Here is the New York recap that I promised you. It is mainly in pictures, but hey, let's be honest... that is what you all prefer anyway! And pictures tell the best stories. So, let's begin!
Me eating my first New York hot dog. Yes, it was from a vendor and yes, it was so cheap. I was able to purchase this dog loaded with mustard and sauerkraut and coke for only $4. Such a bargain compared to other things purchased in NYC.
We stopped by lots of places we wanted to see in person such as this famous late night stop! How fun to just see where it all takes place. We also took pictures of the Hello Deli. I was a bit disappointed that is was closed. I really wanted a picture of Ruppert, too.
These pictures are in no particular order :) We saw lots of wonderful decorations. These red Christmas balls located in Rockefeller Center were some of my favorite. 
Here we are inside Grand Central Station. I was really in awe of how beautiful it was. I could have stayed there the majority of a day just looking around!
Just one of the billboards on Time Square. So pretty. It changed, too! Super Fancy, but hey it's NYC!
I was able to meet up with a good high school buddy who lives in NYC. It was so fun to see Shannon and catch up on life. I loved hearing about her busy city life and she loved hearing about my three kids and living on the funny farm! 
Isnt this beautiful? Ice skating at Central Park. It was so crowded. We chose not to skate this day because we had skated the day before at Rockefeller Center. We hated to admit it, but we were a bit sore. I will BRAG that I never fell, but I rarely let go of the edge. 
We were so excited that there was still snow and ice. Central Park was just breath taking. On the left of the road are lots of horse drawn carriages coming down the road. 
Just more Christmas decorations on a beautiful bridge with an old building in the background. 
The American Stock Exchange... just proof we toured every district in NYC!
And the Naked Cowboy, more proof we saw everything touristy :) Megan and Abby just had to have their picture taken with him. I must admit, I was a bit scared of him! 
One of the main reasons I wanted to go to NYC during Christmas time was to see all the store windows. This is a beautiful window from Macy's (I think!). It changed every few seconds. I could have gazed at it forever. 
Here is Rockefeller Center where we ice skated. I couldnt believe how small of a rink it was. It looks HUGE on TV. 
Time Square was hopping and was shoulder to shoulder every time we visited it. The night before we left they were beginning to set up for the New Year's Eve festivities. The 2009 was already on top of the building and they were finalizing the ball the day we left. It was fun to see where it all takes place, but I was thankful we were not going to be there for the actual festivities. 
I still have lots of pictures to share. Many of them need rotating and editing. You lucky readers may get NYC pictures way into the new year :) 
We MUST thank the little pregnant lady (also from Texas) who had a sign to tell her mother in Virginia that she was pregnant. My dad, who has never been shy or timid, yelled out for the TV crew to come talk to this lady beside us because she wanted to give a message to her mom on live TV. The camera man saw my dad and motioned to us that Lester would come over and do his intro right in front of us and talk to the pregnant lady. It was so exciting!! So I hope you saw me in my red coat waving the Bulldog flag :) 
After my few moments of stardom, we headed to the ice rink at Rockefeller Center. It was my first time to ice skate and I didnt do so bad. 
We saw the Christmas tree and these beautiful angels that lined the entrance into the skating area... and this was all before 8:30 a.m.
So stay tuned! (This was us in Central Park. It was so beautiful and VERY cold. There was still ice and snow on the ground.)
In case you havent heard, this little man will be making his appearance tonight. I know my little girls are very excited.
We have written our letters to Santa.
We have made the cookies and will pour the milk right before bed. 
All the gifts are wrapped and ready to be opened this evening after dinner. 
Dinner is cooking and smelling wonderful as we wait for Grammy and PaPa to arrive. 
The girls and I have also been preparing for my trip to NYC. We will be attempting to attend the "Today Show" on Friday... so set your TIVO for Today on Friday :)
A picture of Emiley's Ariel ornament
The first graders did the Dance of the Candy Cane Flutes. Here is our very own Candy Cane Flute (and her best buddy of course) who took her part very seriously. She was front and center and completely convinced that everyone else needed her to be perfect because they were following her every move. She is so funny! Her ballet teacher sent her a rose for her first big performance. It meant the world to Lainey. She felt like a real star. 
AWESOME! They were beautiful... hot pink, red, purple, and lime green. WOW... that mom did not have to do that. She did not have to even notice that we were out there every morning smiling, greeting kids but she did. She is so very thoughtful. I want to be more thoughtful and do things for others that brighten their day just like she brightened mine today! Its the simple thing that scarves and mittens on a cold day that display thoughtfulness for a lifetime :)