New Year's for Old People

This morning, Susan and I were up and running fairly early--6:40. After I got home, I got ready and helped everyone else get ready. I took my girls to Terri's and she watched them while I went to one last VT appointment. I went back and picked up Eliza, Ellie and Hattie, but Libby stayed for a play date with Carson. We came home, had lunch and played outside for a bit before putting E & H down for a nap. The rest of the afternoon was hodge podge. We spent some time outside. Brian took Eliza and Ellie on a hike. Libby didn't want to go and I didn't want to have to get re-showered, so we stayed home, made pizza and had dinner. We hung out at home and played a couple of her new games until about 8 PM. I picked up the babysitter, but the catch was--(well, I think all the young women were doing something tonight) we had to be home by 11 so our sitter could go do her New Year's Eve festivities. LOL. I guess that is what happens when you get old! But the Davises had invited us over, so we went over there and had some munchies and played some games. It was a great time visiting and catching up. We left around 11, then came home and hung out till the "ball dropped." Funny how it's not as thrilling as when you are young. We almost missed it. Brian was watching that dare devil do the jump on his motocross bike and I looked at the clock and it was 11:59. So we hurried and turned the channel! Just in time to see it drop! Happy New Year. I am looking forward to what's in store for this year. Overall we had a good 2008...we had lots of highs:
--vacations, family time, starting a hiking/running routine, bike riding, house projects, potty training, bread making, family and friends.
and a few lows--
--being released as YW president, the economy, a miscarriage, potty training,...

So here's to 2009. Make it great. 2009--that is crazy to say!

A Funny and Scrapbook Supplies

So last night Eliza started out sleeping in our bed because Libby had a hard time going to bed. I was in there and I heard Eliza talk in her sleep--she said, "I'm trying to stay on a budget." Ha ha! It really gave us a chuckle. She has heard me say that lately when I tell them why we can't buy certain things at the store. I wonder what she was dreaming about!

My friend Nanci is selling all her scrapbook supplies. She has quite the collection. So if your are interested in buying any, drop her an e-mail: nancijam@yahoo.com.

Today was a little rougher getting chores done in the morning. Here is one scene from our morning.

This picture was post "pillow time." I failed to get a picture of Libby's tantrum and Eliza hitting Libby--both resulting in getting their bikes taken away for most of the day. We had a rough spot this morning! Eventually things got better--Hattie took a nap and the other three played "dance teacher" and school.

I got to be the lunch lady and serve "hot lunch." Ellie didn't take an afternoon nap :( and Hattie's was short, but Libby and I were able to finish a puzzle. I made the girls give me some "quiet time" (a.k.a. editing pictures that I am behind on), then we went out front for a couple of hours. It was like kid frezy...there are like 19 kids between 5houses. And when you put them on bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc...it can be crazy but fun!

Random

Hattie enjoyed her new quiet book during church and it kept her entertained most of the time. In RS we had a great lesson based on Elder Wirthlin's talk "Come What May, And Love It." His stories were so funny and make me laugh every time I read them! The lesson was a good reminder though to try not to take things so seriously.

After church we had lunch, Ellie and Hattie took naps and the rest of us did puzzles, I worked on my lesson, and my girls discovered a new website. In the Friend this month, it mentions their new site, so we tried it out. It is great! You can do hidden pictures games, read stories, listen to stories and listen/watch scripture stories. Eliza and Libby really enjoyed it not to mention is was a great Sunday (or any day) activity.

I made a cake last night for a snack--I didn't realize someone like the icing so much.

It was actually homemade as I didn't have any in a can. I must have found a good recipe!

Rhonna Farrer--a digital designer with whom I've worked on many Autumn Leaves books--has her blog up. Go check it out. I love her digital kits, especially photo frames.

So last night, Eliza, Libby and I wrote down a rough outline of things we could do this week to keep my sanity since they are home from school. Today was day 1 of it and it went well. They got up, did their daily 5 stuff, chose three chores and did them, then we spent the rest of the morning out front while Hattie napped. It was cold at first, then warmed up to being nice. We had lunch, played some more, then had quiet time with Ellie and Hattie napped. We need to work on quiet time activities, so I can have some down time, too. That will be our goal for tomorrow. Then it was back outside until Brian got home. Around 5, David Goss brought Libby's bike over after putting it together. She was so excited in her quiet, bashful way. She wouldn't get on it front of everyone, but got on in front of our house and didn't want to stop riding! She loves it.

We came in, had dinner, then had family home evening. I did a lesson about goals and had each person (Libby and above) list a goal in a few areas on a little chart I found online in the Friend. It was cute to see their goals for 2009. Then was had a dessert that Eliza concocted--she cut up these big Gherideli chocolate chips and put them in peanut butter and we dipped pretzels in it. The girls loved it! I am beat from being outside most of the day! I'd better go put my feet up! LOL.


Why is this our absolutely most dreaded task in our home that we get behind on no matter how hard we try (or don't try)?!?!?!

Bike #2

Today Brian helped move a shed at his parents' house, so while he was gone, we went out front and about froze to death. It was freezing!! We put on scarves, gloves, hats, etc. While we were out there, I hauled the containers in to put the Christmas stuff away. When Brian got home, we did that. It didn't take as long as I expected, so that was nice. After lunch, I took off for a little run (over 3.5 miles!), then came home and got ready. It was Libby's turn to go look for a bike. I took her a few stores before finding one at the Toys R Us on Tatum and Cactus. It has to be assembled, but we found one at least that is her size and nice. She can't hardly wait. It was fun to go out with just her--usually she prefers to stay home with Brian and play games, so I enjoyed going with her. She talked my ear off the entire way, so that was fun. We came home, ate dinner, then picked up my niece to babysit while we went back to her house actually to have game night and celebrate Jared's birthday. We had lots of munchies, then we played two rounds of Cranium Pop. It was so fun! It was especially fun watching my brother-in-law sculpt some of the words! Then I played a little of Chrystalyn's new bongo Wii game. I need some work on my Wii skills. It was a fun night.

Day After and Owls

This morning we were pretty lazy at home in the morning. After lunch, we headed out to look for bikes. We looked all over with no luck!! Anything that was their size was princess or just really too girly if you know what I mean. We wanted something that would last for several years. After coming home and having dinner, Eliza and I went back out. We had a couple returns, then we looked for bikes again. We finally found one for Eliza that we could both agree on. It wasn't as good as the original, but it should work great. Now I need to hurry and find one for Libby!

Here is a funny story...I have this thing for owls--like cute owl prints on clothes or journals or whatnot. So anytime my girls see an owl something, they always point it out to me. On our way home this afternoon, Eliza said, "Mom, look an owl!" I looked around and couldn't find what she was talking about. I said, "Where?" Brian whispered, "Back there...at Hooters!" LOL. We laughed about that since my girls have no idea what that place is. Glad she was looking out for me!

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone had a merry Christmas. Today didn't start unreasonably early. Eliza and Libby came in at about 7:15 saying that Santa had come because the cookie, milk and carrot had been eaten. We stayed in our bed for a few minutes before Ellie came in, then a few minutes later Hattie woke up. So we went into the front room and opened gifts. Eliza, Libby and Ellie got bikes, so those were off to the side covered with a black sheet. They saw it covered and were totally baffled by what it was. They could make out one wheel, so they thought it was maybe a wheelbarrow (?!?) or something. Boy were they excited when they discovered they were bikes. Bad news is that they were way too big. Grrrr. My visual perception must be off! We told them that Santa would let us take them back and get the right size. Ellie loved hers (which was actually a hand-me-down from a neighbor). Ellie also got a new pink Razor scooter so she won't have to use Eliza or Libby's. The rest of the present opening was fun. This year was a pretty practical Christmas (clothes, shoes) and fun stuff like games, puzzles, earrings, etc. The only toys we did were a little toy microphone for Hattie and two play cell phones for Ellie and Hattie. Brian enjoyed his gifts but seemed to really enjoy the book I made him from Snapfish that had many of his camp outs and drives and I also put pictures in a collage frame that we've had forever that showed several of our trips from the past few years. He's going to put it in his office. I got a gift certificate to get a pedicure since I've put those on hold for a while. I also got some things I've been needing/wanting--earrings, shower gel, and a photoshop how-to book. Can't wait to get that.










We were so sad the bikes aren't going to work. They are so cool!

After presents, we had cinnamon rolls. YUM!! Brian's parents came over for a little bit to exchange gifts. The girls got Tinkerbell dolls and Eliza and Libby got $6 and $5 respectively for their ages. They were excited for that.

After they left, we went over to my grandpa's house for visiting and lunch. My girls had fun teasing Grandpa Bert and eating the food.

We do believe in pants for Ellie, but she had a little accident while out back picking oranges.

From there we went to my parents house where they enjoyed some more gifts. Eliza got clothes--she put on a fashion show. She was so excited to get some jeans and several tops. Libby got her favorite--several games and we played them all while we were there. She did the Twister Hopscotch for over and hour and she was pooped! Ellie got a new quilt for her bed. It looks so darling in there--kind of finished off her room.

Hattie got a really cool handmade quiet book. When she opened it she thought it was clothes (when it was still in the bag), and she proceeded to take off her clothes. It was really funny. My mom made each of the girls a skirt--each so unique and cute. Libby and Hattie wore theirs most of the afternoon. So the rest of the afternoon, we played games, munched, and visited. On the way home, we looked at a house in Surprise that has lots of lights and they are synced with the music. A game of Mouse Trap finished off our fun, memorable day!



I was hoping that when we got home, the Christmas fairy would have come and taken all the decorations down. I am one of those people who likes to get it down and put away right away. As much as I don't like Christmas being over though (and the whole month before--I love the anticipation of it all), I do look forward to the new year and what is ahead. So merry Christmas and happy new year!

Christmas Prep

Tuesday was our "Christmas nesting" day (a.k.a. clean the house before Christmas). I didn't get out of my PJs until 4 in the afternoon. I never do that!! But we cleaned the house--floors, bathrooms, dust, tidy up, etc. It was very productive. My brother brought his kids over for a bit so he could shop for Kamille uninhibited. In the evening, I did one last errand to end my Christmas shopping! Then I stayed up until 1:30 doing all the wrapping. It just always takes forever! But I am glad it's done. Oh, I almost forgot. Eliza practiced much of the day on a little singing show she wanted to put on for us and my parents. So in the evening, my parents came over and she performed. She sang four solos and did a great job! I was impressed that she just sang away and wasn't nervous! My favorite song she sang was "Believe" from The Polar Express soundtrack.

This morning I got up and ran in the neighborhood, then hurried and got ready. My parents came over and my mom and I and Ellie and Libby made cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning. Yum! This time we used regular white flour and it made them just wonderful but not nutritious! Guess it's okay for one morning a year. Hattie was our quality control for the frosting. She approved!


Brian came home in the early afternoon from going into work for a little bit and from doing a little shopping. We were out front a lot this afternoon, so that was fun.

Out front fun!

This evening we went to Brian's parents' for some treats and visiting. They kids put on the nativity scene. It was Eliza's year to be Mary, so she was excited about that. This year they all wore towels for the costume and after it was over, Eliza looked sad. I asked her what the matter was and she said that she was really looking forward to being Mary and wearing the costume. I guess in year's past, the "Mary" got to wear dress up dress. She was a good sport about it though and didn't let it show during the play. We did our gift exchange with the Trimble side of the family. It's so fun to see my girls get so excited about watching the person they give to open their present. They had fun opening, too. After that was over, we had treats and hot chocolate.





On the way home, we drove around looking at Christmas lights, following behind Jared and Chrystalyn. The girls went to bed surprisingly quickly and well, so we'd better get to bed so Santa can come!

Christmas "Eve" Dinner

I've been able to catch up a little bit since my last post. I've done some shopping, sent out our Christmas cards, but I have yet to do any wrapping. I'm sure I'll be cursing that fact come Wednesday night!

On Saturday morning, Libby had a soccer game. She didn't play, but she did get closer to the field and she stood by the goal during the game. Little by little. After the game, we came home and I noticed something different about her...one of her teeth was missing. I knew it had been loose, but not because she told us--I could just tell as she talked. She has not wanted us to look or draw attention to that fact. But Saturday she lost it--we don't know where the tooth is--so she technically really lost her tooth! Eliza was cute and wrote a note to the tooth fairy (Libby didn't want to) and put it under Libby's pillow. The tooth fairy remembered to come and brought her a dollar and a set of "pearl" bracelets with a note that it was okay she didn't know where her tooth was and that she hoped Libby would think of teeth when she saw the bracelets. She enjoyed getting that under her pillow.

Here's a peek at her teeth. We had to catch her FAST and when she wasn't thinking about keeping her mouth closed!
Sacrament meeting on Sunday was really nice. We had lots of singing and some narration. My favorite song was the one our Bishop sang called "Joseph." I think it's from the Forgotten Carols. It just really touched me and brought the spirit. I helped out the rest of church in the nursery. Kari asked me to help since they are out of town. It started off fine (and busy), but by the time the lesson came, they kids were CRAZY! Seriously bouncing off the walls. I had to just laugh at us trying to get everyone to TRY to sit down. Didn't work! Not even for one minute! LOL. Ellie was even crazy and had to wait to eat her candy cane until she got home. She did get to go into singing time with the big kids since she'll be a Sunbeam starting in January! She was SO excited to go in there.

Oh yeah--after church, Libby wouldn't really look at us or talk to us, so I figured her other loose tooth had come out. Sure enough it had! Two teeth in one weekend! She got another dollar for that one, too. She was more willing to leave a note for her this time.

Sunday night was our big Christmas "Eve" "candlelight" dinner at my parents' house. Both my brother and their families came along with Grandpa Bert and Aunt Dovetta. We had some appetizers first, then enjoyed ham, potato casserole, carrots, broccoli salad, jello salad, and more! We had battery powered candles to add to the ambiance.

After dinner, the kids (and a couple dads) acted out the nativity. Eliza was a shepherd and the narrator, Ellie was Mary (loved every minute of it!), Brian was Joseph, Libby was a shepherd (we were so excited that she would do it!) and Hattie was a wise man (who strayed from the other two!). Everyone did a great job and it was so fun to see.







Eliza and Abby sang for us!

Next, my mom handed out some gifts she has been working on. She made every grandkid two pairs of pajama pants and a matching corn bag (the kind you heat up in the microwave). It was a hit!

After dessert all the kids put on their PJs and were strutting around. My girls have loved the corn bags. Hattie has wanted to take hers everywhere! We also did our ornament exchange. Instead of gifts for my siblings and for the grandkids, we decided to exchange ornaments. My girls have been so excited to give theirs to the recipient. They were also so excited to open theirs up and see what they got. Next it was dessert! We had some favorites! Peanut butter balls, 7 layers bars, Aunt Dovetta's sweetened nuts, chocolate pie, etc.

Everyone digging into the treats!
Yummmm! After dinner we sat around and sang some Christmas songs, then Eliza suggested we go across the street to carol to Sister Clem's house. We kind of drug our feet because we weren't sure if it was too late. We ended up going over like we did last year and she was so glad we did. She said she had seen us all come over and she wondered if we were going to come over this year. I'm glad we went! Overall it was a great night of food and great company. I love traditions.

Today Rachel and I did the run/hike combo. It was a killer! I am glad we did it though. Later in the morning, she graciously watched my girls so I could hit the post office and Costco quickly. Traffic was definitely holiday traffic! We came home, had lunch, then braved the cold while playing out front. Then we were off to my mother-in-law's. She watched me girls while I had another photo shoot.

As of tonight, I think I only have some stocking stuff to do, then the dreaded wrapping!

Holidays

It must be the holidays because I am behind! Behind on shopping, behind on Christmas cards, behind on wrapping, behind on everything it seems. Maybe I can get caught up on one thing--journaling! On Wednesday we weren't sure we would run because of the rain. We were up anyway, so Rachel, Michelle and I met at the resort and ran in their gym. It is so different (and boring and harder) running on a treadmill. After about 20 minutes, we just decided to run outside. It wasn't raining too hard. I am glad we still went. I had Kari's girls over in the morning. Ellie and Hattie enjoyed the extra company. It is so funny to see the two older girls interact. I spent most of the day cleaning out and organizing my pantry. I filled some containers I had with food storage and inventoried it all. Felt so good to do that! At school, Eliza's class was making gingerbread houses. They could invite one family member. She chose my dad to come. They made invitations for their special guest last week, so she gave him the invite and he couldn't resist! So he rearranged his schedule so he could come. Here is a picture he sent me from his phone.

After school Libby had a friend come over and play. Brian had to go early to help with mutual, so we just came home, ate, delivered neighbor gifts, then came home and went to bed. The girls had a rough time going to bed, so that always puts a downer on things.

Thursday:
I can't really remember what I did. I did pick up my girls from school. I knew they'd be excited since it was Christmas break. Libby was excited to show me her book she got from the book exchange in her class. She also made me an ornament and so did Eliza. I love those ornaments. They put so much care into making them and they wrap them up so lovingly, too. In the evening, we had my cousin come babysit. Brian had a dinner for work to go to. One of the vendors--Protective I think--took seven of the FAs and their spouses out to dinner to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. I've always wanted to go there, so it was fun to finally go. Again--this was a dinner we'd never get to enjoy unless someone else was paying, so that was a treat! Everything comes a la carte. I had filet (YUM!!), scalloped potatoes and a salad. Oh and a dessert that Brian and I shared. The food was just divine. I told Brian I felt like I was a judge on Iron Chef or something. It was fun to visit with some of the wives I don't see too often.

Today:
Went running. I might have run enough to counterbalance my side dish from last night! I came home and got ready and got everyone else ready. I picked up my niece to babysit so I could go visiting teaching. On my way home, I picked up my other niece and nephew and had them most of the day so Chrystalyn could do her big order/pick up for Walton. Libby got accidentally poked in the cheek with this big bamboo thing that one of the kids rummaged from the backyard. I didn't know she got hurt until my dad came in and said she was hurt but that she wouldn't come it. (They came over after they picked up their Walton order). I went out there and she was quietly crying with a couple good scratches right under her eye. It was puffy, too. She finally came in and we got some cream on it. Poor girl. I think she doesn't want to bring any attention to herself no matter what it is. I told her that she needed to tell us if she was hurt!! After we took the cousins home, we came back home. Eliza went with my mom to help her with some stuff for our Christmas Eve dinner, which will actually be on Sunday. We got home and Libby threw up! It is so weird. She'll do that every once in a while. Not feel sick, but just throw up. I wonder if she was A.) just really hurting and/or B.) got her stomach in knots for the "attention" she got for getting hurt. We didn't make a big deal about it, but we did carry her in, give her a wet rag, put on cream and just cared for her a lot. I wish I could figure out her shyness. She is so fun and loving--we just wish she would show that to others. After Brian got home, I went out and did a little shopping and picked up Eliza. Note--it's so hard to find girls' skirts. Well, I should say non-mini skirts. Every other store has as many short skirts as you could want, but I only found one store with to the knee skirts and that were versatile--like black/brown, etc.

I have about 4 more gifts to get. The last ones are always the hardest!

Oh a funny from today. Hattie woke up while my parents were here (they claim she us "fussing" so my mom went in to get her! LOL). My mom was holding her and she said, "Gramps." It was so funny. She usually calls my dad "papa," so we just laughed when she kept saying "Gramps."

Cookies

Saturday started early. A few of us ran from Rachel's house to the mountain, then we hiked/ran the mountain and ran back to her house. Overall it took us just over an hour. We even did some sit ups back at her house. After the run/hike, we went to Libby's soccer game. No playing, but she did sit right by the sideline and watch. Little by little, little by little.

In the afternoon, we hung out at home. I did laundry, worked on my lesson, etc. I was supposed to have a photo shoot, but one of the people was sick, so they are rescheduling. I used the time to do some grocery shopping.

That night was our ward Christmas party. We had a nice ham dinner and several musical numbers. Then Santa came--it was crazy from then on out! The kids were excited (except for Ellie) to see him. Eliza was the only one who sat on his lap. The other three wouldn't get close. They all happily got candy canes though.

Sunday I taught in RS. I thought it went well. The lesson was about unity. I had lots of great comments from the women, so that always helps! In the evening, we went to my parents and had dinner. We had fun until we let the girls have hot chocolate, then it turned into a mess! Ellie ended up spilling hers and it just got really chaotic. We looked at a few Christmas lights on our way home.

Yesterday a few of us ran dark and early and cold! It felt good when we were done. For lunch we went over to Monique's to celebrate Leslie's birthday. It was fun to eat yummy food and visit. Last night for FHE, we read the book The Crippled Lamb, which is one of my favorite Christmas stories, then we watched the Nativity. I never tire of that video.

Today was bread day. And no nap day. Hattie hardly napped and Ellie didn't nap at all. Ugh. Today was activity day. Brian came home early and took Ellie and Hattie to his parents. Eliza and Libby stayed with me. It made it hard though, but they were not wanting to leave once all the girls started coming over. For our activity today, I had Sarah--sugar cookie extraordinaire--come over and show the girls how to make sugar cookies. She showed had to make the dough, but then she had baked cookies before for them to decorate. It was a messy time. We went on the side of our house, and hopefully it'll rain to wash away the frosting and spilled sprinkles. We plated them up and took the girls around the deliver. We only lost one plate of cookies to a spill before getting into the car. I think they had fun.

We came home, had dinner, then dipped pretzels for our neighbor gifts. Those are all done and ready to deliver.

We also wrapped up the girls' teacher gifts. Things are coming along. Last night I was able to get some shopping done, too. Yay!

Performance

This morning we found all three girls in bed with us by 6:30. Welcome home, huh? Brian said to keep reminding myself how much I missed them when things started getting crazy. I had to say it over and over to myself as we got ready for school this morning!

But we managed to get everyone ready in time, then I started cleaning house. It wasn't awful, it just wasn't how I would keep it up, so I had some vacuuming, cleaning sticking spots off light switches, etc. I did that for a while, then needed to deliver some Crumbs cupcakes to some friends who watched my girls a few hours while my cousin went into work. The day went pretty fast, so that was nice. I picked up my girls from school, then we went to Target and Kohls to look for ornaments for our family exchange coming up. We came back home and I put Hattie down for a nap. After Brian got home, I went back to Kohls with Ellie and Eliza since when we went earlier we didn't get to look because Hattie really needed a nap.





Tonight was Eliza's recital for her singing group. It only lasted about 25 minutes, but it was really cute. Eliza did great--knew the words and all the moves. She did great on her duet--on key and everything! She had so much fun up on stage performing. During their singing, Hattie would call out pretty loudly, "Elizaaaa, Eliiiza!" It was cute. After the program, we came home and brought my niece home with us. It was the Pribyl's annual party and we had debated whether or not to go since we were just out of town. We decided at the last minute to go since the girls basically were going to bed and would be sleeping while we were gone. Eliza had a pretty bad headache when we got home, so we stayed around awhile to make sure she was okay, then we headed to the party. It was fun! We had Olive Garden for dinner--salad, lasagna and bread sticks along with a few other sides. We visited for a bit, then gathered round for the gift exchange. It is always fun to see what everyone else gets and to see what is a popular gift and what people would love to have someone take from them! This year Brian got a putting set to give and I got a cute purse and a big clear vase thing. I would have been happy to take that back home! But we ended up with good gifts. Brian got (for me) a bag of Bath and Body stuff--soaps and room spray. And I got a Tiger Woods hat (for him). It worked out well. We came home and everyone (but Sara) was sleeping. I took her home, got gas and now I'm trying to figure out what to get people for Christmas this year. I am behind!!

NY Day 5

Yesterday morning we slept in a little bit, then got ready and packed. Our plane didn't leave until 5, so we basically had another day. We needed to get Eliza a souvenir, so we set out to find that. She requested a ring or a necklace. First we went to Bryant Park. It is a pretty, small-ish park. There was a holiday faire going on, so we walked around there a little bit and we saw the ice skaters on the pond. From there we went to Grand Central Terminal. They have a fun light show in the center of it. Then we went back to 34th Street to Macy's. We only did a couple of floors. We just wanted to see it since it's so huge--11 floors. We went back by Bryant Park to Crumbs--a cupcake shop. We got a couple of cupcakes--I had the Reese's one and Brian had the Oreo. We got a few to bring home, too.

We found another couple who leave the same time, so we rode to the airport together and split the taxi fare. We had a very enjoyable plane ride home. Brian slept a lot of the way and I watched TV. It's about time we got on a plane with that ammenity! I watched Cash Cab, Top Chef and some things on Food Network. It was great and totally passed the time. We got home around 9:30. It felt great to be home!

Wicked Day--NY Day 4

This morning I was so tired! But we got up and ready, then headed down 8th Ave. towards the river. With our bus tour tickets, we got a free ticket to a boat tour. So we did that today. We learned quite a bit about NY, Manhattan and the surrounding areas. We went right past the Statue of Liberty and under the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.



Behind the glass building is where the twin towers were.

Chelsea Piers. One of the Apprentice challenges was here.

We got off the boat and walked back to our hotel. We stopped into a Salvation Army--it was kind of fun to see one in NY. CNN was there filming a spot about the nice clothes that come through there. While I was there I saw two pairs of 7 jeans. I found a pair of cute jeans for Eliza for $3.99 and I got a pair of practically brand new jeans for $4. Don't worry, I'll wash them first! On our way we grabbed some pizza for lunch. It was just at one of the many pizza places, but it was so good! The crust is just delicious! We ate our lunch in our room, then headed down to play #2. This trip is dubbed a "shopping spree" trip and Jones gives each FA a lump of cash to spend. Well, about 1/2 of ours is going to pay my cousin for babysitting and since we didn't find too much to buy, we decided to use some of it to go see Wicked. Might as well, since we are here anyway! It was FABULOUS!! We had great seats and we both loved it. Brian was really excited to see it and he really really liked it, too. I did think that Glinda was better when I saw it in LA, but it still was really good. "Defying Gravity" was still a show stopper and just a "chills" song. It was fun to see it again--I caught things this time that I didn't the first and I enjoyed the music more since I had sung along with it much more. I am glad we went. After the play, we walked back to our hotel in the light rain and got ready for our final dinner. It was on the 4th floor of our hotel and they had drinks outside of the room first and there were carolers there to entertain. Then we went into the room to eat. We had salad first, then they brought steak with some vegetables and some mashed potatoes rolled in a crepe type thing--they were good. I don't know exactly what to call dessert--it was very fancy. I really liked the top of it though, which was a chocolate mousse. We chatted at dinner for a bit with the others at our table, then we came back to our room. I am ready for bed!