Trenton the preceding afternoon, Sunday morning we were up early to catch the train into the city! The kids were very excited for this new experience. Best part was weekends kids ride for free. Win-win.

Climbing out of Penn Station into the brisk air and bright sunlight to see the Empire State Building.

Walking east on 34th St.

It was around 11 am when we arrived. We bought some pretzels for the kids first street vendor experience to tide everyone over for a little while.

Empire State Building in all its glory. Jack was very impressed to see something he'd been looking at in books for a long time.

We turned on 5th Avenue to head uptown and stopped outside the public library to take a photo by the famous lion statues.

As we walked everyone paused to take a look at the Chrysler Building. Another one of Jack's favorites.

Impressive clock outside Grand Central Station.

American Girl Doll Store on 5th Avenue. Clara was super excited to get inside.

She paused to take a picture by her favorite doll, Kaya.

From there we headed to 30 Rock to check out the ice skating rink, of course they were refurbishing the ice when we walked by.

What a gorgeous sky!

Next we headed up a few blocks to lunch at Burger Heaven. The kids gobbled up tasty grilled cheeses, what else would you get at Burger Heaven? It was nice to sit down and recharge before our touring continued.

From there we continued up 5th Avenue to the bottom of the park where we stopped off to walk inside the Plaza. We took our picture by the Eloise portrait, Clara having enjoyed all of her stories years ago.

Then it was time for FAO Schwartz! which given the fact that it was announced in May that this store was closing, I'm so glad we were able to take the children there, if only once, so they could experience it. Jack on the balcony overlook that used to be the clock tower.

Mega-sized "Patrick the pups".

From FAO we walked into Central park. It was nice after a morning of crossing streets and dodging taxis to let the kids loose in some open space. They had a blast climbing on the rocks.

Meghan taking in the sights.

On top of the world!

Our next destination was the Central Park zoo. It was much better to be there on such a cold day as the animals were a bit more active than they tend to be in the dead of summer. They really had fun watching the sea lions.

Back out of the park, we headed down 5th Ave.

Lastly we ended the day at Magnolia's Bakery on 60th and 3rd Avenue for a sweet treat of cupcakes.

Then we piled into a cab to head back to Penn Station. 

We accidentally timed it perfectly. As we got into the station, our train was boarding.  We raaaaaaaan to catch it and thankfully made it, thus being spared waiting 30 minutes in the station for the next train. It was a short trip into the city, but we managed to cover a lot of ground walking with three kids. They had a great time and so did we! Can't wait until we get to go back again.

Next up, end of spring break.

Spring Break: Around Trenton

This year we kicked spring break up a notch and took a trip to Trenton, New Jersey to visit Grandmother. Of course after our careful planning, thanks to all the snow days, Wake county actually decided to make up three school days on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesay of the spring break week. Daddy and Pop-pop had already taken off work, and it had been far too long since we last visited Grandmother; Meghan was only 3 months old at the time!  We decided make-up days, schmake-up days, we were still heading north. We left Raleigh after school on Friday for Richmond and spent the night. Saturday morning it was up and out, with Pop-pop's sweet hairdo to lead the charge.

"Trenton Makes, World Takes" Bridge, we're almost there!

Crocuses peaking out of the snow in grandmother's front yard. Spring is trying to be sprung.

Meghan takes the perch that many a child over several generations has, on the stairs to look at themselves in the giant mirror across the living room.

Sunday morning we were extra adventurous. All five of us, Pop-pop stayed behind to visit with Grandmother, took the NJ Transit from Hamilton station into New York city for the day! We returned late in the afternoon tired but satisfied after our extra special day. 

Jack plays and sings "Reach for the Sky" and

Shake My Sillies Out.

Pop-pop models one of Pop's old hats. Looking snazzy.

Monday we went out to Pete's (Mike's) Steak house for lunch. Trying to get a picture with the tongue sticker outer clowns.

It's all business once the milkshakes arrive.

Steak and cheese with fries, yum!

After our indulgent lunch we headed over to Washington's Crossing Park for some fresh but cold air and exercise.

Exploring the river bank.

There just happened to be a stump there! Perfect for picture taking.

Clara spotted deer far off in the distance.

Another stump!

Monday late afternoon Uncle Denny, Aunt Jan, and Aunt Mary Margaret drove over from Delaware Water Gap to visit and have dinner with us. It was fun for them to get to see/meet the kids. 

Uncle Denny shows Meghan some tips on the piano.

Jack snuggles up to Aunt Jan.

Another source of enjoyment throughout the generations of children: sliding down Grandmother's stairs.

A couple of quick pics with Grandmother before we leave.

Until next time, New Jersey!

Nay-nay stayed behind this trip because she had to work, so she got a quick snuggle in with the kids before we were back into the car to make the final leg of our journey home.

Next up, our day in NYC!