return of the bimpire: August 2013

Sometimes Liv knows just the right button to push. In this case, telling me that she wanted to go to New York City was all it took to set the course of our family vacation. It happens that we had already decided to have one this year, so she doesn't get all the credit, but I think we'll remember it as Liv's idea. Maybe one day she'll be able to give me some insight into why she wanted to go to New York City, specifically, and what she was expecting, but I think it's more likely that it'll always be a happy mystery.

These first pictures are all dedicated to different modes of transportation. According to Liv, the best part about NYC was the subway. And the taxi. And the ferry. And...you get it.

Our travel journals: an auspicious beginning.

Buying a week-long subway ticket to be used for pleasure riding is a new and wonderful experience.

"Not even scared."

Here at a fountain memorial near Ground Zero, I attempt to explain the events of September 11, 2001. I keep my sunglasses on when the tears come, but don't fool anyone.

At St. Paul's Chapel of Trinity Church, examining very old grave markers.

Stones? Stones.

"I see her!" --bound for Liberty Island via the Ferry to New Jersey

The girls decided on an itinerary by browsing some beautiful children's picture books about the city. "This is New York, by Miroslav Sasek; "A Walk in New York," by Salvatore Rubbino; and "New York, New York!: The Big Apple from A to Z," by Laura Krauss Melmed.

Thanks to Ally and Liv we saw some of the things we'd never taken time for when we lived in the city. This was my first trip to the statue.

First born, Mama, and unborn babe hitching a ride.

Grimaldi's in Brooklyn has expanded; we tried out the new digs next door to the original .

Brooklyn to Manhattan

Breakfast at Pershing Square, the restaurant under 5th Avenue, down the street from our hotel (Westin Grand Central)

Guess I shouldn't have chosen the whole wheat waffles on vacation.

New York Public Library, 5th Avenue branch

We meet up with Ally's bosom friend, Sasha, to see The Lion King! Just a couple of fancy ladies.

After the show, at Carnegie Deli: cheesecake, knishes, borscht, pickles and pastrami. The girls opt for grilled cheese. *Sigh*

Children, please don't disappear on the other side of the rocks until both parents are available. Thanks.

Water on a hot evening.

Happiness in Central Park.

More happiness. Trust me.

All wet and nowhere to go.

Swedish Marionette Theatre, Central Park. Pippi Longstocking. Curtain about to rise.

After the show, we learn the "ropes" (strings?) of puppeteering.

With Sash at Diana Ross playground, UWS.

And look who else! Cousin Camille Kitti Sue!

Bethesda Fountain, Central Park

Frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity. I regretted the trek and the heat and the tourist trappiness of it all, but not the company. Once we cooled down, the desserts tasted pretty good. But I don't recommend the food.