Monday, January 11, 2010

NYE in NYC

It was a miraculous trip. After long airport delays - which provided much additional reading time, we all arrived in New York, and promptly went to a pub around the corner from our hotel (we stayed in the Financial District and away from the tourist crowds).

Camber ditched us on the first day, after dragging us around trying to find a magical bagel place, so Jeff and I took the open-topped bus around the city. Our first stop was the Empire State Building. It took us about three hours to wait in line, get to the top, and then wait in line again to get back down. Seriously overrated. You had better enjoy these pictures from the top.



And the bottom.


Famished, we found a pizza place near the Flatiron Building. Hopefully, we folded correctly.


With my current obsession with National Parks and Monuments, Federal Hall was not to be missed. It was only a couple of blocks from our hotel, and was the site of George Washington's inauguration. Purportedly, this is the stone upon which he stood while taking the oath of office.


The front of Federal Hall, where George looks out over the Stock Exchange.


The Stock Exchange, out over which George looks.


This sculpture previously stood at the World Trade Center. It was damaged during the 9-11 attacks, and moved to Battery Park. They did not repair it, and there is an eternal flame in front of the sculpture.


Another National Monument - Castle Clinton! It was one of the defenses of New York Harbor during the War of 1812.


Statue of Liberty from Battery Park.


We went to see a musical with Camber's friend, DeVette.


We're not "Next to Normal". Not even close.


Jeff went to see a play called "Race," and met up with us outside the theatre when our show was over.



In Times Square on New Year's Eve Eve.


The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.


Getting to the top of the GE Building was much quicker and less stressful than the Empire State Building. And from there, you could see the Empire State Building.


Jeff, with the Empire State Building. I love how this looks like a cheesy photographer's backdrop.


Camber has a better picture of her with this classic auto in Little Italy.


Taking the cheap way to see the Statue of Liberty - the Staten Island Ferry.


Beautiful Christmas lights near the World Trade Center site.


In Times Square on New Year's Eve!


Camber showing off her rocking dance moves. And accidentally painted coat.


Camber's giant head is pointing the wrong way.


No, look this way. No, the other way. Up. No, down. Hmpf. I guess that will have to do.


With our single-serving Canadian friends.


You can tell the ball just dropped because everyone is holding up cell phones and cameras to take a picture.


2010 brought in with fireworks.


The next morning in Central Park, after finding out that the Met museum is closed. Grrr.... and brrrrr...


George Washington's pew.


The interior of George Washington's church.


Cemetery at George Washington's church.


The Wall Street bull. Usually with somebody taking a picture with its back side.


A lonely reveler near Chinatown.


United Nations building.


Did you know that the dragon slayed by St. George was made of disable nuclear warheads? Now you do. Although in this picture, it looks like shipping crates.


Ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center.


GE Building.


Where Camber met Al Roker.


Grant's Tomb - another National Monument! But it was closed. :(


Cathedral of St. John the Divine.


MoMA. Where I discovered that I'm not smart enough to appreciate modern art.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Christmas 2009



The view out of our hotel room window.


Um, fire code violation?


Let's go off-roading in the Honda!


Noooooo!!!!! Foiled by a sign and half of a gate.


Look closely. Pheasant.


Waiting to get The, Dad's car fixed. The kid in the camouflage pants was especially helpful.


We FINALLY got shoveled out.


shake..shake..shake.. Hope it isn't breakable!


Camber's attempt to corrupt the next generation. Gavin is unimpressed.


Gma!


Mother looks like a college student!


Family violence is no laughing matter.





I don't need nothin'! What'd I get him?



The excitement of Christmas is a little too much for some people.


The spread of stuff that's bad for you. And Gavin.


Clint being domesticated.


You want me to put WHAT in the gravy?


Cynthia is trying to think of something to say. Fingertips to the forehead!


Grandma is ready to go! She's so subtle about it.


Dad: You look rather dismayed that no one wants to play CUBE with you.


Christmas calls for full face masks and black capes.


Jeff: I thought we weren't having kids so you wouldn't have to spend Christmas building toys, and there you are blowing up an inflatable.


David gets his very own verse of "Do You Hear What I Hear?," the anthem of Verizon and the Sheppard family.


Sonja, The Grim Reaper, and Camber sing Christmas carols.


Visiting Grandpa.


SPAM Museum! I saw the billboards and forced Jeff to stop. He won't admit it, but he wanted to go, too.


Well, if you insist!


Jeff can hoist an entire crate of SPAM!


Have you ever walked through a giant can of SPAM? I have!