Day Three - The Big Apple

We got up and explored Times Square first thing in the morning.

A lot of the street was blocked off (for a street fair the next morning we later learned), which made getting pictures much easier & safer.

After grabbing a bagel with cream cheese from a street cart, we headed into some of the shops. All the cheesecakes in the windows were tempting us, but we checked out M&M World instead. It was three stories of chocolate bliss!

Then we headed down Broadway for a stop at the Late Night with David Letterman studio and the Hello Deli next door. Rupert was even in and gladly took a picture with Camden.

A few blocks further found us in Central Park. We wandered in just enough to walk though a big playground, see a few street musicians, and climb some big rocks.

Next, we made our way to FAO Schwartz (another of my favorite stops in New York).

I was a little disappointed that the big singing clock was gone from the entrance, but there were other really cool toys to discover. Austin found some electronics while Camden and I danced on the floor piano from the movie, "Big."

A stroll down 5th Avenue to window shop was next, with a stop in Tiffany's to admire all the sparkling jewels. Kevin snapped a picture of us in front of one necklace before security quickly descended and let us know, in no uncertain terms, that photos were not allowed in the store. I asked a salesperson for a blue Tiffany's box for Camden and he gave her a little blue leather bag. The rest of the day she loved holding it (and putting it in her mouth, of course). One day she may be able to enjoy what comes in those famous little blue bags.

By this time it was getting to be lunch time and we were famished. After a quick detour through Trump Tower, we made our way back toward Times Square and stopped at the famous Carnegie Deli. Almost anyone who's anyone has eaten here. All the pictures on the walls are autographed. Many go back to the 60's and before, but President Obama was one of the most recent visitors.

Like most decent deli's in NYC, they make there own pastrami and corned beef. We saw the portions of our "neighbors" that we shared a table with and decided, even with our big appetites, Kevin and I could split the "Woody Allen." Sure enough the huge sandwich had over a pound of both meats. It's hard to get a true understanding of the size of this monster because Kevin's hands are so large, but it was HUGE!

Can you believe this was all just half our day?!? We stopped back at our room for a brief respite...hoping Camden would take a nap. Of course she was wired, and didn't sleep a wink, but it was a good break regardless.

We headed out again in the late afternoon heading toward the Empire State Building. We made brief stops at Washington Square Park and the NYC Public Library.


Kevin and I had both been to the top of the Empire State Building, so we talked about going to the Top of the Rock instead. I heard it had shorter wait times, but we figured both the kids needed to experience the ESB at least once in their lives. The line was incredibly long, but definitely worth it. Camden was completely enthralled up there. It made me quite nervous, but she wanted to look out over the edge the entire time. She cried if we moved her away from the view. Our little dare devil! It's scary how fearless she is.

That's the Statue of Liberty to the right of Camden on the tip of the first island off the tip of Manhatten.

We walked the 13 blocks back to our hotel, stopping to grab a Mister Softee ice cream cone for a refreshing snack...oh, I miss the ice cream trucks out East! Camden finally gave up and took a nap during that stroll back.

She had been the talk of the town all day. I seriously think every other person we passed made some comment about her. Usually it was about her big blue eyes. The Kelty stroller we borrowed from friends probably added to it, because she sat up almost like she was standing. She was perched to view everyone and waved constantly. But many, many people fell in love with our little cutie. Several even remarked that she should be on TV or the movies!

One more rest break back in the room, then we headed back out for Times Square after dark. We found a great pizza shop for some authentic NY pizza (again, I sure miss some of that East Coast food!). Kevin loved the stromboli he got...and Camden liked helping her mom eat a slice.

Toys R Us in Times Square was, of course, gigantic. It had a ferris wheel inside! Camden (and Kevin) were enthralled by the T-Rex in the Jurassic Park display. It was animated and so life-like. The eyes even open and closed like in the movie. It also roared (is that what dinosaurs do?) every few minutes. I just love Kevin's expression in this picture!

We also found the perfect stuffed animal for Camden. It was the perfect monkey for our little monkey. We actually didn't end up getting it because she loved a fuzzy bear with a New York t-shirt on even more. I wanted to over-rule her, but it was her souvenir after all.

A few shots of the neon lights in Times square and then Camden and I headed back to the room...with the slices of Junior's Cheesecake we picked up earlier in the evening. Kevin was lucky it was still untouched when he and Austin got back, because it ended up being some of the best we've ever had.

I can't believe all we did in one day. Camden is a tremendous travelor and the darling of the Big Apple.