tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81069450572369792362024-03-13T04:12:02.870-05:00Beyond BlessedMindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.comBlogger510125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-77404432207729550552015-04-03T09:29:00.001-05:002015-04-03T09:29:26.861-05:00New Blog Home<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://serc.carleton.edu/sp/library/writing_assignments/index.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-uC2E5kLVDG4b7xqPwsiI_qNj2cLJKoswdwowbVlPzynNOYijEMjUuye62pXVm_l5msph73MRk3WgWFoB4npI4akwKQQkF8QcWkPRZpDp54J6Qyu_Tbv8PQ65wfm1GV-lY5hWwjXVho/s1600/writing.jpg" height="216" target="_blank" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
My life is completely different, now. But some things never change; I'm still writing. If you're interested, follow me over to <a href="http://mindymetcalf.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Independently Healthy</a>. I'd love to have your company. </div>
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0;" />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-61536726428965504762014-03-05T10:46:00.001-06:002014-03-05T10:46:14.977-06:00Here's My Broken Hallelujah<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Fo3DudOzV4k" width="425"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can barely stand right now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Everything is crashing down,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I wonder where You are.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I try to find the words to pray.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't always know what to say,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But You're the one that can hear my heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even though I don't know what your plan is,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know You make beauty from these ashes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've seen joy and I've seen pain.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On my knees, I call Your name.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's my broken hallelujah.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With nothing left to hold onto,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I raise these empty hands to You.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's my broken hallelujah.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You know the things that have brought me here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You know the story of every tear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘Cause You've been here from the very start.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even though I don't know what your plan is,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know You make beauty from these ashes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've seen joy and I've seen pain.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On my knees, I call Your name.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's my broken hallelujah.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With nothing left to hold onto,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I raise these empty hands to You.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's my broken hallelujah.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When all is taken away, don't let my heart be changed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me always sing Hallelujah</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I feel afraid, don't let my hope be erased</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me always sing Hallelujah.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me always sing Hallelujah.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will always sing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will always sing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's my broken hallelujah. </div>
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor;" />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-29668919852880968182013-10-29T08:45:00.000-05:002013-10-29T08:45:30.519-05:00Super Halloween!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvU2csu45H-Xxn2BkgiLss27TV0XbAT2u5GdSnXuhF5C84UubXKD6Ft3LQ0kDYQXByoU3somNojgICNHEitKfwUi_uh5mfWyj-PojchN1o-qiem_4FnqQs-LlzQPpdJutEWAce0hVHGo/s1600/superhero+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBvU2csu45H-Xxn2BkgiLss27TV0XbAT2u5GdSnXuhF5C84UubXKD6Ft3LQ0kDYQXByoU3somNojgICNHEitKfwUi_uh5mfWyj-PojchN1o-qiem_4FnqQs-LlzQPpdJutEWAce0hVHGo/s400/superhero+group.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-60342768849447326062013-10-11T16:43:00.000-05:002013-10-18T16:44:02.635-05:00Mason Ryan Mehaffey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisczQBxFQbs-fTw0s9-SC9Bo7K4Ttm3OS7-z0cnt_-WCeYKPmDtBL8Ta7GzSUWru_INYN5ZKOpk1oVo-TX2vvTi7F2wsxlpImNm1YX8p8X9esvXkLurJ8Ul-mnY4BkJvMmw0dj0fJIk0o/s1600/IMG_4838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisczQBxFQbs-fTw0s9-SC9Bo7K4Ttm3OS7-z0cnt_-WCeYKPmDtBL8Ta7GzSUWru_INYN5ZKOpk1oVo-TX2vvTi7F2wsxlpImNm1YX8p8X9esvXkLurJ8Ul-mnY4BkJvMmw0dj0fJIk0o/s400/IMG_4838.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
My first Mehaffey nephew is finally here!! Matthew and Heather are real parents! They welcomed <strong id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_1_1382101377128_25033">Mason Ryan</strong> into the world on<strong id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_1_1382101377128_25028"> October 9, 2013 at 4:04 PM</strong>. He is first and foremost perfect. And wonderful. And also, he debuted at <strong id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_1_1382101377128_25029">18 inches long and 7 lbs, 9 oz</strong>. You guys, I <em>LOVE </em>him!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let me show off a few pictures of the excitement!</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5ezy1mdo03Gzv9ffDKUVLzupBLPFkCx3-t5x0WS52WlFg3UhudjW87Q9Ghsb2B8CqLroFpMf_GDkgUTMV8D60dmmFDJXqsC9j3cfc_aBGybg4E9ETis6fgeIKVbawTJudGGMhzjqYJs/s1600/IMG_4658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5ezy1mdo03Gzv9ffDKUVLzupBLPFkCx3-t5x0WS52WlFg3UhudjW87Q9Ghsb2B8CqLroFpMf_GDkgUTMV8D60dmmFDJXqsC9j3cfc_aBGybg4E9ETis6fgeIKVbawTJudGGMhzjqYJs/s400/IMG_4658.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Birth Day is complete without a cake!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-LLdr42TQbO5Uaeu8ZSxpdhxgdCMDmNfGKby3CNxaBKeU5IsUiAXY2sCfFPrlrMCyh53-Uax1uw7Yq6Do_yA_mhESQimFtnBwCRB1aVkNSTv9MHiji896zs1xW5I6hyaUstl013tYxI/s1600/Starred+Photos2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-LLdr42TQbO5Uaeu8ZSxpdhxgdCMDmNfGKby3CNxaBKeU5IsUiAXY2sCfFPrlrMCyh53-Uax1uw7Yq6Do_yA_mhESQimFtnBwCRB1aVkNSTv9MHiji896zs1xW5I6hyaUstl013tYxI/s400/Starred+Photos2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center">
The proud papa and his bundle of joy</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9B_4hUI6DJsIdQ_LiCDs1uxkCt7J17xyoE_se12MKjEt6pjQVy8-OhgWLGQ0pavmW1aXxYHRTl0PV79gvH4abIF9XEX_vLKZPG954qobFSj2pgck67G57cG9YecXkF8IZaR67yaF2k8/s1600/Mason+Ryan's+Birth+Day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9B_4hUI6DJsIdQ_LiCDs1uxkCt7J17xyoE_se12MKjEt6pjQVy8-OhgWLGQ0pavmW1aXxYHRTl0PV79gvH4abIF9XEX_vLKZPG954qobFSj2pgck67G57cG9YecXkF8IZaR67yaF2k8/s400/Mason+Ryan's+Birth+Day+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma & Grandpa, Aunt Mindy, and Uncle Brad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwxFyvNt8ss43r3N6X3LLbvvprfxpd65zfvLIR_rcF7BmYmJ8sprRZD2vlpcC9Q4Pz_YvdM4CeNVKpeIFW8U6_Gg68ec7Q4B9G1VZ_JEDOzuetJAi0r-lmGxQVaorpsKE92VAXV0WBCE/s1600/img_1571_0056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzwxFyvNt8ss43r3N6X3LLbvvprfxpd65zfvLIR_rcF7BmYmJ8sprRZD2vlpcC9Q4Pz_YvdM4CeNVKpeIFW8U6_Gg68ec7Q4B9G1VZ_JEDOzuetJAi0r-lmGxQVaorpsKE92VAXV0WBCE/s400/img_1571_0056.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brand new family of three!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlb4PSp8ZfN4LZQlqcmNePv-N2joCpH0O0jcv1rbnLI3JUdtlhx4u8U_hXa9g-nRBSpy5S_5S9lRZn97rGFfaDhjBGqcqZwXL8NhI7wJRvIzNCbrWf5VEeGjHUvSJXHEmESkOfdw5wW5Q/s1600/img_1568_0053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlb4PSp8ZfN4LZQlqcmNePv-N2joCpH0O0jcv1rbnLI3JUdtlhx4u8U_hXa9g-nRBSpy5S_5S9lRZn97rGFfaDhjBGqcqZwXL8NhI7wJRvIzNCbrWf5VEeGjHUvSJXHEmESkOfdw5wW5Q/s400/img_1568_0053.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First-time grandparents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TJhob28dVqA2zDuxKROGQyFU8LcH2Yoxa_g_EdMLxUrLRkdlGG6gOoBSlhw3hJA5xvbSwI7yjS6T7A1MVUFfIqCECxOu-V_mceQeqHotHKw8v_dOSbMQB-i0z_fm-NjtHbt3bgzAeAk/s1600/img_1592_0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TJhob28dVqA2zDuxKROGQyFU8LcH2Yoxa_g_EdMLxUrLRkdlGG6gOoBSlhw3hJA5xvbSwI7yjS6T7A1MVUFfIqCECxOu-V_mceQeqHotHKw8v_dOSbMQB-i0z_fm-NjtHbt3bgzAeAk/s400/img_1592_0077.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three generations of Mehaffey men</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipT1q5rUuQalqHGAW07lY5tMp738WGXd7YCbAzOt2RCibNor3m1185_Jzv3E-JCbY5gG5VjdCfDRmAkKJkZKmOGojuNyEgTt8LRfyPDaltYLIDOm7jxwg4dBkWKyw78-EC2etKdMZMzU/s1600/IMG_4707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipT1q5rUuQalqHGAW07lY5tMp738WGXd7YCbAzOt2RCibNor3m1185_Jzv3E-JCbY5gG5VjdCfDRmAkKJkZKmOGojuNyEgTt8LRfyPDaltYLIDOm7jxwg4dBkWKyw78-EC2etKdMZMzU/s400/IMG_4707.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mason Ryan Mehaffey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Basically, he's awesome. The whole family is completely in love with him, and I'm so happy to be an aunt again! God is so good and gracious with his wonderful blessings!!</div>
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-5735329110801181282013-07-10T15:31:00.005-05:002013-07-10T16:53:26.812-05:00Hope Springs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Right around nine months ago (how ironic), I <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/10/faith-and-love-but-no-hope.html" target="_blank">mentioned</a> that finding and maintaining hope in our fertility process was a struggle for me. A lot has happened since then. For starters, my sister gave me a very special necklace for Christmas. It has a pendant inscribed with the word "hope" accompanied by two jewels: a teal one, which is the awareness color for my condition of PCOS, and a pearl, representing motherhood. She wanted to provide me with some tangible hope while I couldn't find my own. It is one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received. Since then, it has dangled from the mirror in my car as a constant reminder of what we're moving towards. During the days when I thought all hope was lost, I could simply look up and find it dancing right in front of my eyes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmwmseEbuX8-lGLiKdyrMSbrJ9dbkbOFAGBAi4xdIdpvw2qLgyBhK-NHFmVBB8IdpSYjatmvB68qkKbRgRhuhRZnKEv5f0YBi3DRd-t56UM-In2Z_Lew__yP9ddUWOpz8jZDySMSZzAE/s1600/IMG_02761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmwmseEbuX8-lGLiKdyrMSbrJ9dbkbOFAGBAi4xdIdpvw2qLgyBhK-NHFmVBB8IdpSYjatmvB68qkKbRgRhuhRZnKEv5f0YBi3DRd-t56UM-In2Z_Lew__yP9ddUWOpz8jZDySMSZzAE/s400/IMG_02761.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
In 2012, we had exhausted all of the support we could receive from my original OB/GYN. In February of this year, we sought a second opinion from another doctor who came highly recommended by friends. He pretty much confirmed what we knew by agreeing that we would need to have procedures performed that regular doctors are not equipped to do, requiring specialized assistance. It was hard to accept that Brad and I would never naturally conceive a child at home in love. That was a loss of opportunity that we had to grieve. However, this doctor was much gentler and kinder about the news and was able to put the perspective in significantly more positive terms. He assured me that fertility treatments were not a death sentence, but rather a chance to consult the experts in the field who literally do this for a living.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
In March, Brad and I sucked up our pride and swallowed all of our fears of owning an "infertile label," and we nervously walked into <a href="http://www.nashvillefertility.com/about-nashville-fertility/glenn-a-weitzman/" target="_blank">Nashville Fertility Center</a>. We had mixed emotions of despair because, after years of trying, we could no longer fool ourselves into thinking we were "normal couples with a typical level of difficulty," as well as determination to finally call in the Big Guns. We were more than ready to officially get this show on the road. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrV2YoPHfiU_qkD10-lmg45JkMxR50zOyyoDl4Am4SjQdv6W-zG0RTL_zJGNAnA8NIzQsANPyhZ36dXZQP-1rsrxmFeQJ3JDZhjCPzjbgmp0tji1B7hB5ufRpC8h3xKsfKWRhPadUb-Vo/s1600/IMG_2709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrV2YoPHfiU_qkD10-lmg45JkMxR50zOyyoDl4Am4SjQdv6W-zG0RTL_zJGNAnA8NIzQsANPyhZ36dXZQP-1rsrxmFeQJ3JDZhjCPzjbgmp0tji1B7hB5ufRpC8h3xKsfKWRhPadUb-Vo/s400/IMG_2709.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Immediately following our first consultation with Dr. W, I knew we were in an additional pair of good hands. With his expertise combined with God's power, I started to see sparkles of hope in my vision even without the dangling pendant in my eyesight. In the four months since Dr. W. has been part of our story, things have started picking up. I've tripled the dosage of my daily PCOS medication, checked and rechecked various blood levels, consulted (and ruled out) a medical endocrinologist for possible obscure hormonal defects, and undergone surgery to remove harmful tissue from endometriosis and also repair if possible, but mostly likely remove, a damaged fallopian tube.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
But, you guys, Brad and I experienced our first "victory" when Dr. W. came out of surgery and said he did not need to remove the tube! All of us were nearly positive it was going to have to happen, and we had all prepared for fertility chances and options with only one fallopian tube present. He not only did not have to remove it, but he said both tubes as well as my uterus are in perfect condition! Either God healed my anatomy over the last year (which is entirely possible!) or the dye test/x-ray had been misleading, probably because of muscle cramping and resistance during the procedure. <em>Hallelujah! God is Good!</em> I never thought I'd consider it such a cause for celebration to simply have all of my reproductive organs in tact!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJDxlxFLNlna-RRNW_VANHcxHp7qjhrwXbqT_i-hOa7FsczsjUMoyLzW20uW2cN6HITmw-d0nwFPizT7reGFiiy0bH34fZgTTw9QjKUe7QgaEF5P5qtTtuQfZ_HAw4pIYdoUoUjRYrNc/s1600/Get+Well+Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJDxlxFLNlna-RRNW_VANHcxHp7qjhrwXbqT_i-hOa7FsczsjUMoyLzW20uW2cN6HITmw-d0nwFPizT7reGFiiy0bH34fZgTTw9QjKUe7QgaEF5P5qtTtuQfZ_HAw4pIYdoUoUjRYrNc/s400/Get+Well+Flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Flowers from sweet friends post-surgery)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The next immediate step is an IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), aka artificial insemination. During this procedure, they will take Brad's sperm and inject it directly into my uterus with hopes that it finds and fertilizes an egg in either of my <em>two</em> fallopian tubes. These procedures will be accompanied by rounds of Clomid to help me ovulate, but with a doubled dosage from was prescribed the previous six times I took it. If need be, after a couple failed IUIs with Clomid, we'll modify the drug to Femara, which I've only taken once before (but didn't enjoy the side effects of). If the oral medication and IUI combos don't result in a conception at any point, then we'll switch to injectable drugs. They're much more effective, much more successful, much more invasive, and much more expensive, so I hope it doesn't come to that. If IUIs don't ever work after all of the various drugs are attempted, then our general next step is IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), but we aren't going that far in our minds just yet, so calm back down.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IrXX71oUz2CyBj5JwKHfy2wfmNFxbFZT5gqxVVpmqJN1SqyXp_cMyTUUnOQnwIQDgNDiEgYbUrKSWu46G60Q2Z8yY7XYdBEW9Vn6-gEawDPSLtPD-l-0qpm17f9hKYVtVQR1HW1OOeM/s1600/please-let-this-work.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IrXX71oUz2CyBj5JwKHfy2wfmNFxbFZT5gqxVVpmqJN1SqyXp_cMyTUUnOQnwIQDgNDiEgYbUrKSWu46G60Q2Z8yY7XYdBEW9Vn6-gEawDPSLtPD-l-0qpm17f9hKYVtVQR1HW1OOeM/s400/please-let-this-work.jpeg" width="285" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Things seem to finally be getting real, and Brad and I have many emotions right now, however, they aren't necessarily the same as each other. While he (and many of my close friends) are super encouraged that this next step could be the final one, I'm keeping realistic and grounded expectations that it is just the next step in a remaining list of steps in our journey toward parenthood. But Brad and I are both extremely excited to be taking what seem to be bigger steps than we ever have before. We're excited to have a plan and be proactive and aggressive. We're excited to be working with a doctor and a facility that we wholeheartedly trust. I'm so happy to finally feel like we're in a safe place with people who truly want the same thing for us as badly as we do and who will do whatever they can to make it happen. What a great feeling.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Conversely, we're also both scared. What if it finally happens? What if it's not just a dream anymore but is finally real life? What if we become parents?? Yikes! So much to plan, budget, and do! But we're simultaneously scared of the opposite, too. What if it doesn't happen? What if even this step doesn't work. What if it's just another failed task on a checklist that we have to continue trudging through. How do we (I) stay out of the despair that follows such disappointment and heartbreak? Ugh. As a result of this overwhelming risk, I'm doing what I can to guard my heart. Everybody else can let their hopes soar, but I'm going to keep them right around eye level. And ya know what, eye level is still five feet higher than they were nine months ago, so I very much consider that success in the hope department!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So, y'all, if you would, keep your fingers crossed and your prayers lifted that God will soon bless us with a child, and that our hearts will handle the process, however long, in the meantime. You guys rock!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<em>PS. I've been purposefully vague about the timing of the future procedures. Even though I'm exponentially grateful for all of your love and support, I'm not sure I'm ready to handle all of the emotions, excitement, anticipation, disappointment, etc. of others as well as myself. I'm not trying to be rude in any way, but I ask that you please be considerate by not asking more specific details or asking if we're pregnant yet or when we'll find out. I promise I will share the (good?) news as soon as we decide we're comfortable. If we haven't said anything, it's either because we don't know yet, so we have nothing to tell you; no we're not, and I'm hoping to not have to verbalize that sentence any more than is absolutely necessary; or yes we are, but we haven't told you yet because we're waiting for a specific reason and your asking won't negate that reason, so we're going to lie about it anyway. Does that all make sense? However, those three questions are the only ones that I ask remain off the table. Everything else, bring it on! If you are full of hope, let me know! Maybe I'll catch some of it! If you're feeling guarded about it, help keep me grounded. I've invited you all into this journey, and I'd love to share it with you as much as you are interested. Your outpouring of love and support on my previous fertility-related posts have provided so much encouragement and happiness. Thank you so much!</em></div>
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-8207841808977627512013-06-11T16:20:00.000-05:002013-06-12T16:40:02.943-05:00Celebrating 8 Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My hubs has been my hubs for eight full years, now. My how time flies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UumSjP8ko32JEQA_pF0aVjXq2kR6hYk1JXL3V7PH_S3D1S9VIv6pM0bTR0Ts7uiOTwy2OR1hWB8S47niaz-GxHLf2T3D4ZVr0LZ9XllM0XytDODp9gZA-Ni_7tY9ni18BjD9RaDbf4g/s1600/IMG_3579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UumSjP8ko32JEQA_pF0aVjXq2kR6hYk1JXL3V7PH_S3D1S9VIv6pM0bTR0Ts7uiOTwy2OR1hWB8S47niaz-GxHLf2T3D4ZVr0LZ9XllM0XytDODp9gZA-Ni_7tY9ni18BjD9RaDbf4g/s400/IMG_3579.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We celebrated our anniversary in style by going to a <a href="http://watermark-restaurant.com/">fancy restaurant</a>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj717rWrExYMsTZBf55g_PSoP6VFy2WStG4vzL2i-cuqXvRvEBObvk__fbglIkbtwxqwFnd_5ywdrXcUPAoqoIi9jBoA51HEa1XeZmB6hYYHJoRrS-3Kv8NdNM1CurKqqOmoHFnELEEVYI/s1600/IMG_3554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj717rWrExYMsTZBf55g_PSoP6VFy2WStG4vzL2i-cuqXvRvEBObvk__fbglIkbtwxqwFnd_5ywdrXcUPAoqoIi9jBoA51HEa1XeZmB6hYYHJoRrS-3Kv8NdNM1CurKqqOmoHFnELEEVYI/s400/IMG_3554.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We sat outside by the flowers and got to watch the sun set during our meal. Every bite of every single thing we ate was absolutely delicious. We shared a cheese assortment for an appetizer and a berry cobbler for dessert. For our entrees, Bradley chose the "Seared halibut over caramelized fennel and Vidalias in a blood orange vinaigrette," and I picked the "Roasted Amish Chicken over parmesan whipped potatoes in a caramelized fennel, smoked bacon and chive jus." You guys, it was amazing! And each course was paired with a wine that perfectly complimented the taste of the food. We really felt like high rollers.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAB7AYp4ILqumdweL-maGgiif9zDY_JJTGZ6ggWEavl7rU0ktjZmCQmxmRO2tGzPx0Benz_Qdxp_S9S6O9y1dYQxxE6mEvLcWW8zEcJaL0Gc7QSxTzZQh4dRbGbiPRvjSvBeWuG2vpMo/s1600/Misc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAB7AYp4ILqumdweL-maGgiif9zDY_JJTGZ6ggWEavl7rU0ktjZmCQmxmRO2tGzPx0Benz_Qdxp_S9S6O9y1dYQxxE6mEvLcWW8zEcJaL0Gc7QSxTzZQh4dRbGbiPRvjSvBeWuG2vpMo/s400/Misc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The night was very romantic, and it was fun to celebrate another milestone in such a classy way. We like being fancy every now and then.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVT0IEp3j4eAgdvn3lUp9EkJLSriuDg7xk1xmjSmb_PmU_OJ90MrAP13vz3UtnPuaEKWI7XiyoCYdr62H_1N4LucgphO5-IuKDYblgwmU4QPHahd4S5fGXEPQVRVez92k_zCoxyjuvhE/s1600/IMG_3581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVT0IEp3j4eAgdvn3lUp9EkJLSriuDg7xk1xmjSmb_PmU_OJ90MrAP13vz3UtnPuaEKWI7XiyoCYdr62H_1N4LucgphO5-IuKDYblgwmU4QPHahd4S5fGXEPQVRVez92k_zCoxyjuvhE/s400/IMG_3581.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Eight years. It's gone by so quickly, and it's also been forever. I still can't believe it. How have eight whole years already passed us by?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>Love you, Boo!!</em></div>
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-55958185332644654832013-05-20T15:21:00.000-05:002013-05-20T15:39:03.209-05:00#MehaffeyNYC<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, you know how much the hubs and I absolutely <em>love</em> <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/search/label/New%20York%20City" target="_blank">New York City</a>? The minute we concluded <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-6-final-day.html" target="_blank">our week-long trip in 2011</a>, we vowed we would return as soon as we could, specifically to consume as much Broadway as possible. Well, we finally got to go again! And this time, we were accompanied by all of the Mehaffey siblings!</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTSqGxD5j79CuuLY5pIM-EKFjY3g8An5zrTOhaEeF0rJ8oMTcoXx98IE0z4SICJoUFCzOTYIrBNhBrc0Jp2jErkAL8u8R2HR17-pwRJowIVBkc8vkHXqED_BpQTAdiPnbYAWLu0RPP0k/s1600/IMG_2960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTSqGxD5j79CuuLY5pIM-EKFjY3g8An5zrTOhaEeF0rJ8oMTcoXx98IE0z4SICJoUFCzOTYIrBNhBrc0Jp2jErkAL8u8R2HR17-pwRJowIVBkc8vkHXqED_BpQTAdiPnbYAWLu0RPP0k/s400/IMG_2960.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Times Square on Day 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The six of us, including Matthew & Heather and Jeremy & Madison, spent a long Friday-Monday weekend in the Big Apple. We travelled and stayed together, but spent much of the weekend doing separate things, since each couple had various priorities and agendas. To keep up with each other, we all agreed to hash tag everything we posted on any social media with #MehaffeyNYC to group it together. So 2013, huh?</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4LckXJgnfXci_W1tSz4oS_wFU8p4EYCZsVPQjm8WvS-01g_cJswJVxmlfwfDUlG4cuBfo2roJJiFOxPonx9_mAuO_x9Zlp5QAwyOwm6LG7M8PXZn0s7k0DNRMauKLTvO_5iA1VJekjY/s1600/plane+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4LckXJgnfXci_W1tSz4oS_wFU8p4EYCZsVPQjm8WvS-01g_cJswJVxmlfwfDUlG4cuBfo2roJJiFOxPonx9_mAuO_x9Zlp5QAwyOwm6LG7M8PXZn0s7k0DNRMauKLTvO_5iA1VJekjY/s400/plane+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the plane, waiting for take off!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Brad found the perfect place in Queens for us to stay during our mini-vacation through <a href="http://www.vrbo.com/" target="_blank">VRBO</a>. It was a quick walk to the nearest subway station, and then a kinda-quick train ride into the city. Splitting the cost three ways made this the cheapest stay we could dream of in NYC.</div>
<br />
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLu9E8h5h-y-Okkv9UrbgDTHQWyfF9HGRLUkJAAa4j1b8qwNRpuYnS6LCUQu2X1JkrEoR6eoyJT2VoRPhPBgJ3L6L4PEy7C0qhi3KTximmjCWyy54e66OTJhZmYgznXhcURfVaDU0ozA/s1600/IMG_2957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLu9E8h5h-y-Okkv9UrbgDTHQWyfF9HGRLUkJAAa4j1b8qwNRpuYnS6LCUQu2X1JkrEoR6eoyJT2VoRPhPBgJ3L6L4PEy7C0qhi3KTximmjCWyy54e66OTJhZmYgznXhcURfVaDU0ozA/s400/IMG_2957.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The house had three bedrooms (one of which had two sets of bunk beds, so we could have had so many more people!), two full bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a beautiful back courtyard, and even a garage that had been converted to a game/exercise room (which we never used, because let's face it, we're spending time in the city, not playing ping pong in our back yard). We stocked the kitchen with milk and cereals, and had a nice little place to call home for the weekend.</div>
<br />
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdp8hFs-4-mBS4YdCxrNSDCRi44oT4-A3cO7iY_f83ya-slhhGZDfpJ9tP-3TJZ4rT8SGKuq3Cv-iGutGxO8CTkAMiXyi1b-OX3HMMeLBgzr_XkwriyOy3CXxqLPFyzOR3TBxtvZXCCt0/s1600/MehaffeyNYC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdp8hFs-4-mBS4YdCxrNSDCRi44oT4-A3cO7iY_f83ya-slhhGZDfpJ9tP-3TJZ4rT8SGKuq3Cv-iGutGxO8CTkAMiXyi1b-OX3HMMeLBgzr_XkwriyOy3CXxqLPFyzOR3TBxtvZXCCt0/s400/MehaffeyNYC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
After unloading our belongings in Queens, our first stop naturally had to be Times Square. I hereby declare this crazy location my favorite place on Earth. (I reserve the right to change my mind after visiting Disney World and/or Harry Potter World.) I could quite literally spend all of my time amidst the chaos, crowds, lights, and general over-stimulation packed into these few blocks. I absolutely love it.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQr-_P6NjLeEUhaaFOHkAjNxCNwA68foerHIjpzaJTHWCOLCCy_u6My9R4Q5OlWxlMvM8xuKV9IeEQ_dFzDTFpZfiw01u7usEx7iKNFka0a4eSAuqMSaoNh2l4XKLIEh0ZsFspaY9J8Yg/s1600/IMG_3064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQr-_P6NjLeEUhaaFOHkAjNxCNwA68foerHIjpzaJTHWCOLCCy_u6My9R4Q5OlWxlMvM8xuKV9IeEQ_dFzDTFpZfiw01u7usEx7iKNFka0a4eSAuqMSaoNh2l4XKLIEh0ZsFspaY9J8Yg/s400/IMG_3064.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While we were walking around, Madison and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to purchase some new, cool shades from a street vendor in prep for our upcoming weekend.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBQ-G5cM1xjbXUE9JK-2mhjYPhLdK4PEsCl3NPbnbsLig3zhMOgnbwyzfC6Ae5TyExjM2B2I4x8W3Vaz9ARtfB_GaoOFgyXbtZmEGCCrN6h-52h63nOIqwrmVZJEctFxnkD8f8LPNfWo/s1600/new+shades.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBQ-G5cM1xjbXUE9JK-2mhjYPhLdK4PEsCl3NPbnbsLig3zhMOgnbwyzfC6Ae5TyExjM2B2I4x8W3Vaz9ARtfB_GaoOFgyXbtZmEGCCrN6h-52h63nOIqwrmVZJEctFxnkD8f8LPNfWo/s400/new+shades.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
After a quick run-through of The Greatest Place on Earth, we headed "home" to get gussied up for our first Broadway show of the weekend. Each couple saw something different: Matthew and Heather went to see <a href="http://media.wickedthemusical.com/" target="_blank">Wicked</a> and Jeremy and Madison saw <a href="http://www.jerseyboysinfo.com/broadway/" target="_blank">Jersey Boys</a>. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvuv8N8vjfajDkhZgjdxdBA71za7-CS5Bursgz4jK5O4eCKRs9lg_5k28G1ZKKpEQH6oVPSllUkCOTQ-EE3ETPuvTVlCo6Q2L83H0n8HXtKBC3CjG7Oo2XF1ytVHN5hv9Z0V9E8NXjPc/s1600/IMG_2967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvuv8N8vjfajDkhZgjdxdBA71za7-CS5Bursgz4jK5O4eCKRs9lg_5k28G1ZKKpEQH6oVPSllUkCOTQ-EE3ETPuvTVlCo6Q2L83H0n8HXtKBC3CjG7Oo2XF1ytVHN5hv9Z0V9E8NXjPc/s400/IMG_2967.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Brad and I went to <a href="http://www.anniethemusical.com/" target="_blank">Annie</a>, since it's stage revival is what originally prompted this whole Broadway trip in the first place. Bradley grew up watching the home video version of this story, and it was fun to share this live experience with him. Not to mention the young child performers were incredible!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6ScoxWfoExeE_URwfGEVvYk5KsS1HskKBiQDm2ygsbpSgyFw05_jeA9gtrEZMjgsA-jspqAD7XvtDSQJZGBGgJoaok5cdQ7EBThS2mknnbwC6JmzxA62ReugG29DpjbAzmqhbtxH3GI/s1600/annie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6ScoxWfoExeE_URwfGEVvYk5KsS1HskKBiQDm2ygsbpSgyFw05_jeA9gtrEZMjgsA-jspqAD7XvtDSQJZGBGgJoaok5cdQ7EBThS2mknnbwC6JmzxA62ReugG29DpjbAzmqhbtxH3GI/s400/annie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Concluding each of our Friday night shows, we all gathered together on the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/10/16/nyregion/16duffy_index.html" target="_blank">Red Steps</a> of Times Square before heading to a late night group dinner.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVYkP3gbkPuDNiLr0k5AndmAt6xlal0seAxYO1UirlMD8Hd24lNuU6RhRfrUFwGsXcg6PwMghSjqNvbaTr9i3L93IEHe95vpOnCiQTXr95UBlYagbehIx2pblKZ2VEkaZshuintnbPx0/s1600/IMG_2977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVYkP3gbkPuDNiLr0k5AndmAt6xlal0seAxYO1UirlMD8Hd24lNuU6RhRfrUFwGsXcg6PwMghSjqNvbaTr9i3L93IEHe95vpOnCiQTXr95UBlYagbehIx2pblKZ2VEkaZshuintnbPx0/s400/IMG_2977.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We walked a couple of blocks to the famous <a href="http://www.ellensstardustdiner.com/" target="_blank">Ellen's Stardust Diner</a> where all of the staff are aspiring stars who entertain the guests by performing various songs. We didn't expect much going in, but they were actually very good! Last year alone, twelve of their staff made their Broadway debuts. It was so much fun, and delicious too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCX2lPRjR5F1SB47voTgvJWuHHMz3Om6n7OSEcbsFdSpZkzrWwWyqhCjvPOKHUVS4j-yBc9jyE11me6c4dTpa_S7bbTSKYm1EitORuL-4VNM4MjqVwtjLckIT2caGEvebIcAavYaALjLw/s1600/IMG_2979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCX2lPRjR5F1SB47voTgvJWuHHMz3Om6n7OSEcbsFdSpZkzrWwWyqhCjvPOKHUVS4j-yBc9jyE11me6c4dTpa_S7bbTSKYm1EitORuL-4VNM4MjqVwtjLckIT2caGEvebIcAavYaALjLw/s400/IMG_2979.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After such a long day starting with an early flight and ending with a dinner that didn't finish until after midnight, we were all exhausted. Brad even took a catnap while standing up in the train on the way back to our house. Ha.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJnGt7OQ0lAta1gH-pg3HHxvBme4QH5RxQUoESkN2BQdaIADn4Hur9QB4fUZeO0Ug07aw-Bx2zpRVrN75Ameu4epNwVn7BvzKAfvi0Ggn-7Pf7uwf11pBD2TiovjiTN7lNCM53cEGgio/s1600/IMG_2983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJnGt7OQ0lAta1gH-pg3HHxvBme4QH5RxQUoESkN2BQdaIADn4Hur9QB4fUZeO0Ug07aw-Bx2zpRVrN75Ameu4epNwVn7BvzKAfvi0Ggn-7Pf7uwf11pBD2TiovjiTN7lNCM53cEGgio/s400/IMG_2983.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Our four siblings left the house early the next morning to visit the 9/11 Memorial, but we oldest Mehaffeys enjoyed our rest since we <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-2.html" target="_blank">did that</a> during our last visit. While I got ready for the day, Brad walked around the corner to a local bakery for some coffee, just like a local.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJD1rLRGbrfS89cUYtXuzIfj9QIesBHsn9ap5Piw8wcMqVC6x-OpH6-87WI91seJNFq_f1Uk6Xlq83D253qox-qb9FCrjWftkEQ7TYPJoIaduEP5vaW72jOLPSpqTfkCI6mpWTn_03j5k/s1600/coffee+brad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJD1rLRGbrfS89cUYtXuzIfj9QIesBHsn9ap5Piw8wcMqVC6x-OpH6-87WI91seJNFq_f1Uk6Xlq83D253qox-qb9FCrjWftkEQ7TYPJoIaduEP5vaW72jOLPSpqTfkCI6mpWTn_03j5k/s400/coffee+brad.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The cute shoes I insisted upon wearing to Broadway Friday night resulted in starting Saturday off with a trip to the Walgreens near our train station in order to pick up some blister helpers. The price of beauty isn't cheap, and we had a full weekend still ahead of us!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif68hpP6vVY_L11TQfv9FAp6I-WGWno-CT2TKI2A4TbWczGTizrlPuC8YG4p6niJSvuycMBZKBVlMf452juOTYpWBK1L5lAV6sETwb95JQed9PIQnqEy008wdGEgIJPoCW87bCl4eq-O0/s1600/IMG_2989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif68hpP6vVY_L11TQfv9FAp6I-WGWno-CT2TKI2A4TbWczGTizrlPuC8YG4p6niJSvuycMBZKBVlMf452juOTYpWBK1L5lAV6sETwb95JQed9PIQnqEy008wdGEgIJPoCW87bCl4eq-O0/s400/IMG_2989.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
You can't visit New York City without depending on some vendors for a cheap lunch, so Brad and I gladly met our street meat criteria while we were waiting to meet up with the other Mehaffeys near the Financial District.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-QH40gGcbHFzfxcgRG83NaBCxetzvDQJyya2g68EX43OjSQLuapFCEmRpByNxwlIvqmYtcx0WrpCqrjNRY1HgRylA2gOnNd6Q2hUVx7Vg3xlTcY3e_taPqjqi763ddR9O73Qs1LYFTo/s1600/IMG_3003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-QH40gGcbHFzfxcgRG83NaBCxetzvDQJyya2g68EX43OjSQLuapFCEmRpByNxwlIvqmYtcx0WrpCqrjNRY1HgRylA2gOnNd6Q2hUVx7Vg3xlTcY3e_taPqjqi763ddR9O73Qs1LYFTo/s400/IMG_3003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Together, the six of us travelled across the Brooklyn Bridge. This was one of the landmarks B and I had only seen from afar (well, from below, actually, as we floated under it on our <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-4-thanksgiving.html" target="_blank">Thanksgiving Dinner cruise</a>) during our first visit. It was a pretty long and warm walk over the East River from Manhattan to Brooklyn, but it was awesome to experience one of the country's oldest (and most beautiful) suspension bridges in person.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSibWQBYBHJkSIx1W0LpwGtFzaAxpflX7-IAeIJUYNJr2QLExDzKI4OEqqt3YO88HybcLmzWTSXqIeCPMgT4ZtxcuuxRtd6g6imqRnLkyYl8gZxOJi9SVXxQJyAAwUyTM9U4Qn1K-K9c/s1600/IMG_3018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSibWQBYBHJkSIx1W0LpwGtFzaAxpflX7-IAeIJUYNJr2QLExDzKI4OEqqt3YO88HybcLmzWTSXqIeCPMgT4ZtxcuuxRtd6g6imqRnLkyYl8gZxOJi9SVXxQJyAAwUyTM9U4Qn1K-K9c/s400/IMG_3018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
And the experience itself wasn't all we gained from the walk across the bridge. Directly on the other side rests one of the best pizza places in town: <a href="http://www.grimaldispizzeria.com/" target="_blank">Grimaldi's Pizzeria</a>. It came highly recommended, and the strong suggestions were absolutely warranted. The wait was long, but the authentic New York style pizza was worth it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI7GYD6TVuQQr_cfwU-QMjZ_YtTEVIeKEHTvFlR9AMQH0FRe6dp2Qr3WApGoK-bPEpbIg_5OnMjbgzQdrkuy4P8_CTxATufYuGFUjQ_9nrvJmywputIkmgEdiSy2mHeeIYd7DZmq_l4Q/s1600/IMG_3052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI7GYD6TVuQQr_cfwU-QMjZ_YtTEVIeKEHTvFlR9AMQH0FRe6dp2Qr3WApGoK-bPEpbIg_5OnMjbgzQdrkuy4P8_CTxATufYuGFUjQ_9nrvJmywputIkmgEdiSy2mHeeIYd7DZmq_l4Q/s400/IMG_3052.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
After we finished our pizza pies, we all split ways, and the hubs and I headed to our second Broadway musical for the weekend: <a href="http://www.newsiesthemusical.com/" target="_blank">Newsies</a>. Y'all, this show was <em>so good</em>!! It was 2 1/2 hours solid of incredible dancing! At any given time, 12-15 people were on the stage leaping through the air, doing flips off of props, soaring over other guys, or spinning so fast that they were a blur. I literally spent the entire time on the edge of my seat with my mouth hanging open. Oftentimes, I couldn't keep my hands from my face in shock of what they were capable of doing (and fear that they'd die, because those stunts were so dangerous!). It's no wonder that they won a Tony Award for Best Choreography. Seriously, find <a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8D1833690CC76619" target="_blank">clips online</a> and watch them. Trust me. It's awesome. I will definitely watch this musical again at the nearest possible opportunity. It was by far my personal favorite of the weekend.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXR56j5CZ2IMnscSWtRTdZxu0TwvTuHNee_6ai6sT2I6GSHgIBWxZe-5WhAoqGpL6bRsDffdmQ4ZYfN_ebCT_K_05OFSoX5_1B8rndNDfvzTJf_DQTGpV5gzaFn7azfnSpzjKjcR47M8/s1600/MehaffeyNYC1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXR56j5CZ2IMnscSWtRTdZxu0TwvTuHNee_6ai6sT2I6GSHgIBWxZe-5WhAoqGpL6bRsDffdmQ4ZYfN_ebCT_K_05OFSoX5_1B8rndNDfvzTJf_DQTGpV5gzaFn7azfnSpzjKjcR47M8/s400/MehaffeyNYC1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since I was already on such a musical high from the performance, we decided we needed to add a sugar rush to the evening after the show. The best place in NYC to achieve such a task is <a href="http://www.serendipity3.com/" target="_blank">Serendipity 3</a>, where they are famous for their Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. However, I'm not the hugest fan of chocolate (yeah, yeah) and I always prefer anything strawberry, so B and I split the Strawberry Fields Sundae. Talk about yum. It was a sweet way to finish out our New York City Saturday.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfBcMeE6WgxhiFhrCZLud19-W_toQjOCykck7JbFHZlf2uIsZJ6W-bPNUUuMsODFZCW8rHLoa1zABupIXvlzEbtPX17O7C21WXfW4GTz6_ujzPvH8q7ybmXQxH1E2Hcm8cTEW36zabIs/s1600/IMG_3095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfBcMeE6WgxhiFhrCZLud19-W_toQjOCykck7JbFHZlf2uIsZJ6W-bPNUUuMsODFZCW8rHLoa1zABupIXvlzEbtPX17O7C21WXfW4GTz6_ujzPvH8q7ybmXQxH1E2Hcm8cTEW36zabIs/s400/IMG_3095.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sunday morning, the whole group started out at Central Park. The three of us ladies got the only Mrs. Mehaffeys photo of the weekend.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkipdAiBXdfmK-kccD06YKdA2O7pfTqMX6adaDMSLVUE_DtwXM6Lce9msdE4BUMgF0JWrTCJyyqU8ajq9xlZl5ouWev6SQ4iSRFRSArR72wgW7PhTFs7Pb9Xc-g1NwdHceTaAxRUUZw8Q/s1600/3+girls+Central+Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkipdAiBXdfmK-kccD06YKdA2O7pfTqMX6adaDMSLVUE_DtwXM6Lce9msdE4BUMgF0JWrTCJyyqU8ajq9xlZl5ouWev6SQ4iSRFRSArR72wgW7PhTFs7Pb9Xc-g1NwdHceTaAxRUUZw8Q/s400/3+girls+Central+Park.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was fun to experience Central Park in the spring as opposed to the <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-5.html" target="_blank">fall</a>. It was so green everywhere, and there were so many flowers in bloom.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZu7Dbe4yGZatDv7mmlZujawkwed6sudbQ0qYSYOFZcaIyefQOUe4eRT9XYlqxRmD6gHMLd2ZADRpUz5fMypW_C7-W3EGIPc9IHxZBPexTdEF7jBhBAwXNUbej5b4IUnqL-JiEHio7TFg/s1600/IMG_3103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZu7Dbe4yGZatDv7mmlZujawkwed6sudbQ0qYSYOFZcaIyefQOUe4eRT9XYlqxRmD6gHMLd2ZADRpUz5fMypW_C7-W3EGIPc9IHxZBPexTdEF7jBhBAwXNUbej5b4IUnqL-JiEHio7TFg/s400/IMG_3103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Once the couples separated, my Mr. Mehaffey and I visited the Central Park Zoo. It may be a relatively small zoo, but we had a great time enjoying the exotic animals that even Nashville's big zoo is lacking. Our favorites were the fancy penguins, and the massive snow leopards, the crazy baboon, and the super smart and talented sea lions. It was quite a romantic afternoon walking hand-in-hand with my boo, if I do say so myself.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3xCzy4hKeuO0NIN74AWnybcBux1IhJoceNi_5wb7da8R0cpVJrMqHwpeqzhWHSiXs-VPZeltY2zDeISYeyweQbk9lPwqbrY3Tzifgp77w19sd4E7DTQ2JFA_5j4CfqkRGnD1BV7bA38/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3xCzy4hKeuO0NIN74AWnybcBux1IhJoceNi_5wb7da8R0cpVJrMqHwpeqzhWHSiXs-VPZeltY2zDeISYeyweQbk9lPwqbrY3Tzifgp77w19sd4E7DTQ2JFA_5j4CfqkRGnD1BV7bA38/s400/IMG_3108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Since the Middles (Matthew and Heather) were only on 5th Avenue, which is one of the streets lining Central Park, we met up with them for a while when we were finished.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEFhRhr2YvdOvlZxbQbk640SWunzaEMVPpkcHMqLP75nQ6ambLc46BIYHUyguuUdljRn4z4ELXmSZvubvRFrJ7i1tQyClIEgDtPYFhE8kcya_salJhBfyBzBCy6TwVwwlQtzubOww5vE/s1600/fao+soldiers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtVv9b_9XmuTp93zKZFaJZiDb8aDbZUySTdtIhGHqgg2FvefqfPAOa0XCwjw7G40_-Te70sUy9qMukg6pDeIoGpYa9Fk8h6-2F4532jk5RRLYKAmHSLpboex8fznO9cg-TovlCzr8nn8/s1600/4+by+the+fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtVv9b_9XmuTp93zKZFaJZiDb8aDbZUySTdtIhGHqgg2FvefqfPAOa0XCwjw7G40_-Te70sUy9qMukg6pDeIoGpYa9Fk8h6-2F4532jk5RRLYKAmHSLpboex8fznO9cg-TovlCzr8nn8/s400/4+by+the+fountain.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We may or may not have spent hours playing in the giant FAO Schwartz toy store. <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2011/12/nyc-day-1.html" target="_blank">Again</a>. That place is so much fun! And I'm pretty sure it's a rule that you have to pose for a picture with the living toy soldier at the door. You know we like to follow the rules.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEFhRhr2YvdOvlZxbQbk640SWunzaEMVPpkcHMqLP75nQ6ambLc46BIYHUyguuUdljRn4z4ELXmSZvubvRFrJ7i1tQyClIEgDtPYFhE8kcya_salJhBfyBzBCy6TwVwwlQtzubOww5vE/s1600/fao+soldiers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEFhRhr2YvdOvlZxbQbk640SWunzaEMVPpkcHMqLP75nQ6ambLc46BIYHUyguuUdljRn4z4ELXmSZvubvRFrJ7i1tQyClIEgDtPYFhE8kcya_salJhBfyBzBCy6TwVwwlQtzubOww5vE/s400/fao+soldiers.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
That afternoon, the whole gang got together to attend the final musical of the weekend: <a href="http://ppc.broadway.com/shows/the-lion-king/" target="_blank">The Lion King</a>. Even though many of us preferred a different show to this one, it was still cool to get to share a Broadway experience as a family. (And you can't beat the costumes on display in this play!)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBa9s5r2mo3irF5hrk9vDOoJxt09YA6AKtvmJx5r7-W3iOO7gWH1WzisO9-dCKbknciHVAVX_vhWtt38BvN8ENkFk4RuWXCtrCxl17NRkZhdFh57ej081H7gM8-BhZBc2-PdRWVYcej6I/s1600/the+lion+king+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBa9s5r2mo3irF5hrk9vDOoJxt09YA6AKtvmJx5r7-W3iOO7gWH1WzisO9-dCKbknciHVAVX_vhWtt38BvN8ENkFk4RuWXCtrCxl17NRkZhdFh57ej081H7gM8-BhZBc2-PdRWVYcej6I/s400/the+lion+king+group.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Besides attending as many musicals as possible, the only other thing that was a must on my NYC agenda was eating dinner at <a href="http://www.shakeshack.com/food-and-drink/" target="_blank">Shake Shack</a>, which I had previously <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-5.html" target="_blank">declared</a> the best burger and fries combo in the country. Talk about yum. There was a long line out the door, and we had to hover around a table of people about to finish and then attack their chairs as soon as they gathered their trays to secure some seats, but I'd do it all over again for this delicious meal. Even if we did have to enjoy our food while being hovered over by our own vultures waiting for us to finish so they could score our spots. Totally worth it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6SE1UGM3GmEKC0n38eSwp2t5cxC0enN5upkEIB4ioBAULQ3geyEUIKqZ0h4UPZlUb4Ebcif9xR42inJBCpSO1dFoJuq4Nu2zIgXf-XnJrwchn1_-3NZ2WpU_BqsjJD6gaxZEPp0SoqA/s1600/IMG_3148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6SE1UGM3GmEKC0n38eSwp2t5cxC0enN5upkEIB4ioBAULQ3geyEUIKqZ0h4UPZlUb4Ebcif9xR42inJBCpSO1dFoJuq4Nu2zIgXf-XnJrwchn1_-3NZ2WpU_BqsjJD6gaxZEPp0SoqA/s400/IMG_3148.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
While all six of us were together for the only time all weekend, we took the opportunity to visit <a href="http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/" target="_blank">Grand Central Terminal</a>. Since Brad and I were total lame-o tourists <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2011/12/nyc-day-1.html" target="_blank">last time</a> we visited taking the self-guided audio tours, we acted like annoying know-it-alls this time around and showed the newbies some of the coolest aspects of the landmark. Specifically the spot where you can speak into one corner, and someone else can plainly hear you from the opposite corner. I'm not going to admit how long we spent standing with our noses against the walls whispering (somewhat inappropriate) comments to our siblings. Fun was had by all.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaZC4uf05xsKDGZAWS3M1qiUaG49EWng9bMIvzJF5Cqo8QMAVEiLa6F75ORo6x_lKuXgqh35I9ER1WahH7u2IdoC8uUy9awC7GKfuMMHSfVWcHHgsv7L0_BATqPWlx4eNgbsfjcJZX8o/s1600/IMG_3153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaZC4uf05xsKDGZAWS3M1qiUaG49EWng9bMIvzJF5Cqo8QMAVEiLa6F75ORo6x_lKuXgqh35I9ER1WahH7u2IdoC8uUy9awC7GKfuMMHSfVWcHHgsv7L0_BATqPWlx4eNgbsfjcJZX8o/s400/IMG_3153.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
By the end of our third day, we were all ready to relax and give our sore feet a break. Most of us Mehaffeys enjoy the TV show <a href="http://www.cbs.com/shows/how_i_met_your_mother/" target="_blank">How I Met Your Mother</a>, so we decided to hang out at <a href="http://www.mcgeespub.com/index.html" target="_blank">McGee's Pub</a>, which is the inspiration for the TV series' main set, McLaren's Pub. Framed photos of the cast members were displayed throughout the bar, and they even had a specialty cocktail list that consisted of drinks featured on the show and drank by the characters. It was a great place for all of us to close out and recap our NYC weekend.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_2nWB6EUqfU41dsCy0x_Q1vs4oPCr6kME1ZIJxAo90nH2NsSBDHb-44-EjAogwdmq-cBMXQRLtNrxxgKGByZeH1CR3FKfv40vYD1DmNcHoD5JBf1Wgpp-GSnSjEDRO0yFYr6-zwL-SI/s1600/McGees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_2nWB6EUqfU41dsCy0x_Q1vs4oPCr6kME1ZIJxAo90nH2NsSBDHb-44-EjAogwdmq-cBMXQRLtNrxxgKGByZeH1CR3FKfv40vYD1DmNcHoD5JBf1Wgpp-GSnSjEDRO0yFYr6-zwL-SI/s400/McGees.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our flight left early on Monday, so we didn't have any time to enjoy the city other than the exciting cab ride with 6 passengers and 7 bags squished together all the way to the airport. We were very sad to be leaving our Empire State of Mind.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhKonMbT-APZix0hzd1t1t-8cQ9YP4RpGDOWkz0Dg90qgRQquxwEm7kM10bSRyoih6zAPzIQKYexoiDhFs6c7dBjTvkr47FtrhVjmqbhMKc7lJ_5WFQ3ry_rCBFESu6-lOf9JKN51hQw/s1600/IMG_3176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhKonMbT-APZix0hzd1t1t-8cQ9YP4RpGDOWkz0Dg90qgRQquxwEm7kM10bSRyoih6zAPzIQKYexoiDhFs6c7dBjTvkr47FtrhVjmqbhMKc7lJ_5WFQ3ry_rCBFESu6-lOf9JKN51hQw/s400/IMG_3176.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The six Mehaffey siblings filed onto a Southwest direct flight back home. We were sad to be going, but also very glad that we all made it on the same flight this time. (Oh yeah, Matthew and Heather just barely missed the plane from Nashville to New York on Friday for circumstances out of their control, so they had to catch the next flight out that day and join up with us later.) Boarding the same plane was a Mehaffey victory.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-jy-jx4cYvUdz7vgLwgDOk7dmJgP_p3wXJQyXGdLWkLXP0NjeZvPrII1nScdjGsUc5OeS5QgECWy1qnSAmU8XP7chL_R-bbjnQVMAslvOkS-xuRnsVN2CiaWiBFh930uzBKiRseYG8E/s1600/IMG_3178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-jy-jx4cYvUdz7vgLwgDOk7dmJgP_p3wXJQyXGdLWkLXP0NjeZvPrII1nScdjGsUc5OeS5QgECWy1qnSAmU8XP7chL_R-bbjnQVMAslvOkS-xuRnsVN2CiaWiBFh930uzBKiRseYG8E/s400/IMG_3178.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It was very bittersweet to arrive back in Nashville and trade out all of the<strong> I ♥ NY</strong> souvenirs we had grown accustomed to for shirts with guitars and music notes, but it does feel good to be home.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpja5sXVKMqd-0-O09rUb4b8mz9tgsY3wvA49KOFYi-f1GsYQh-Qd2J-oEEaFHDNZxek7xkK0MnUKX_aEnchyr5dgZqETQx8YykpdE4M2fdHF8-02OgYJZDW6Tk4PLxpnfS_-6s_pG8Ps/s1600/IMG_3206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpja5sXVKMqd-0-O09rUb4b8mz9tgsY3wvA49KOFYi-f1GsYQh-Qd2J-oEEaFHDNZxek7xkK0MnUKX_aEnchyr5dgZqETQx8YykpdE4M2fdHF8-02OgYJZDW6Tk4PLxpnfS_-6s_pG8Ps/s400/IMG_3206.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Even though we did a lot of great things in the Big Apple, it was still a pretty laid back weekend for the hubs and me. (Read: There was no <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2011/09/big-plans-in-big-apple.html" target="_blank">color-coded, detailed itinerary</a> involved.) Brad and I wanted to see a musical every day, but other than that, we had no specific plans going into the trip. It was so much fun to wake up in Queens and simply ask each other, "What would you like to do today?" Yeah, we could pretty much visit NYC every year and never get tired of it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Oh, and just in case you're wondering, by the conclusion of it all, we ended up with a combined 130 different photos and additional pictureless posts from the trip filed under our specific #MehaffeyNYC hash tag. #Sweet</div>
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-54185222435742240782013-03-13T14:11:00.004-05:002013-03-13T14:11:55.164-05:00I'm feelin' 22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlUblAdBqIeE4-WAUkUh4qUbagNtT9A-TBzqoJZe9VxakgkwBdqa_w8OUpc6ABwWmckFAEU6s6ZFkcBF_iNXLRn6v6my8_Alkq5FM0CTAD-vg8Tf70NollLClecqnsSImaQZpnobk50M/s1600/taylor-swift-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlUblAdBqIeE4-WAUkUh4qUbagNtT9A-TBzqoJZe9VxakgkwBdqa_w8OUpc6ABwWmckFAEU6s6ZFkcBF_iNXLRn6v6my8_Alkq5FM0CTAD-vg8Tf70NollLClecqnsSImaQZpnobk50M/s320/taylor-swift-22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So many songs on Taylor's <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/08/in-taylor-news.html" target="_blank">new album are <em>fun</em></a>. That's the best way I can describe them. But of them all, when I want to goof off and <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/12/i-knew-you-were-trouble.html" target="_blank">dance around</a> my house, my go-to song on <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/10/red.html" target="_blank">RED</a> is definitely "22". I can't help but feel carefree as I jump around like a fool or belt it out in the middle of rush hour traffic. I'm glad she has as great of a time in this video as I do when I listen to the song.</div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="236" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AgFeZr5ptV8" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes you've just got to act your age. And a lot of times, that actually means giving yourself and break and simply enjoying life! </div>
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-14477025043883861902013-02-21T09:44:00.000-06:002013-02-21T09:56:52.896-06:00Changing the World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-Lano3RXo0FHMWH40RtKBrYBPZheLEV9ryBcMHtD9O_SaNWWmBIOjHVqZMrSdCF61m3sz6rVmhZsKrN8j3ko-OL7HjiXs1_MLZ4I-uJTyMEi21UrZ9bmrLQlTg7biT0wT8DO39fMapk/s1600/to+this+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-Lano3RXo0FHMWH40RtKBrYBPZheLEV9ryBcMHtD9O_SaNWWmBIOjHVqZMrSdCF61m3sz6rVmhZsKrN8j3ko-OL7HjiXs1_MLZ4I-uJTyMEi21UrZ9bmrLQlTg7biT0wT8DO39fMapk/s200/to+this+day.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I consider myself very lucky and blessed that I did not endure a traumatic childhood, but I know people who did. And I am aware that there are millions of men and women in the world who still struggle with the messages and abuse they received in their past, as well as innumerable children living painful lives at this very moment. I may not have experienced circumstances like the ones described in this poem and video, but I do recognize the importance of spreading awareness throughout society and providing support and encouragement to those battling this horrible challenge. This message is far too powerful and important not to share.</div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="239" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ltun92DfnPY" width="425"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>“My experiences with violence in schools still echo throughout my life, but standing to face the problem has helped me in immeasurable ways.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em> </em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>I wrote 'To This Day', a spoken word poem, to further explore the profound and lasting impact that bullying can have on an individual.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em> </em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>Schools and families are in desperate need of proper tools to confront this problem. We can give them a starting point… A message that will have a far reaching and long lasting effect in confronting bullying."</em></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
- <a href="http://www.shanekoyczan.com/" target="_blank">Shane Koyczan</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" border="0" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a></div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-56266126757383748672013-02-15T16:22:00.000-06:002013-02-15T16:22:44.682-06:00Blessed Valentine<div style="text-align: justify;">
My hubby surprised me with the sweetest gifts this Valentine's Day! Instead of a traditional bouquet of <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/search/label/Flowers" target="_blank">flowers</a>, which I always love, he upped the ante by giving me a live, potted orchid! I've been drooling over live orchids for years, but I've never gotten one, because we already have a fake orchid plant in our house. But Brad thought I'd like one for my desk at work. He was right!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZX2oiwrOWaJ4fILiPMiMvgYQjlmpee6LyKEoJ-7p2185CaaZAwS6WWho4dw9F68O15E2D5RwK69eDbG5WciIeSgyPFRwjOje3GzUF4_vo2gjhBWZPn3o4POO3Rz5vVjs7HVEcxLsY6Ts/s1600/IMG_2434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZX2oiwrOWaJ4fILiPMiMvgYQjlmpee6LyKEoJ-7p2185CaaZAwS6WWho4dw9F68O15E2D5RwK69eDbG5WciIeSgyPFRwjOje3GzUF4_vo2gjhBWZPn3o4POO3Rz5vVjs7HVEcxLsY6Ts/s400/IMG_2434.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
And to top it off, he also gave me heart-shaped fruit snacks! (Confession: I <em>may</em> eat Chester's body weight in fruit snacks a day. No judging.) My favorite treats full of extra love! Now this is a guy who knows his way to my heart.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I'm a regular ol' girl, so I thoroughly enjoy receiving some flowers and chocolates for Valentine's Day. But these gifts mean even more, because they're unique to <em>me</em>. He knows me and what I'd like, and he gifted me items accordingly. Only my hubs would know to get me these specific presents, not just some random Joe Shmoe from the street. It's nice to feel special. And known. And loved. What a blessed wife I am. ♥</div>
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-5965421636471935102013-02-10T09:51:00.000-06:002013-02-14T09:57:11.384-06:00The Pup Grows Up<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't believe it, but Chester is 7 years old. He's like a grown man, now!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zwjT22z5iy6yTxHU7CW0Gc35X2-R8IwqZhcCLIYO6Opnoi1uBrd30zp2trGiJRuo0OatrfeTIquuAKX4koc7FCX3rzeiAfnp6dwLVXS1WAMH5As8rMt7vW_X1-6j_7W-YkYklAMAQ60/s1600/Mindy+and+Chester+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zwjT22z5iy6yTxHU7CW0Gc35X2-R8IwqZhcCLIYO6Opnoi1uBrd30zp2trGiJRuo0OatrfeTIquuAKX4koc7FCX3rzeiAfnp6dwLVXS1WAMH5As8rMt7vW_X1-6j_7W-YkYklAMAQ60/s400/Mindy+and+Chester+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
He's been a part of our family for such a long time. Our lives definitely would not be the same without our fluffy pooch.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhkFJxFq5EG_T0HlD-Ni_wPiUi2vZXSDlQC4nX6KSm06iB4qyXFukg0rDTwXNa9XeSoMPEt80H-5sPq-ugAqM5KtnYz8PbToc_qREVJF7JjRVn8DmtcWpFyrcWou9sc6vgeJ_UjGEdL0/s1600/Mindy+and+Brad+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhkFJxFq5EG_T0HlD-Ni_wPiUi2vZXSDlQC4nX6KSm06iB4qyXFukg0rDTwXNa9XeSoMPEt80H-5sPq-ugAqM5KtnYz8PbToc_qREVJF7JjRVn8DmtcWpFyrcWou9sc6vgeJ_UjGEdL0/s400/Mindy+and+Brad+7.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>Happy Birthday, Chester! We love you so much!</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Photos Courtesy of Kristen Hicks</span></em></div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-85353041605105739572013-01-31T09:32:00.002-06:002013-01-31T09:32:51.218-06:00You've just been pep talked<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlZSoLoap7FET0K8A74F-ZEbIDaGeiPv2pGshMZQzH-MrEclTJaliZPYTOzGj925dnV2Wsvc_Brv8fD4QGWwLkjtUFxlCzS11uV8RUMcXTIMmoZw43W8AvxHl0VVBpzBmiL3oNucT4Ds/s1600/The-Time-to-Be-Awesome-is-Now-Kid-President1-1024x576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlZSoLoap7FET0K8A74F-ZEbIDaGeiPv2pGshMZQzH-MrEclTJaliZPYTOzGj925dnV2Wsvc_Brv8fD4QGWwLkjtUFxlCzS11uV8RUMcXTIMmoZw43W8AvxHl0VVBpzBmiL3oNucT4Ds/s400/The-Time-to-Be-Awesome-is-Now-Kid-President1-1024x576.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXu8Jsz6YQTzoWLe1xjzbKhrLmGkoivEz5qk7Ep90Vo6UOwgc4xJHvtaDWyNqSJSe96tl7c4Y3XgzYe9FtTZHSM2wVxkrC0gJsEnS4br8MaTX8Bd-9yfPpH_Ks0fbM5KyHN0EAM3-vUc/s1600/KP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's time y'all met <a href="http://kidpresident.com/" target="_blank">Kid President</a>, the self-appointed Tiny President of the United States. He's a 9-year-old third-grader who is encouraging the world to be more awesome and then getting up and dancing about it. He's made it his personal mission to help make grown-ups less boring.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
His <a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzvRx_johoA-YabI6FWcU-jL6nKA1Um-t&feature=plcp" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> has tons of adorable, quirky, funny, inspiring videos that share pieces of innocent wisdom like "<a href="http://kidpres.tumblr.com/image/37290447007" target="_blank">treat everyone like it's their birthday</a>," "<a href="http://kidpresident.com/img/bkg.jpg" target="_blank">don't be <em>in</em> a party, <em>be</em> a party</a>," and "<a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/production.calumet.good.is/photos/184392/original/tumblr_m7ro86LJBI1rav3clo1_1280.jpg?1359343121" target="_blank">if it doesn't make the world better, don't do it</a>." He interviews people using tin cans and strings, and he gives out "<a href="http://kidpres.tumblr.com/post/28131095206/kid-president-wants-to-celebrate-kids-who-are-a" target="_blank">The Medal of Awesome</a>" to other kids who are being, well, awesome by changing the world. And not only does he make a point to dance, but he encourages you to do the same and even join the party by sending in videos of you cuttin' a rug.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Most recently, he decided that the world needed a pep talk. </div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="236" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/l-gQLqv9f4o?list=SPzvRx_johoA-YabI6FWcU-jL6nKA1Um-t" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, what <em>is </em>going to be your Space Jam? How are you going to stop being boring and start making the world more awesome? Let's take this tyke's advice, and get out there and give the world a reason to dance!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXu8Jsz6YQTzoWLe1xjzbKhrLmGkoivEz5qk7Ep90Vo6UOwgc4xJHvtaDWyNqSJSe96tl7c4Y3XgzYe9FtTZHSM2wVxkrC0gJsEnS4br8MaTX8Bd-9yfPpH_Ks0fbM5KyHN0EAM3-vUc/s1600/KP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXu8Jsz6YQTzoWLe1xjzbKhrLmGkoivEz5qk7Ep90Vo6UOwgc4xJHvtaDWyNqSJSe96tl7c4Y3XgzYe9FtTZHSM2wVxkrC0gJsEnS4br8MaTX8Bd-9yfPpH_Ks0fbM5KyHN0EAM3-vUc/s400/KP.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-81384713570133205512013-01-09T12:16:00.000-06:002013-01-09T12:16:12.609-06:00"Need You Now," by Plumb<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://christianconcertalerts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Plumb.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /><br />
Well, everybody's got a story to tell<br />
And everybody's got a wound to be healed<br />
I want to believe there's beauty here<br />
'Cause oh I get so tired of holding on<br />
I can't let go, I can't move on<br />
I want to believe there's meaning here<br />
<br />
How many times have you heard me cry out<br />
"God please take this"?<br />
How many times have you given me strength to<br />
Just keep breathing?<br />
Oh, I need you<br />
God, I need you now.<br />
<br />
Standing on a road I didn't plan<br />
Wondering how I got to where I am<br />
I'm trying to hear that still small voice<br />
I'm trying to hear above the noise<br />
<br />
How many times have you heard me cry out<br />
"God please take this"?<br />
How many times have you given me strength to<br />
Just keep breathing?<br />
Oh, I need you<br />
God, I need you now.<br />
<br />
Oh I walk, Oh I walk through the shadows<br />
And I, I am so afraid<br />
Please stay, please stay right beside me<br />
With every single step I take<br />
<br />
How many times have you heard me cry out?<br />
And how many times have you given me strength?<br />
<br />
How many times have you heard me cry out<br />
"God please take this"?<br />
How many times have you given me strength to<br />
Just keep breathing?<br />
Oh, I need you<br />
God, I need you now.<br />
<br />
I need you now<br />
Oh, I need you<br />
God, I need you now<br />
I need you now<br />
I need you now</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="319" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nMvjnnIR9xI?rel=0" width="425"></iframe>
</div>
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-90174524055447513302013-01-04T09:22:00.000-06:002013-01-07T08:24:46.636-06:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Did you ring in the New Year in style? Brad and I, along with Heather, Alex, and Amber partied like <strike>rock</strike> country stars on New Year's Eve. We bundled up, decked ourselves in festive hats, and spent the evening with 50,000 other party animals on Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8fO0x-LTTpgyzlv2JppoMS2I2LKZgfe9FWGyd-m1d6SUgLcZPlBbzOc7YpakuFncZNP7wzKJjr1Zf3N3CAQGf3275Qe-S36_LHdLLzBLpMsilk3KYiTudB7qytCFD75XopQdsGkn2FU/s1600/girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8fO0x-LTTpgyzlv2JppoMS2I2LKZgfe9FWGyd-m1d6SUgLcZPlBbzOc7YpakuFncZNP7wzKJjr1Zf3N3CAQGf3275Qe-S36_LHdLLzBLpMsilk3KYiTudB7qytCFD75XopQdsGkn2FU/s400/girls.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls getting ready for the evening</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVTEJKgGOmROqPBAj5lwIktHBChyphenhyphenaRVz_LLpKohLaKRz204lTCGZSaOuK2IVPH-GxXyBkoNlSKDBTtcuYI__CnSoRLx0QxA9ZrkBb5rNYj89J528ycFxmssBJGCb3lcnkhEHazZSMrs4/s1600/IMG_2129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVTEJKgGOmROqPBAj5lwIktHBChyphenhyphenaRVz_LLpKohLaKRz204lTCGZSaOuK2IVPH-GxXyBkoNlSKDBTtcuYI__CnSoRLx0QxA9ZrkBb5rNYj89J528ycFxmssBJGCb3lcnkhEHazZSMrs4/s400/IMG_2129.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad and me on the bus heading downtown.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURbfTx3l5HXB1xdo1TYBjS8UaW1fvLoyzvQEcYcDg-weIlZiyA89p-2CnXwX0bWmekhDmQqBE5Tx4VhsCixiypi6doEQrndn-Nu8TvvGyKn0-gyT1xcrsj06_cELAd74nx3nVzvYA7Ik/s1600/IMG_2138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURbfTx3l5HXB1xdo1TYBjS8UaW1fvLoyzvQEcYcDg-weIlZiyA89p-2CnXwX0bWmekhDmQqBE5Tx4VhsCixiypi6doEQrndn-Nu8TvvGyKn0-gyT1xcrsj06_cELAd74nx3nVzvYA7Ik/s400/IMG_2138.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found our way to the front of the crowd near the concert stage!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlof3ZB29_uJ04sxSj6ChfKp-Hxno7x4cIca07vS8qg5Oig_TqpIuKIsfCdje3M-YG88eb1mwiPjQ9YA8d8FTt75L561KikFR2nLZqiK9acmiJl0mevEXy85SyhnFLw3sashCfGlOUbbs/s1600/IMG_2149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlof3ZB29_uJ04sxSj6ChfKp-Hxno7x4cIca07vS8qg5Oig_TqpIuKIsfCdje3M-YG88eb1mwiPjQ9YA8d8FTt75L561KikFR2nLZqiK9acmiJl0mevEXy85SyhnFLw3sashCfGlOUbbs/s400/IMG_2149.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather and I huddled together to keep warm!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-H097BUlkj-y5G7ddnO-zVTwgUPQMSVTg8VLKKwphma2lHvNyce1Wuu8CMVbVjai8Z_Z4kOMvESfxzVVwpM_U1FRCGnSobmNO1CLgEFDB_xfRvhyphenhyphenRM1xzDj5ozKoIU3sDaVdwLXm_Ekk/s1600/IMG_2150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-H097BUlkj-y5G7ddnO-zVTwgUPQMSVTg8VLKKwphma2lHvNyce1Wuu8CMVbVjai8Z_Z4kOMvESfxzVVwpM_U1FRCGnSobmNO1CLgEFDB_xfRvhyphenhyphenRM1xzDj5ozKoIU3sDaVdwLXm_Ekk/s400/IMG_2150.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bradley and Alex sporting their fancy hats.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5TiL4PtQf9OgY7n4TYldawn3Ef83dS9O1RSok9MxRP_MPYN9K4b1pa32YYvPbsP89lL17wpj7_NXoUfAW-7d2lsejm7H6CqilJ-ekMuzCrX1UwZWjaOxs-IPGPDgZevX7_MvnC2ruCk/s1600/IMG_2148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5TiL4PtQf9OgY7n4TYldawn3Ef83dS9O1RSok9MxRP_MPYN9K4b1pa32YYvPbsP89lL17wpj7_NXoUfAW-7d2lsejm7H6CqilJ-ekMuzCrX1UwZWjaOxs-IPGPDgZevX7_MvnC2ruCk/s400/IMG_2148.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Music City, naturally it's a music note that drops during the countdown.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_s64s5FGake2MyP38EvKMI2yZ73m2oZCv6C1Sr-osxp8XRRlGgB9CwhrzGUF31PlOGjvFSJCCIPMRT28Wes4ewAWnpGgC5FHgtVVW1xt0JUa6Iz66hU2W1Ghqexqvxwf6p9Ecw5JXNw/s1600/IMG_2147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_s64s5FGake2MyP38EvKMI2yZ73m2oZCv6C1Sr-osxp8XRRlGgB9CwhrzGUF31PlOGjvFSJCCIPMRT28Wes4ewAWnpGgC5FHgtVVW1xt0JUa6Iz66hU2W1Ghqexqvxwf6p9Ecw5JXNw/s400/IMG_2147.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kissing (in the cold rain) at midnight to welcome 2013!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What a way to ring in the New Year! I think it's so fun sharing experiences with tons of other people, and it's even better to share them with people I love. We had a blast listening to the bands all night and then joining in the raucous of the crowd by blaring our noisemakers through the streets of the city. Some day, we're going to go to New York City and watch the real ball drop in Times Square with millions of other people. It'll be the ultimate party, and it <em>is</em> going to happen, eventually.</div>
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-53160422279028855132012-12-31T11:00:00.000-06:002012-12-31T15:21:37.910-06:00Another Year Closer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEthI6S7KlXSLFlfYvaoCvaSkqGY_FzMIQowsg6XLse10GVHZ-aM0uYFF4KH63yL3Zo0t8I0OYyEzwDI6wjD1PQHTg_NDF6xpsc6WESRhGErlLB0oOB4PMphmHqwQd0KLwPFs30QWtdk/s1600/2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEthI6S7KlXSLFlfYvaoCvaSkqGY_FzMIQowsg6XLse10GVHZ-aM0uYFF4KH63yL3Zo0t8I0OYyEzwDI6wjD1PQHTg_NDF6xpsc6WESRhGErlLB0oOB4PMphmHqwQd0KLwPFs30QWtdk/s400/2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, there goes 2012. It's been a long year. I'm kind of glad to see it go, actually.<br />
<br />
Every year (and every single day) is filled with countless blessings, and I don't ever mean to not fully appreciate each of them. But, in terms of fertility, or lack thereof, is it horrible to be glad to just check another year off the list? Surely now, we're a year closer to our children, right? I never thought I would look at our journey to parenthood in year-long time increments, but yet <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2011/12/im-trying.html" target="_blank">another Christmas</a> has passed us by without even a pregnancy. Surely the number of childless Christmases we are to experience as a couple is dwindling down, right? While the number of babies extraneously present in my life are constantly increasing, the number of days or months or years until we have our own simply must be decreasing. They just have to be. That's how math works. Today is a day closer to me becoming a mama than yesterday was. And tomorrow will be closer, still. Because of that basic arithmetic, I'm glad to see this year come to an end. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know God has a great plan for us. And I know that He already knows what that plan is, down to every detail. I trust that completely. And because of that, I'm glad to have marked another year off of the journey. Don't get me wrong, I completely hate that it actually was a full year within that journey; I wish the journey to parenthood was already complete and that it had been measured in days or months alone, instead of entire 12-month calendars. But regardless, I'm excited to take that 2012 calendar off the wall and start a fresh, new one. With 12 more months of 2013 ahead of me, maybe a conception (followed by a healthy pregnancy and birth) is possible. Maybe 2013 is the year. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here comes that tricky <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/10/faith-and-love-but-no-hope.html" target="_blank">hope</a> again. That scary flame that encourages me to keep dreaming. But maybe it's right. Maybe 2013 <em>is</em> the year. 2010 wasn't. 2011 wasn't either. And 2012 wasn't, still. But maybe, just maybe, 2013 is the one. Only one way to find out. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've got to take another step forward. Move another day ahead.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
January 1, 2013 is, at the very least, one day closer to me finally becoming a mama.</div>
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-87806467184653061712012-12-28T12:36:00.001-06:002012-12-28T16:01:33.697-06:00Christmastime 2012 Highlights<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Merry Christmastime!! (It applies until January, right?) I hope your Christmas has been wonderful! Mine has been very blessed, indeed.</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVhM_SQXtRLK-SexVvMEVxaKiomnlgMIotI93_jvR0rzQoEWgDnihmc5dzFvH0g47Svf8JThDkH8pmr5i_NAlyBgSt6g4XAqGz7nXWnTgAB7ojWJW100enWc1KZoSxJTHRPrPjTJJ3oc/s1600/IMG_1953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVhM_SQXtRLK-SexVvMEVxaKiomnlgMIotI93_jvR0rzQoEWgDnihmc5dzFvH0g47Svf8JThDkH8pmr5i_NAlyBgSt6g4XAqGz7nXWnTgAB7ojWJW100enWc1KZoSxJTHRPrPjTJJ3oc/s400/IMG_1953.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Disclaimer: Ever since I got my iPhone for Christmas last year, I've been highly dependent on it for my photos and have, therefore, been negligent with my real camera and bad at taking a good amount of pictures. So, since Instagram has become my more consistent form of mini-blogging, I'll just share the images that I highlighted as they occurred throughout the season.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The week before Christmas, Matthew and Heather joined us at the historic Ryman Auditorium for <a href="http://www.andrew-peterson.com/" target="_blank">Andrew Peterson</a>'s "Behold The Lamb of God" concert. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIr6b0PsNRMwfRgHL_1XQSyrdBf7GOhlNlT_s9rnk4QcNh5TDxcbj8gfnA3zgHCY_pZ-djGFKQ-Y5K8ebs1PzyEUTgASso_8hPan3-lkuiayGjmjCCkuc28dbMG2gSxziWbF1YgjmYDk/s1600/IMG_1951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIr6b0PsNRMwfRgHL_1XQSyrdBf7GOhlNlT_s9rnk4QcNh5TDxcbj8gfnA3zgHCY_pZ-djGFKQ-Y5K8ebs1PzyEUTgASso_8hPan3-lkuiayGjmjCCkuc28dbMG2gSxziWbF1YgjmYDk/s400/IMG_1951.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The tag line for the show is "The true tall tale of the coming of Christ." Within the concert, they tell the whole story of the Bible in song, from the creation to Jesus' coming and including His crucifixion and resurrection. It's awesome, and a great way to put the focus on Christ at Christmas.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7P7RoOY-oVHhgWfUZIONxZwQBY-aCvM7zGGrY60QB1p528n3ZCj2BPIthRjs4zAZt7Zy-7tjj2tS5FuKlIlvFdEVUuk1SrR0sWsCNy4zZNzW-BKfnZYlgBq9oWlLoaL0cmknira5dWY/s1600/IMG_1954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7P7RoOY-oVHhgWfUZIONxZwQBY-aCvM7zGGrY60QB1p528n3ZCj2BPIthRjs4zAZt7Zy-7tjj2tS5FuKlIlvFdEVUuk1SrR0sWsCNy4zZNzW-BKfnZYlgBq9oWlLoaL0cmknira5dWY/s400/IMG_1954.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
And it was so cool to see so many amazing artists and musicians on one stage coming together to proclaim the Good News.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0pAcoqfqaxMAcVvG5yZDrLZlPxtatKOdOiaGmrmItB902ZToOg9Q6ijhhVq0wcX4mv1V3XpRY1tCZZWadqnLeRysKa_PPGEr3sDrEO5kyVooBGiDlCOV5EFs2pMEzWTsEDRiH0QS7XU/s1600/IMG_1964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0pAcoqfqaxMAcVvG5yZDrLZlPxtatKOdOiaGmrmItB902ZToOg9Q6ijhhVq0wcX4mv1V3XpRY1tCZZWadqnLeRysKa_PPGEr3sDrEO5kyVooBGiDlCOV5EFs2pMEzWTsEDRiH0QS7XU/s400/IMG_1964.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Moving on to other highlights, Brad and I won 1st place in our neighborhood's home decorating contest. <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2011/12/tastefully-griswolding-it.html" target="_blank">Again</a>. Holla! We already have big plans to up the ante next year.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnN_7HuzE06DzCgc5bfIcB6CDVDV8zssFnC0oZrfNHuTtXPU2w2jfBVNaUmGa1g6lQihvnjTrXauUUS7eWnK1F_8BGqfn8tNTtPVE1pIHHIjmNwxFr0jhX2EH3YVl8bOu9ofV-i_9ICk/s1600/IMG_1976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnN_7HuzE06DzCgc5bfIcB6CDVDV8zssFnC0oZrfNHuTtXPU2w2jfBVNaUmGa1g6lQihvnjTrXauUUS7eWnK1F_8BGqfn8tNTtPVE1pIHHIjmNwxFr0jhX2EH3YVl8bOu9ofV-i_9ICk/s400/IMG_1976.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This year, I bought some <a href="http://www.scentsicles.com/" target="_blank">Scentsicles</a> to make our artificial tree smell more like a real one. They're scented ornaments that are just fragrance-infused sticks which blend into tree, allowing you to "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jkdbxOahB4" target="_blank">smell the real smelling smell of a real tree</a>" without seeing the <em>true</em> source. I loved it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnG-7MMAkzxSthi0iUqd_18BlLA4Rep6iUqLzHs8VMMnvqAbC88yNaAfshA7V4CiVb9kWKlJ1VrDziv-yT3oL1N_beaRtyQo0HmIxlwfqPrXeaUvivRPHazKDhRvHXcS5KtZzk9mr6qpM/s1600/IMG_1897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnG-7MMAkzxSthi0iUqd_18BlLA4Rep6iUqLzHs8VMMnvqAbC88yNaAfshA7V4CiVb9kWKlJ1VrDziv-yT3oL1N_beaRtyQo0HmIxlwfqPrXeaUvivRPHazKDhRvHXcS5KtZzk9mr6qpM/s400/IMG_1897.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We personalized our annual ornament to add to our growing collection. We also (secretly) backlogged one from 2006, which is the only year of our marriage that we failed to commemorate with an ornament. It has been bothering me for six years each time I trimmed our Christmas tree and strolled back down memory lane. I figured if we could get one unique to that year, it wouldn't really be cheating. So we snuck one in honoring our college graduation. Now we officially have an ornament for each year, and in the future, nobody is any the wiser. Trick, trick. Well, except all of you guys. But, shhhh.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wiwpcb5EOWeQyhvXFHlE76jE99sRFMNibttjuNsgwM3DlQkodNVf5c6-YpTYnciuzeyRloeeHm68fRmr7dlHYw5pPipVJo3jxyIp94b60iYZNe-CeT49SxqkY_AtNGmjCMGWY14elr0/s1600/IMG_1991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wiwpcb5EOWeQyhvXFHlE76jE99sRFMNibttjuNsgwM3DlQkodNVf5c6-YpTYnciuzeyRloeeHm68fRmr7dlHYw5pPipVJo3jxyIp94b60iYZNe-CeT49SxqkY_AtNGmjCMGWY14elr0/s400/IMG_1991.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Brad's family came down early to celebrate the holiday. I didn't take any photos (oops), but here's one that Matthew took of the aftermath. Jeremy got a toy train set, and their dad got a remote controlled helicopter. For not having any children in the family, we still represent the toys!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkW0k6nDrQmByw1QBDSY6k_mcnl5J_D_PgTm1l9liS2PVWhxowCbGWaG9G7hmHyW9RYUf9NOyhDGfPZTRYSwyY0NktuZZdPiW-Wwh1znX7X_PpHcrAWKCo1Gy8Bk15anL5BOPd3Zan9o/s1600/toys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkW0k6nDrQmByw1QBDSY6k_mcnl5J_D_PgTm1l9liS2PVWhxowCbGWaG9G7hmHyW9RYUf9NOyhDGfPZTRYSwyY0NktuZZdPiW-Wwh1znX7X_PpHcrAWKCo1Gy8Bk15anL5BOPd3Zan9o/s400/toys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
While his family was in town, we all went to the <a href="http://www.belcourt.org/" target="_blank">Belcourt Theater</a>, which is this old, historic movie theater that plays mostly independent films, classics, or movies with cult followings. We saw one of my Christmas favorites, "Home Alone." It was so much fun to watch such a familiar movie with a large audience. Every time something hilariously unfortunate happened to those darned Wet Bandits and I heard the innocent laughter of children (and adults) all around me, my heart was filled with even more Christmas joy. And I may or may not have taken a picture of the title art as it appeared on the big screen. I hope I don't get arrested for copyright infringement!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7Wls_R__MtIx5bU1VaFLy9ZPa7Bp28lATV0BvVzPCfKKT2tVJkuiveAqd3fJ01O5jG9DC1dtafK2Zk5pFsvjls0P7-e6mRrUsTEBfPwq10JiuWF69vPpESUXD-cvLuY_w7UcatiOaz0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7Wls_R__MtIx5bU1VaFLy9ZPa7Bp28lATV0BvVzPCfKKT2tVJkuiveAqd3fJ01O5jG9DC1dtafK2Zk5pFsvjls0P7-e6mRrUsTEBfPwq10JiuWF69vPpESUXD-cvLuY_w7UcatiOaz0/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Later in the week, Bradley and I spent an evening in our car driving around town and looking at Christmas lights while we drank some warm coffee. I do love memories like these.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrBNXT87r0rOVcFjpmuToqw6wexBVdD-zJrInKMOznl_5T1HiiuwkD4e6B8d8Rig65OTdWDeYAL2tLbVA3kx41QZAKAaJst7eCEkRn9VLL9Zf1DhHaeT679UdDoZDVI2wxjUd4rwv3XM/s1600/IMG_1978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrBNXT87r0rOVcFjpmuToqw6wexBVdD-zJrInKMOznl_5T1HiiuwkD4e6B8d8Rig65OTdWDeYAL2tLbVA3kx41QZAKAaJst7eCEkRn9VLL9Zf1DhHaeT679UdDoZDVI2wxjUd4rwv3XM/s400/IMG_1978.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We didn't see any of my family this holiday, but we did ship gifts back and forth. My parents let this beauty appear on our doorstep! With their encouragement, we opened it before Christmas morning, and we are so glad we did! We used it to make a couple batches of Brad's delicious eggnog.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkirqt0r8fsADzYjj8SEjrFP-Q_cPC9tiws9kiKCD6wN7Qf8lTk6KQ7HqR34xvnRsoskc31c5jQg9dKf8jJ-H48FCu9HEOO8grHwbSRAgRLCOA7NYeqnOKoKwzvJWNJn65xNwbJC7DlnY/s1600/IMG_1987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkirqt0r8fsADzYjj8SEjrFP-Q_cPC9tiws9kiKCD6wN7Qf8lTk6KQ7HqR34xvnRsoskc31c5jQg9dKf8jJ-H48FCu9HEOO8grHwbSRAgRLCOA7NYeqnOKoKwzvJWNJn65xNwbJC7DlnY/s400/IMG_1987.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We kicked off Christmas Eve by going back to the Belcourt Theater to watch "It's A Wonderful Life." They host multiple daily showings of this Christmas Classic every year during the week leading up to the holiday. It may become one of our annual traditions. Watching movies at home without an auditorium full of other film lovers just seems so boring now.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xvgF3sw7o3Ij09TFU6u0Hu3UE8kshQXudZoZTVyFnNf-VvLj3lLjCD1t4BUlOt_GF3W1om4qWLSXB8j_-8enBYHqtu3BXek4-aVWinMNYJOqjuInzFGOVS9fK-pbWH32KWvwkA8uAsc/s1600/IMG_1994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xvgF3sw7o3Ij09TFU6u0Hu3UE8kshQXudZoZTVyFnNf-VvLj3lLjCD1t4BUlOt_GF3W1om4qWLSXB8j_-8enBYHqtu3BXek4-aVWinMNYJOqjuInzFGOVS9fK-pbWH32KWvwkA8uAsc/s400/IMG_1994.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
When we got home, we swapped our gifts of Christmas PJs, made some cookies from scratch (We seriously love that mixer!), and waited for Santa to come.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCzNg8rC5JaNM96BGdn5Us35SuGpcjtyGCxp-5nkVNvrxfTF7BJdVaSH_k1ssmUdVtBMaCn5AZWqKhI4lLiz2LxG0AQE-RhVZurgY8drMcl8WE0r7dG-ewngowiZkboMEl19xdacjSSQ/s1600/IMG_2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCzNg8rC5JaNM96BGdn5Us35SuGpcjtyGCxp-5nkVNvrxfTF7BJdVaSH_k1ssmUdVtBMaCn5AZWqKhI4lLiz2LxG0AQE-RhVZurgY8drMcl8WE0r7dG-ewngowiZkboMEl19xdacjSSQ/s400/IMG_2014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Christmas Eve just isn't Christmas Eve without a reading of "The Night Before Christmas."</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kbxwL_0FWpZK7V_cq_LlbrKWArqzGi9iv5inhhD_4CCEbbwVdINgdalGZ1LoA7W3waJ-wz2uccbrgXcSoleMENyDMAq9sTcFEFK__umoQtRD80jmczLE2-0gphfez6Zi1JL9u6qu5HA/s1600/IMG_2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kbxwL_0FWpZK7V_cq_LlbrKWArqzGi9iv5inhhD_4CCEbbwVdINgdalGZ1LoA7W3waJ-wz2uccbrgXcSoleMENyDMAq9sTcFEFK__umoQtRD80jmczLE2-0gphfez6Zi1JL9u6qu5HA/s400/IMG_2018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nor would it be complete without boarding the Polar Express!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnPJRZvpNKy_KTEbEbbZZ4r8n6wZqf_LAE_7vc8GtOcLtN-CvtNQA0MfpyOJQQXgfiuo1l8KMA7igInEgXw9e2Co6s5sp3-hTK-zWrCA6dNa4g_Btxn2lPtzEKuPXhXFIbpN5o7BWPSg/s1600/IMG_2028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnPJRZvpNKy_KTEbEbbZZ4r8n6wZqf_LAE_7vc8GtOcLtN-CvtNQA0MfpyOJQQXgfiuo1l8KMA7igInEgXw9e2Co6s5sp3-hTK-zWrCA6dNa4g_Btxn2lPtzEKuPXhXFIbpN5o7BWPSg/s400/IMG_2028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Christmas morning we woke up as a family and exchanged stockings.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1WRIHUG2Faz7Id_mcTYqlKAEDS30NAhFbsht-wCXpfDGGesbftd3ox4y-EN5Uw9BFJqFAmejwl29d8EHcC7sz9ZjVZ_dcncPxn36TQNK0gfb4ovZx1kAMplbVfWD9MMbSdj0Y_OMj24/s1600/IMG_2065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1WRIHUG2Faz7Id_mcTYqlKAEDS30NAhFbsht-wCXpfDGGesbftd3ox4y-EN5Uw9BFJqFAmejwl29d8EHcC7sz9ZjVZ_dcncPxn36TQNK0gfb4ovZx1kAMplbVfWD9MMbSdj0Y_OMj24/s400/IMG_2065.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Chester was anxious to dig into his. I think he was irritated that he could <em>smell </em>bones and treats in the bottom, but he couldn't get to them easily. Even though the sock monkey was initially tossed aside to get to the tasty goodies, he has since played with it a lot. It's actually already missing an ear. Oops.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Xfc2qwPb8KtKAW5r6qBK07fbingQVlFWnBBa2ybJqteWDEhdYBKkx_hlrC4xeDGccvl6AR3xvyKnmit7bOgFb4c_96BRUKTEer23YRBxKWqL4CcOeheU3ogNys36zJ0NXP90oOVSmLo/s1600/IMG_2064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Xfc2qwPb8KtKAW5r6qBK07fbingQVlFWnBBa2ybJqteWDEhdYBKkx_hlrC4xeDGccvl6AR3xvyKnmit7bOgFb4c_96BRUKTEer23YRBxKWqL4CcOeheU3ogNys36zJ0NXP90oOVSmLo/s400/IMG_2064.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Then we had our traditional Christmas morning breakfast of cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate. Brad tried to make a batch from scratch, but he accidentally killed the yeast and the dough didn't rise. (Yeast is so finicky!) Luckily, we had a tube of Pillsbury on hand. That's still homemade in my book.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEyxPqC_n6lKaqETMdSKJQyf4IhCOWAqZIEEQjFDRO9XUdahjlAXAWmpvn2kYFPbuUBaEOkU4_sgBoTsvZVa-U41bJy-eG2mP2hyphenhyphenhQ8Vg-gkHu5TloMBRpdAcuU1gorEgluN0Zh2fHNQ/s1600/IMG_2071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEyxPqC_n6lKaqETMdSKJQyf4IhCOWAqZIEEQjFDRO9XUdahjlAXAWmpvn2kYFPbuUBaEOkU4_sgBoTsvZVa-U41bJy-eG2mP2hyphenhyphenhQ8Vg-gkHu5TloMBRpdAcuU1gorEgluN0Zh2fHNQ/s400/IMG_2071.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Later Christmas morning, we finally got to the (other) main event of the day: "Les Miserables"! We had both been so <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/12/one-week-more.html" target="_blank">looking forward</a> to this film release, and we were not disappointed. Seriously, go see it. It's amazing. Such great acting and singing and storytelling and visual cinematography!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0dhfhiLJbyLs3fNxQHy8TUoJiXe1njGyi7gfdn-Yw6YtQAfkGOkTng7awh3p-FXomeQmFOWhlVm1OXdb7GvNudj-0NRA9k-zmW1yTOh-rTQ2c6YL3hiuLGLe_RzXsTVDzIMJwma-6nw/s1600/IMG_2087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0dhfhiLJbyLs3fNxQHy8TUoJiXe1njGyi7gfdn-Yw6YtQAfkGOkTng7awh3p-FXomeQmFOWhlVm1OXdb7GvNudj-0NRA9k-zmW1yTOh-rTQ2c6YL3hiuLGLe_RzXsTVDzIMJwma-6nw/s400/IMG_2087.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
That evening, we had Hill Ridge over for Christmas dinner. With Publix' help, Brad perfectly roasted a ham, and I baked a couple casseroles. Our friends brought over some other side dishes, and we topped off the meal with sparkling grape juice. Oh, and Brad mastered the yeast and made some awesome rolls from scratch. I was thrilled to not only get to spend a great Christmas dinner with our best friends, but also to set my table with my new Christmas dishes!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhkTMmtj1ZSgGN8ZohSc45mHXRDennvBnFPctMUV2eUt68FhosSuYutj-rv4cPHzGLQ_neGqCF68AoZjUzJPJm-PC8o1x14IVTGPPJgOfa1pnPfUXlSARZlDyqB1lYoJhqsUVO53l5B8/s1600/IMG_2094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhkTMmtj1ZSgGN8ZohSc45mHXRDennvBnFPctMUV2eUt68FhosSuYutj-rv4cPHzGLQ_neGqCF68AoZjUzJPJm-PC8o1x14IVTGPPJgOfa1pnPfUXlSARZlDyqB1lYoJhqsUVO53l5B8/s400/IMG_2094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
After that, there was nothing else to do but settle in and finish this year's Christmas puzzle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDht6iar2ONW-yybUqz9zewdn5CjV9jOcw4mDquLDqdsbV8evtNGpIQxrr43jZ59sGvpdKBT-JZ1wNUDRO8D4G3iz3UhFti0Tm3OFVzozQO0JgMvF6o5CNnQHgz_AFhUUOhfyCLeQWwnI/s1600/IMG_2107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDht6iar2ONW-yybUqz9zewdn5CjV9jOcw4mDquLDqdsbV8evtNGpIQxrr43jZ59sGvpdKBT-JZ1wNUDRO8D4G3iz3UhFti0Tm3OFVzozQO0JgMvF6o5CNnQHgz_AFhUUOhfyCLeQWwnI/s400/IMG_2107.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I sure do love Christmastime. I can't wait to finally have children to share all of our traditions with. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
How was your Christmas holiday season??</div>
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-54678704000535988852012-12-18T09:55:00.000-06:002012-12-31T11:58:28.143-06:00One Week More <div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Ohmygoodness, you guys!!!</em> </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgqgee3z7xA0Ebr65CcCtvCXtATk3JPITZsBoCQsFFOlEos9PZKu1AwmQMgPFekLk-Fp8JxH8SR2VSk5E_eBsm5Gqtq7B8lGZENi5T0lEOQDI9DlDVj_WSpF5EjIALC6Jk3dguY9V8Io/s1600/les-mis-poster-main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgqgee3z7xA0Ebr65CcCtvCXtATk3JPITZsBoCQsFFOlEos9PZKu1AwmQMgPFekLk-Fp8JxH8SR2VSk5E_eBsm5Gqtq7B8lGZENi5T0lEOQDI9DlDVj_WSpF5EjIALC6Jk3dguY9V8Io/s400/les-mis-poster-main.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://moviefarm.co.uk/" target="_blank">image source</a>]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, you know how I have a tendency to get kind of <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/search/label/Harry%20Potter" target="_blank">obsessed</a> with a few things? (What me? <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/search/label/Taylor%20Swift" target="_blank">Never</a>!) Well, my newest obsession has become <em>Les Miserables</em>. And people, seriously, it should become your latest obsession, too!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mere months ago, I didn't know anything about <em>Les Mis </em>more than the fact that it's a "fancy" musical which I'll probably never encounter. Pssh. How naive I was! Little did I know that it is the most epic story in history (besides the story of Christ)! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A good friend of mine introduced me to the trailer, and the rest is history. Here, let me do the honors of paying it forward to you. Feast your eyes on <em>this</em>!</div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="239" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YmvHzCLP6ug?list=PLSRQ4OUhMDbtOBUFWOJXGZ2cHQ270Xfxq&hl=en_US" width="425"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Shyeah! Toldja so! Based on those two and a half minutes, I decided that it looked absolutely monumental. Since then, I've been pouring over everything I can get my hands on through the trusty world wide web. Brad and I have listened to the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Miserables-2010-Cast/dp/B00418NWZW/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1355843193&sr=1-1" target="_blank">soundtrack</a>, I've watched the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz13cWUokOs" target="_blank">25th Anniversary Concert</a>, and I have seen every clip that the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/LesMiserablesFilm" target="_blank">film has posted</a> on youtube. It's official. I'm obsessed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
From my limited understanding of the history, Victor Hugo's 1862 novel about the life of a convict (and those surrounding him) during a French Revolution and spotlighting social injustices of the time has inspired many film adaptations as well as the musical that's been running here and in London since the 80's. But I'm pretty sure that this is the first film to be based on the musical which is based on the book. And they're doing their best to bring the authenticity of Broadway to our screens. The director insisted that every take be sung live rather than prerecorded and lip synced during shooting.</div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="239" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0cDVdg7gVdg" width="425"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can't get over how incredibly amazing this film will be. The more I learn about it, the more excited I become. The story! The actors! The voices! You better believe that Brad and I have already purchased our tickets for Christmas morning, opening day. I can't wait! (You can also count down the days with this <a href="http://www.vulture.com/2012/11/les-miserables-advent-calendar-vulture.html" target="_blank"><em>Les Mis</em> advent calendar</a>!) </div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpGA_VRc1Ro" target="_blank">One <strike>Day</strike> Week More</a>! I can already <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYizXBQ5EQA" target="_blank">hear the people sing</a>!<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-47615265570864743602012-12-14T17:16:00.000-06:002012-12-14T17:16:00.871-06:00I Knew You Were Trouble.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihRhT3-chTZJvccHafVazgbP_ZRhLXdQ06syBLbAjDGXgsBTLjaSyps-CtfnGWNA0TEzJ2gGuw4xirwT_k2jPVL8HabFMy6vsxZols6S0ediRr3cShUU3lZnS6WZxvmmEXYqk7w-mIhU/s1600/taylor-swift-i-knew-you-were-trouble-red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihRhT3-chTZJvccHafVazgbP_ZRhLXdQ06syBLbAjDGXgsBTLjaSyps-CtfnGWNA0TEzJ2gGuw4xirwT_k2jPVL8HabFMy6vsxZols6S0ediRr3cShUU3lZnS6WZxvmmEXYqk7w-mIhU/s400/taylor-swift-i-knew-you-were-trouble-red.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://www.billboard.com/news/taylor-swift-debuts-i-knew-you-were-trouble-1007975352.story#/news/taylor-swift-debuts-i-knew-you-were-trouble-1007975352.story" target="_blank">image source</a>]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Yesterday, on her 23rd birthday, <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/search/label/Taylor%20Swift" target="_blank">Taylor Swift</a> released her 23rd video. This one is for her new single off her <em><a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/10/red.html" target="_blank">Red</a></em> album for "I Knew You Were Trouble." This is one of my favorite songs on the record, and even more importantly, it's Brad's favorite one! I'm not going to admit how many times the two of us have belted it out in the car or danced to the dubset beat in our kitchen.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The song is unlike anything she's ever done before. She has said that she wanted the music to sound like the feeling experienced in the chaotic relationship that inspired it. I'm not surprised that she also ventured into uncharted territory with the video that accompanies it. (It's also fun to hear <a href="http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/865420/taylor-swift-releases-her-23rd-music-video-on-her-23rd-birthday.jhtml#id=1698833" target="_blank">her perspective</a> on it all...)</div>
<br />
<object height="241" width="429"><param name="movie" value="http://videoplayer.vevo.com/embed/Embedded?videoId=USCJY1231208&playlist=false&autoplay=0&playerId=62FF0A5C-0D9E-4AC1-AF04-1D9E97EE3961&playerType=embedded&env=0&cultureName=en-US&cultureIsRTL=False"></param>
<param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param>
<param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param>
<embed src="http://videoplayer.vevo.com/embed/Embedded?videoId=USCJY1231208&playlist=false&autoplay=0&playerId=62FF0A5C-0D9E-4AC1-AF04-1D9E97EE3961&playerType=embedded&env=0&cultureName=en-US&cultureIsRTL=False" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="429" height="241" bgcolor="#000000" wmode="transparent"></embed></object>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's taking me a bit to get used to the "new, more mature" Taylor, but I actually really like it. I'm not sure how it will fit into young girls' lives, but TSwiz is 23 now, and she deserves to grow up in her artistry a little bit. I, for one, am loving following her journey! </div>
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-34653301181721722752012-12-12T08:31:00.000-06:002012-12-13T08:41:25.346-06:0012 cubed<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViD0JnAJOJs6SRN4g6eeUnHaP8EMF3tDyomFvxotXnR9nDebIm3ytG71xzYbuIC-7vnbriweCqGPpQdd5G5J6_a81XhaPtebtRP8ZU0KUyK4m1XO6zZRNOittdSt264wi68rshwNL3UU/s1600/12-12-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViD0JnAJOJs6SRN4g6eeUnHaP8EMF3tDyomFvxotXnR9nDebIm3ytG71xzYbuIC-7vnbriweCqGPpQdd5G5J6_a81XhaPtebtRP8ZU0KUyK4m1XO6zZRNOittdSt264wi68rshwNL3UU/s320/12-12-12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://www.ridge.k12.wa.us/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=644&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=2401&PageID=1" target="_blank">pic via</a>]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, here it is, everybody. The final <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/10/happy-counting-day.html" target="blank">counting holiday</a> of this kind for a century. We won't have one like this again until January 1, 3001, so this is the last time to celebrate the month, date, and year falling together in perfect unison within our life times. Hope you make the most of it!</div>
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-6541497115799564482012-11-29T09:16:00.000-06:002012-11-29T09:16:00.148-06:00Thanksgiving Instagrams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I didn't take very many pictures during Thanksgiving this year, but that doesn't mean that it wasn't wonderful! Uncle Brad and I especially enjoyed spending time with our cool niece and nephew. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi585PmbHppHprQpeesu3hpZ6hy9_dipeY5L8o1t9nJryJWvS-8nsGtu4IiJjbKQmOgpo0SrcJ2RoJw98K8661qnWwxiqt8l3XWdQTdKVfwe1Q3h0Vc-Rhpg81oNRgy_Ts5Wcb6FPASzXk/s1600/IMG_1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi585PmbHppHprQpeesu3hpZ6hy9_dipeY5L8o1t9nJryJWvS-8nsGtu4IiJjbKQmOgpo0SrcJ2RoJw98K8661qnWwxiqt8l3XWdQTdKVfwe1Q3h0Vc-Rhpg81oNRgy_Ts5Wcb6FPASzXk/s400/IMG_1660.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachel and Clinton playing in the leaves after Thanksgiving Dinner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7KH70SwXW2OJ4kUPLMhlIcCt2f2CcEYrFtXlQnzuD1c0__1DFb6gQsEAxjg6RFDz3BO1v-AaOTWCW3SiHxiDo3PyTPkimQxwskLc5Q4sdlDn3pjvpTQ-AY5AqSof5NSwAncLhd2s24E/s1600/IMG_1663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7KH70SwXW2OJ4kUPLMhlIcCt2f2CcEYrFtXlQnzuD1c0__1DFb6gQsEAxjg6RFDz3BO1v-AaOTWCW3SiHxiDo3PyTPkimQxwskLc5Q4sdlDn3pjvpTQ-AY5AqSof5NSwAncLhd2s24E/s400/IMG_1663.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Mindy w/ the kids while Rachel displays her "bouquet" of red leaves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjby1Vjj-CvP4i7-ddtJZMx1I0YKkzshOstWMGoTVfxH82yvsOQ9FBrHUhCte_J7KD-l5epoQ4vnLDhwgvlu72Ke0-6wI1koPXKQDX96JhmSeDPdP8dCpOFpg0d-Dat8HYDBna2K2k3aFo/s1600/IMG_1673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjby1Vjj-CvP4i7-ddtJZMx1I0YKkzshOstWMGoTVfxH82yvsOQ9FBrHUhCte_J7KD-l5epoQ4vnLDhwgvlu72Ke0-6wI1koPXKQDX96JhmSeDPdP8dCpOFpg0d-Dat8HYDBna2K2k3aFo/s400/IMG_1673.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Brad is the Tickle Monster!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We don't have very many opportunities to visit with my family, but we always enjoy spending time with them when we can, especially the youngest members. Being the favorite (ahem) aunt and uncle is hard work, but somebody's gotta do it!</div>
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" />Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-40324114205410234172012-11-21T15:41:00.001-06:002012-11-21T15:41:30.302-06:00NYC Day 6 - Final Day<div style="text-align: justify;">
Saturday was our last day in New York City. We finally made it up to the top of the Empire State Building, did some more fun shopping in Times Square, took a bus tour, and went to an improv musical. It was a great way to round out the trip.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRfTJgzd3sFJcEh3gciH2fRopPdm4XKUcwPA1R1-JsdqZSFOcGoCx3TvPfQJbYRcm-oGpErjLw7PvMgoLL5xzpv4gETeRrPhsu6gICKaKii14tMOghG_dStkAhnor4JPIpHRizdngCow/s1600/SAM_2841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRfTJgzd3sFJcEh3gciH2fRopPdm4XKUcwPA1R1-JsdqZSFOcGoCx3TvPfQJbYRcm-oGpErjLw7PvMgoLL5xzpv4gETeRrPhsu6gICKaKii14tMOghG_dStkAhnor4JPIpHRizdngCow/s400/SAM_2841.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We ended up nixing our original Saturday schedule in the Bronx that included the Botanical Gardens and Yankee Stadium, so we were able to fit in the visit to the to the Empire State Building that we had to postpone the day before. While we were in line to go to the top, we weaved through a museum detailing the building process of the city's tallest sky scraper. There were a ton of photos that made my stomach drop of construction workers casually sitting on beams hoisted hundreds of feet in the air. Eek. Then we boarded the elevator and headed to the 86th floor observation deck with a few ear-pops along the way.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkp73NwnfMp-c_fn0tcbBBQazQa2WLIT74BOSZQB4t6R8_RjMDARC4Qh4nQUefC-QMMNqdvK93NBrToXeOFlT3OT2JC8RUPUaKmbZ7sSa9H6QkgZ-p3HT4GpAmTnIgBKKGcLDO-iy47U/s1600/NYC+Day+6.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkp73NwnfMp-c_fn0tcbBBQazQa2WLIT74BOSZQB4t6R8_RjMDARC4Qh4nQUefC-QMMNqdvK93NBrToXeOFlT3OT2JC8RUPUaKmbZ7sSa9H6QkgZ-p3HT4GpAmTnIgBKKGcLDO-iy47U/s400/NYC+Day+6.0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When we stepped outside, the view was breathtaking. It was a gorgeous day, and the bright blue sky served as a beautiful backdrop to the miles and miles of cityscape. I couldn't believe how far you could see. From this vantage point, I could totally understand why New York City is called a concrete jungle. Also, even though we were nearly 90 stories into the air, pigeons still flew to the top of the building. I guess when you're flying that high, you need a place to rest.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G-bIc-XRmaNQHcRoJTLvawqDjvvKSHhUO-mjs_R1ktyEYeVP83ZjnGV6jxs5UxnsN75RRTFFtrIC-pI14vYxhEVpuApYsU2iXnp7k5xDFCxoTsW9hshEyTPNab2R3_71fJdMcvDuG9M/s1600/NYC+Day+6.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G-bIc-XRmaNQHcRoJTLvawqDjvvKSHhUO-mjs_R1ktyEYeVP83ZjnGV6jxs5UxnsN75RRTFFtrIC-pI14vYxhEVpuApYsU2iXnp7k5xDFCxoTsW9hshEyTPNab2R3_71fJdMcvDuG9M/s400/NYC+Day+6.3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was so windy that high up in the sky that it was difficult to get a good picture. And when you're asking a stranger to take it of the two of you, you don't want to ask for a second one where your hair isn't blowing in your face. We had a little bit more luck on other side of the building.<br />
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_Ahcs69zQIZ9ZF9fj6szCPkc83gVIba_rpaLsj4dfHNbHqPm7nekOmybTTiPvP8RopOjEIEc16rhEdttmgRFHf7dAR-36sOEGL_Z-Ay40v43g85gRSrFoOeefJ_tQN9Fe5QelBLacao/s1600/NYC+Day+6.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_Ahcs69zQIZ9ZF9fj6szCPkc83gVIba_rpaLsj4dfHNbHqPm7nekOmybTTiPvP8RopOjEIEc16rhEdttmgRFHf7dAR-36sOEGL_Z-Ay40v43g85gRSrFoOeefJ_tQN9Fe5QelBLacao/s1600/NYC+Day+6.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_Ahcs69zQIZ9ZF9fj6szCPkc83gVIba_rpaLsj4dfHNbHqPm7nekOmybTTiPvP8RopOjEIEc16rhEdttmgRFHf7dAR-36sOEGL_Z-Ay40v43g85gRSrFoOeefJ_tQN9Fe5QelBLacao/s400/NYC+Day+6.1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You could see as far away as the Statue of Liberty, very small, all the way at the bottom of the island, or you could look straight down and see the giant Macy's. Visible were ice skating rinks and pools on top of roofs and Central Park could be made out behind some buildings. (I did take pictures of all of those things, but I didn't include them all in this post. I know y'all don't care about that many pictures of the view...)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRsOIdSpElEbhQJSVO43x5S5AvGo3bpjfQXGsGREcLoGTlietu9bopAlQq0g1TTyP1p_zmzeIMEkIImMuhR_D0Yw_xARua82pyreTrlX2NC9WkD1u0qrm9JvLFWcft0BpKYXKMcP8SRY/s1600/NYC+Day+6.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRsOIdSpElEbhQJSVO43x5S5AvGo3bpjfQXGsGREcLoGTlietu9bopAlQq0g1TTyP1p_zmzeIMEkIImMuhR_D0Yw_xARua82pyreTrlX2NC9WkD1u0qrm9JvLFWcft0BpKYXKMcP8SRY/s400/NYC+Day+6.2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
When we came back down to the ground, we went to Times Square for our fourth and final time. By Saturday, we considered this active area of the city to be our old stompin' grounds. We went into the Disney store just so I could marvel at the big castle inside. It was wonderful. I walked around with my mouth hanging open and touching everything. I can only assume that the real Walt Disney World is even better than this.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-WT0pSKGCmjz-bfolT_rENPg1X6L5mDSpxFi3jtBaxqV4rt-xTiK5gXJBH4mFmT5fYc4yzGa3en4SzL_L-uakpm478BlO-Jj4Zpgg_Q1931SFvX6s1Vg0ETEdjtJImAZPK4Y6PEsswM/s1600/NYC+Day+6.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-WT0pSKGCmjz-bfolT_rENPg1X6L5mDSpxFi3jtBaxqV4rt-xTiK5gXJBH4mFmT5fYc4yzGa3en4SzL_L-uakpm478BlO-Jj4Zpgg_Q1931SFvX6s1Vg0ETEdjtJImAZPK4Y6PEsswM/s400/NYC+Day+6.4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We had passed the Hershey's store earlier in the week, but we decided it was time to head on in. They had more chocolate than even Willy Wonka could want, including Hershey kisses as big as my head! I wanted about one of everything, but we settled on a few of the mini Reese's peanut butter cups.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQcg79EvcrcIEv2P_vg6AjDFzL_z2C1ibI1ZTIum9JT9wcMz4-ecP6wyOW6ZuENwHBZ2NSValT-qIBxFQtFMPUzIDsBaikO1gQbfWow41s5e1atYNnCePBahVIsjze6sZlGcfrSmybJM/s1600/NYC+Day+6.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQcg79EvcrcIEv2P_vg6AjDFzL_z2C1ibI1ZTIum9JT9wcMz4-ecP6wyOW6ZuENwHBZ2NSValT-qIBxFQtFMPUzIDsBaikO1gQbfWow41s5e1atYNnCePBahVIsjze6sZlGcfrSmybJM/s400/NYC+Day+6.5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
One of my favorite things about NYC wasn't a tourist attraction at all, but all of the street/subway performers. These people were so legit! Their instruments ranged from some buckets to a few horns all the way up to a full band set up underground. It was crazy. Our most favorite performers, though, were these break dancers down in the Times Square subway station. They had a boom box playing some music, and these dudes were just dancing their rythmic hearts out! Brad actually took some video of them, because we were so impressed. I was in awe and could have watched them perform for hours.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmU8GL4joVJEfhJpc4QyK_XJpb2BtOoZUOI3Mx_B_nmJgK1xTjOZUpqKsfxdG4jwcax1edmCUyKA65U-snQhyphenhypheneLxfArYBKiA9SyaSkMW5UswWLosdinokjxAkx77aiYXbSGo7BXp_gaOY/s1600/NYC+Day+6.6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmU8GL4joVJEfhJpc4QyK_XJpb2BtOoZUOI3Mx_B_nmJgK1xTjOZUpqKsfxdG4jwcax1edmCUyKA65U-snQhyphenhypheneLxfArYBKiA9SyaSkMW5UswWLosdinokjxAkx77aiYXbSGo7BXp_gaOY/s400/NYC+Day+6.6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
New York City has been the setting for an numerous movies and TV shows, and we wanted to see some places in person that were familiar to us through the screen. The day before, we took a tour of Central Park, and this day, we took another one that was city-wide. We rode around in a bus that would show us footage from films and shows and then drive us by the locations pointing out what was shot there. It was a convenient, foot-friendly way to see around the city, too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiM0NeJtydwMmGRNR8Lo3e0EstlXdBezOKWh7bhX3PQARRTDSLTXbRkfbXZzH2hArjftD9tPhRrJtpDrtytOa02F4qUWwkpIuYfVTSfkbOzj8KfJxz7Ov5O3d03b5COuYYO_JjehAXSA/s1600/NYC+Day+6.7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiM0NeJtydwMmGRNR8Lo3e0EstlXdBezOKWh7bhX3PQARRTDSLTXbRkfbXZzH2hArjftD9tPhRrJtpDrtytOa02F4qUWwkpIuYfVTSfkbOzj8KfJxz7Ov5O3d03b5COuYYO_JjehAXSA/s400/NYC+Day+6.7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Speaking of TV shows, we had dinner at McGee's Pub, which is the bar that inspired the creators of How I Met Your Mother. But did you know that sitcom is only <em>set</em> in NYC and is actually filmed in Hollywood! I was mind-blown and horrified when they told us that!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0zZ3W_YwSnAsIrLJUhhWemnJ1qvvso4IuPg5DLY02b26UacjAVs-cqmv1jf1Uc_jiUJHlFaz2iuHhAO98OQweSSuXNGiB9bGek0UG3yRbOReu6tt78JKVjywIxxEYEOs98KtACpb-3o/s1600/NYC+Day+6.8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0zZ3W_YwSnAsIrLJUhhWemnJ1qvvso4IuPg5DLY02b26UacjAVs-cqmv1jf1Uc_jiUJHlFaz2iuHhAO98OQweSSuXNGiB9bGek0UG3yRbOReu6tt78JKVjywIxxEYEOs98KtACpb-3o/s400/NYC+Day+6.8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The very last activity of our NYC vacation was an improv comedy musical, and it was hilarious! It was made up of 4 performers and a band. They took suggestions from the audience, and ended up doing a two hour show centering around Desperate Housewives of Colonial Times. I'm telling you, we laughed so hard. They would accidentally make a mistake or say the wrong word and then everybody else would have to run with it and keep it up through the whole show. And sometimes they would start to go a direction different than the band, and have to try to work the correction into the piece, and it was hilarious. It may sound kind of lame, but it was awesome. (I couldn't take any pictures of the show, but we did take one in the lobby in front of a few past posters.) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqo0zJRJ8nIUI6T_hniHXG3rK2pQnzM0cEeUhNqZybYL8VsBiif6OlfXmJSGJ6gwdR0mnDE5tMDmzI4hrukTQz7LcI2A0k-fAxbc5NzMX_QVTsxzKT-Lkg_5mnHQJ0xDlCcSkPKC6VFJw/s1600/NYC+Day+6.9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqo0zJRJ8nIUI6T_hniHXG3rK2pQnzM0cEeUhNqZybYL8VsBiif6OlfXmJSGJ6gwdR0mnDE5tMDmzI4hrukTQz7LcI2A0k-fAxbc5NzMX_QVTsxzKT-Lkg_5mnHQJ0xDlCcSkPKC6VFJw/s400/NYC+Day+6.9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
And with that, the week was over. As we were packing things up to go the next morning, we listened to Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" and Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" as a final closing to the best week of our lives. (No joke.) Then we sadly hopped on the train to New Jersey where we picked up our car from Brad's coworker's house who had been keeping it for the week, and began the long, depressing drive back home.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nkYalN9c97nz_9YvO0PZzlum2EIvhwuuJUqO5CCoI_mKYihOjenYhwNkH9GaqKPeLABPcGAbITwFkh1jv0oMJbNWIIsyUK7WKNYbLLz22IxL2ljFFh7NB30dg3rgWKlAPTMHxnkRLuQ/s1600/SAM_2931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nkYalN9c97nz_9YvO0PZzlum2EIvhwuuJUqO5CCoI_mKYihOjenYhwNkH9GaqKPeLABPcGAbITwFkh1jv0oMJbNWIIsyUK7WKNYbLLz22IxL2ljFFh7NB30dg3rgWKlAPTMHxnkRLuQ/s400/SAM_2931.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Overall, our vacation was amazing. Collectively, it truly was the best time Bradley and I have ever had. We got to see and do so many wonderful things. We came into the week with a hefty schedule, and we accomplished everything that we wanted to and were at peace with the few tasks we removed from the list. Luckily, the hubs and I travel the same, and we both want to focus on the same stuff (big land marks) and ignore the same things (shopping). I'm so grateful that we had enough time to do all of the things that both of us wanted. Now that we got the major tourist attractions out of the way, our next trips can focus on lower key events, Broadway plays, and Shake Shack burgers. I already can't wait. :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
See what we did the rest of the week:</div>
<a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2011/12/nyc-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1</a><br />
<a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-2.html" target="_blank">Day 2</a><br />
<a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3</a><br />
<a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-4-thanksgiving.html" target="_blank">Day 4</a><br />
<a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-5.html" target="_blank">Day 5</a><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.586382489139.2060395.150801357&type=3" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[Entire NYC Day 6 Photo Album]</span></a></div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-36911354206351314222012-11-21T12:14:00.001-06:002012-11-26T15:01:40.520-06:00NYC Day 5<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our Friday in the Big Apple was a pretty low key one. Our initial plans to go into the Empire State Building got postponed until the next day because of the long wait, so we had some time to just walk around the city before we went to Central Park or visited Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMpLE89FjFxVhmCVTTB6gJVHW1YZdCHVYqTJrQF0lYnGfiF_QwSiK4N-Lm0Sxo9oiqZrfsa2JgsnIAlIEvKhQU5o1BBE6tiev6NzmJ0UI7Pzv9SHD-Y00C1a8Xo8YQZ-djhBU0voBet4/s1600/NYC+Day+5+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMpLE89FjFxVhmCVTTB6gJVHW1YZdCHVYqTJrQF0lYnGfiF_QwSiK4N-Lm0Sxo9oiqZrfsa2JgsnIAlIEvKhQU5o1BBE6tiev6NzmJ0UI7Pzv9SHD-Y00C1a8Xo8YQZ-djhBU0voBet4/s400/NYC+Day+5+031.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
By this time in the week, we were pretty much Mass Transit Pros. Brad was the master at navigating the different subway lines and stops. During our whole time there, we only got lost once. (We hopped on the Eastbound train instead of the Westbound, and ended up confused in Queens.) Not too bad for some small town, Southern, first-timers!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQWQ2_XQQi3_OOhOFjlJnEs4yT7yK7dhqaqnvnRXRFBmVflGe64hLE3_V3lOn-9BSVP5uqI3cKzMc7ZW63IVEXbLbS_VPYvuLzMtSkf1EySheMzE5RRhiO27LugojqilP5A-VGDJtX5I/s1600/NYC+Day+5.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQWQ2_XQQi3_OOhOFjlJnEs4yT7yK7dhqaqnvnRXRFBmVflGe64hLE3_V3lOn-9BSVP5uqI3cKzMc7ZW63IVEXbLbS_VPYvuLzMtSkf1EySheMzE5RRhiO27LugojqilP5A-VGDJtX5I/s400/NYC+Day+5.0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We didn't intend to walk past Macy's on Black Friday, but it was on our path from the subway stop to the Empire State Building, which was still our original plan that morning. There were literally thousands of people on the street waiting to get into the World's Largest Store. It was the only time during our visit that I clung to Brad's hand so we wouldn't get separated in the crowd. Black Friday shoppers are crazy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmORU1JG_BwGjepgz1irUjJh39va28KPapwsyV2jgMr1a9_XzEZ4jM8LaMdEKaEHB7gdH2-Usgfvgun8e7HWe2AUSiw4AuvbaKaUBwA_USg7EAf_aMkQx6sl_h0moZJqxLCD_rUc1-fc/s1600/NYC+Day+5.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmORU1JG_BwGjepgz1irUjJh39va28KPapwsyV2jgMr1a9_XzEZ4jM8LaMdEKaEHB7gdH2-Usgfvgun8e7HWe2AUSiw4AuvbaKaUBwA_USg7EAf_aMkQx6sl_h0moZJqxLCD_rUc1-fc/s400/NYC+Day+5.02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
When we finally made our way through the sea of people to our destination, we immediately realized that the wait was going to be too long to enjoy the truly experience before we had to leave and be at our next scheduled stop. So instead, we decided to wait until tomorrow for that and just did some sight seeing. It was cool to see Seventh Avenue (aka Fashion Avenue) in person. And the NYC Post office is seriously huge! It reminded me of the Parthenon replica we have her in Nashville. We walked by Madison Square Garden, and even though Taylor Swift was performing there <em>that night</em> (and the next), we didn't get to go to the concert. Bummer. (But we did see many girls in obvious TSwift concert attire on the subways!)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACDZSLmu2CftlFrtlVOF9lwIYz8Y5HdALCtFvjdXQK54nJLMF1FIlLohI1-zd0V3W6fUaZ2KB4KY2jk13sHQVgmC8W0bl4ifiIwKruTgR6TkJVrwxdNCMFkQw5R2AcRSc6mfHdlh4Zeg/s1600/NYC+Day+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACDZSLmu2CftlFrtlVOF9lwIYz8Y5HdALCtFvjdXQK54nJLMF1FIlLohI1-zd0V3W6fUaZ2KB4KY2jk13sHQVgmC8W0bl4ifiIwKruTgR6TkJVrwxdNCMFkQw5R2AcRSc6mfHdlh4Zeg/s400/NYC+Day+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Right outside of Central Park, which was our next stop, is The Plaza. As in "Eloise at The Plaza," or as I better know it, the place that Kevin McCallister stays in "Home Alone 2: Lost In New York." It is grand, for sure. We walked past the valet and bellhops into the lobby to take look around. It is so fancy and beautiful. I can definitely see why it has been the setting for some movies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmORU1JG_BwGjepgz1irUjJh39va28KPapwsyV2jgMr1a9_XzEZ4jM8LaMdEKaEHB7gdH2-Usgfvgun8e7HWe2AUSiw4AuvbaKaUBwA_USg7EAf_aMkQx6sl_h0moZJqxLCD_rUc1-fc/s1600/NYC+Day+5.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ1cWV30kEFld8W9mZ6ZLWo_DGs0Q1hlhdakwBE0BT-uuw3wuGX5aZeEtZeCWWyqfZcQQsqDaTKBuPLtiXTZOzwkgEZSzqz7lGSq7r8pFBET-yS8jY_M9WfEpodqw8yNsRq8HCU45iHg/s1600/NYC+Day+5.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ1cWV30kEFld8W9mZ6ZLWo_DGs0Q1hlhdakwBE0BT-uuw3wuGX5aZeEtZeCWWyqfZcQQsqDaTKBuPLtiXTZOzwkgEZSzqz7lGSq7r8pFBET-yS8jY_M9WfEpodqw8yNsRq8HCU45iHg/s400/NYC+Day+5.2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyKOsaoOQ4ZYedIZPOv1kSeg7LpeLxux4BHY4GBM54LrsnahmZWlsSNalfd7OE6t-cMrvN3YDx6rN9KTDGobH6RA1RsAjG1BbyUnRGfDKXTqdyguM7WEFaHL71BJHhGpJzfDqD2CQs30/s1600/NYC+Day+5.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We were right on time to participate in our <a href="http://www.screentours.com/tour.php/central/" target="_blank">walking tour</a> of Central Park that focused on TV and movie locations. The tour guide told our group where specific scenes had been filmed, as well as a lot about the history and details of the massive park in general. It was so pretty there, especially in the fall as the leaves were changing colors. Of course we had to take a picture kissing in front of "the kissing bridge." Apparently, this bridge is the most proposed location in the whole city. How romantic.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdn8KUJR28pVAWE4eGVb5FTSuEw4TTAgvrTUaIbrPTU7fSlU1J0lAEGfu8Rs6oIVo-74nHlMhXxPiZeMtC21xLUvP3P1facJLqxks5d-_Glc2f7uQvuCg_UGBjh0XJ9dRXnkxwPRSupOU/s1600/NYC+Day+5.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdn8KUJR28pVAWE4eGVb5FTSuEw4TTAgvrTUaIbrPTU7fSlU1J0lAEGfu8Rs6oIVo-74nHlMhXxPiZeMtC21xLUvP3P1facJLqxks5d-_Glc2f7uQvuCg_UGBjh0XJ9dRXnkxwPRSupOU/s400/NYC+Day+5.4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The most personally exciting places that we got to see the spot were where Kevin first meets the Pigeon Lady in "Home Alone," the fountain that Giselle dances in front of in "Enchanted," and walk the Promenade, which is not only the solitary straight pathway in the whole park, but it's also the most filmed area in Central Park with scenes in "When Harry Met Sally," "Serendipity," "Breakfast at Tiffany's," and "Big Daddy," among others. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyKOsaoOQ4ZYedIZPOv1kSeg7LpeLxux4BHY4GBM54LrsnahmZWlsSNalfd7OE6t-cMrvN3YDx6rN9KTDGobH6RA1RsAjG1BbyUnRGfDKXTqdyguM7WEFaHL71BJHhGpJzfDqD2CQs30/s1600/NYC+Day+5.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyKOsaoOQ4ZYedIZPOv1kSeg7LpeLxux4BHY4GBM54LrsnahmZWlsSNalfd7OE6t-cMrvN3YDx6rN9KTDGobH6RA1RsAjG1BbyUnRGfDKXTqdyguM7WEFaHL71BJHhGpJzfDqD2CQs30/s400/NYC+Day+5.3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Our tour took a little break to allow us to ride the park's historical carousel. It was so old fashioned that the music was even created by the circular motion of the horses, and you could see the antique instruments working in the center of the circle. Back in the way old days, the carousel was powered by mules underneath that would walk in laps at a speed determined by the number of knocks the conductor would do on the floor: one for a gallop, two for a trot, three to slow down, and four to stop and so on. It has since been motorized, thank goodness.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIngcpR90F89rMtO3AD1BkKKESeeyzCqByYBZbGTNmQnTFfuO5FJo1Rg2JbqVlH-n9p_WKLNBIjQwpA2hhXZ2ZrwxDgqKpolUJmZWB40f1tEIN8JSSrWX9rbwWvb1ZDq3L2US86Bxnr0/s1600/NYC+Day+5.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIngcpR90F89rMtO3AD1BkKKESeeyzCqByYBZbGTNmQnTFfuO5FJo1Rg2JbqVlH-n9p_WKLNBIjQwpA2hhXZ2ZrwxDgqKpolUJmZWB40f1tEIN8JSSrWX9rbwWvb1ZDq3L2US86Bxnr0/s400/NYC+Day+5.5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
After a few hours of touring (just a small portion of) Central Park, Bradley and I enjoyed The.Best.Burger.Ever. Like <em>ever</em>. Shake Shack is compared to the In-N-Out Burger of the West, or the Whataburger or Five Guys of the South. But let me tell you, this place blows all of those other regions' burger joints out of the greasy kitchen! Hands down, this was the best burger and fries combo I have ever experienced. On more than one occasion, Brad and I have considered flying to NYC just to eat here. It's that good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The line was out the door and down the street, and once you finally arrived in the building, you were herded through a winding amusement park style line before you could place your order. It was pretty much standing room early, and believe me, people were standing and eating. Luckily, I spotted two empty seats near the window for the hubs and me. All we had to do was share the table with an Asian family of three. Hey, you've gotta do what you've gotta do! And the meal was more than worth it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0YZCBTcNqO0bkZZkSxnhO_1GPeXAKYFTZh04QIk71hTcCKSC9DpPKq-9vH5buH_8jtU0HYMqAzf3eCLFM1Tyy-uL0ErV1EJh0_pSyrwYupdOsDsbzUkP4eru571UdFuLQ-efapTIm8I/s1600/NYC+Day+5.6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0YZCBTcNqO0bkZZkSxnhO_1GPeXAKYFTZh04QIk71hTcCKSC9DpPKq-9vH5buH_8jtU0HYMqAzf3eCLFM1Tyy-uL0ErV1EJh0_pSyrwYupdOsDsbzUkP4eru571UdFuLQ-efapTIm8I/s400/NYC+Day+5.6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
When we were all filled up (and wanting more but not willing to wait in line a second time), we made our way back to Times Square for the third occasion that week. This time, we were visiting Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. Of all the many things we did during our visit, I think we probably had the most fun here.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjW1SfMpyCF0B-Su4BaKTaP0cZOYezzws9D3F-JKzW57T7MuvWaTE9JlgtNnoXecscttmVKRRU7dGzZNvbJU8Y_2JD9Xat1qwxl-dslnDwDD4ctmvQNRxYLkY-3lWxitvpK66TMjRDqU/s1600/NYC+Day+5.7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjW1SfMpyCF0B-Su4BaKTaP0cZOYezzws9D3F-JKzW57T7MuvWaTE9JlgtNnoXecscttmVKRRU7dGzZNvbJU8Y_2JD9Xat1qwxl-dslnDwDD4ctmvQNRxYLkY-3lWxitvpK66TMjRDqU/s400/NYC+Day+5.7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
There were life size, life-like wax figures of hundreds of celebrities, musicians, politicians, and a number of any historical figures mingling around the place just waiting for you to approach. Brad was able to flirt with Bette Midler and prove that he's just as smoldering hot as Edward Cullen and Johnny Depp. And I was able to show off my JLo booty and finally get my hands on Justin Timberlake. (Humina, humina.)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGal338AFgcb9dQmdX9YP63TJ6ETsu7K4aN2pMVebGbInXJ_YN2pCdGjHOpmhQKovc3ANEyQ5Lqi0TIr-ES_tOUtDMlAdUqFfsxtBHfv_wuatm5xptnCWlEsy4KRrPZvL33omkJzYKtWI/s1600/NYC+Day+5.8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGal338AFgcb9dQmdX9YP63TJ6ETsu7K4aN2pMVebGbInXJ_YN2pCdGjHOpmhQKovc3ANEyQ5Lqi0TIr-ES_tOUtDMlAdUqFfsxtBHfv_wuatm5xptnCWlEsy4KRrPZvL33omkJzYKtWI/s400/NYC+Day+5.8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I listened to Woody Allen talk about the city and helped Lucy bake dinner while Brad chilled with Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali and tried out to be one of the Rockettes. (He didn't get in.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9H_DJo4t58IZP1XSlFHHx-Ida84CFg6DSyUK94_HZNCe85T36fqV28-rT1h5AsS3BfA24maNocV21cH1_ujmx0qyIoI2573BqRwsWadD1_hOrLb9on9jyaXV1x1-0rTYYnEDKMHVCCdw/s1600/NYC+Day+5.9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9H_DJo4t58IZP1XSlFHHx-Ida84CFg6DSyUK94_HZNCe85T36fqV28-rT1h5AsS3BfA24maNocV21cH1_ujmx0qyIoI2573BqRwsWadD1_hOrLb9on9jyaXV1x1-0rTYYnEDKMHVCCdw/s400/NYC+Day+5.9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
As if the entire museum wasn't one big photo op, they had a few places set up specifically for picture posing. We could finally stand on the bridge that was merely in the background of our Central Park picture, and Brad had the opportunity to fully "embrace" the Oval Office. Yikes. There's a reason we aren't into politics!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7iVNaf63xor-bncbrdvoxBcwRqHhOl57EBFVh2y2ikaK0zacbItUTO_IraJYxDazltt7eTEMVIcoEo-cgbXS8szietUMLo8Xqx3S6Ejk4yGRX0Us9f4hbLWldv_GuL5jfAGqFxJb6xc/s1600/NYC+Day+5.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7iVNaf63xor-bncbrdvoxBcwRqHhOl57EBFVh2y2ikaK0zacbItUTO_IraJYxDazltt7eTEMVIcoEo-cgbXS8szietUMLo8Xqx3S6Ejk4yGRX0Us9f4hbLWldv_GuL5jfAGqFxJb6xc/s400/NYC+Day+5.10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We rocked out with some legends with the likes of Elton John, Tina Turner, and Bono, and I performed some height comparisons along the line. I was just barely taller than horse jockey Willie Shoemaker, but I couldn't even touch Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's head on my tip toes! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiK666apJu37yikhQAJdAe5NIKBxYci7l0ndBunhvDnu4a1xS2sc9_EQZH8OcKDwen4gnDbCsymfCzzws3PVgZZ-Ht7sQdiJsG6uJnVqFOi1MZrNrlEATNTYBUoEU8q3k7045Xruu4Wks/s1600/NYC+Day+5.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiK666apJu37yikhQAJdAe5NIKBxYci7l0ndBunhvDnu4a1xS2sc9_EQZH8OcKDwen4gnDbCsymfCzzws3PVgZZ-Ht7sQdiJsG6uJnVqFOi1MZrNrlEATNTYBUoEU8q3k7045Xruu4Wks/s400/NYC+Day+5.11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We couldn't resist some 90's boy band / girl band photo bombing, and I got a second opportunity to fawn all over JT. Also, that bottom right image is of a random wax woman taking a picture. She's not real, people. There's no need to very patiently wait behind her to snap the picture she's trying to get. She's not a real person taking a real picture. You can just walk on past her. Because she's not real. Just fyi...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNkYc12-yOBb6i_2SYJ7dOwyUMaRQbH485yAhhaNJWYClCV-dSSODEyylwfAJGoUySPikJAgGdHjQdRHRF7lFwA0CIRx9BLtVZ916KdORdfHd4C6Qgzwwq2ebRAoNDw7Pqvu4HdW82QQ/s1600/NYC+Day+5.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNkYc12-yOBb6i_2SYJ7dOwyUMaRQbH485yAhhaNJWYClCV-dSSODEyylwfAJGoUySPikJAgGdHjQdRHRF7lFwA0CIRx9BLtVZ916KdORdfHd4C6Qgzwwq2ebRAoNDw7Pqvu4HdW82QQ/s400/NYC+Day+5.12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Within Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, there was a special <em>4-D</em> showing of "The Polar Express"!! Eee!! That's my very favorite Christmas movie! And since Santa waved at me at the end of the parade the day before(!!!), it was officially Christmastime! The showed an abbreviated version of the film that lasted about 45 minutes but still adequately captured all of the magic.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
And if you're wondering, the fourth dimension catered to our other non-visual senses. Snow fell from the ceiling when the boy walked outside in his pj's; wind gushed over our faces when the train came to a stop in front of his house; something poked us in the back when they were falling into Santa's big gift bag; and it literally <em>smelled</em> like Christmas in the theater when they were gathered around the tree at the end! It was awesome!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDdd6oirnySfXTsD1IyV9kcFxVpSf-ow7Ol-jNYIww3bO07zCCVS4IJWCAso05PsFF_mVmaBGK7umPMrfcyxvbHMvwX5m3c36rfr5XLkC0SDE9-nIciOwph599WVObXt_K_B-qkf9NGQ/s1600/NYC+Day+5.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDdd6oirnySfXTsD1IyV9kcFxVpSf-ow7Ol-jNYIww3bO07zCCVS4IJWCAso05PsFF_mVmaBGK7umPMrfcyxvbHMvwX5m3c36rfr5XLkC0SDE9-nIciOwph599WVObXt_K_B-qkf9NGQ/s400/NYC+Day+5.13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
As soon as the film was over, we came to the Main Event. I finally got to meet Wax Figure Taylor Swift!! It was magical! They even had her sparkly guitar in a case nearby. My was museum goals were officially complete. Success.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLkcu4EHdC8trE0qL9TVlrBljGB-RIPsmk-jCTFqlfMxO9-LRdRielaWxegRFncz58j91NA6bfAkevCgV6ucNzf7abbi7mDbC66DcKQwxa9vIssrZtWZuWSumpuwMCiMnGzfMzcCXVxg/s1600/NYC+Day+5.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLkcu4EHdC8trE0qL9TVlrBljGB-RIPsmk-jCTFqlfMxO9-LRdRielaWxegRFncz58j91NA6bfAkevCgV6ucNzf7abbi7mDbC66DcKQwxa9vIssrZtWZuWSumpuwMCiMnGzfMzcCXVxg/s400/NYC+Day+5.14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I'm not exactly sure why we had so much fun at that silly museum full of wax figures, but Brad and I truly enjoyed our evening goofing around with fake famous people. That combined with our amazing time at the beautiful Central Park and the best meal in all the land made our penultimate day in the city pretty great. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
If you're interested in how the rest of the week went, you can check out <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2011/12/nyc-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1</a>, <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-2.html" target="_blank">Day 2</a>, <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3</a>, <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-4-thanksgiving.html" target="_blank">Day 4</a>, and <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-6-final-day.html" target="_blank">Day 6</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.586222225309.2060381.150801357&type=3" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>[Entire NYC Day 5 Photo Album]</em></span></a></div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-7386437338110326092012-11-20T14:32:00.000-06:002012-11-26T15:01:05.614-06:00NYC Day 4 - Thanksgiving<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thanksgiving in New York City is the best Thanksgiving ever, ever! And Day 4 was (in my opinion) the pinnacle of our week there. I had been waiting for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade all year long, and it was finally here!</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2AznZ_RTb9KsVPZTZL48gJCdjmk8AwgGTY6FhIwnCHg9gHL_ppWdwV3tGYYh2__sq1254nXtMtRCQpQqiH9opWoplEkfh1gCNl3vHIiO8kHdvMABkDL10y6KGMz69VNjoS46dj4oqZk/s1600/NYC+Day+4+538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2AznZ_RTb9KsVPZTZL48gJCdjmk8AwgGTY6FhIwnCHg9gHL_ppWdwV3tGYYh2__sq1254nXtMtRCQpQqiH9opWoplEkfh1gCNl3vHIiO8kHdvMABkDL10y6KGMz69VNjoS46dj4oqZk/s400/NYC+Day+4+538.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random picture we took in front of a pretty wall in Rockefeller Center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Even though we were exhausted from our late Broadway show the night before, Brad and I woke up at 5:00 in the morning (brrr!!) and made our way to Midtown in an effort to secure a great spot along the parade route. And boy did we ever! Somehow we stumbled upon the best location in the whole city! We sat on top of some scaffolding outside of the back of Carnegie Hall on the corner of 57th and 7th. It was perfect because the scaffolding allowed us to sit down instead of stand the whole time; I was raised high enough to see above the people in front of me; and we were only a couple blocks down from Central Park, so we got to watch the parade turn the corner. It was always a surprise to see what was next, but we still had a couple blocks' worth of viewing/picture/enjoyment time before they passed us! Like I said, it was the best location in the city.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
When we procured our spot, with a boost from my hubs to make it on top of the platform, it was still dark and relatively vacant. But as the sun rose as the parade time drew nearer, the people crowded in. Every hour that went by, I was more grateful for our pristine spot that was reasonably excluded from the masses.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUQgEZlqaWHWdNCMraAOe8zpaAjglsp47n1JkDJCncEcrXz1Hka_nk6DQ0K9IK1nNZGtwGEss98H4U6f6bQ6BLuyXOtoTR7IYq2-eBI4Y1Bn4t53r_G5jwQ7M2CpyeERpS2GuzTzdF_4/s1600/NYC+Day+4.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUQgEZlqaWHWdNCMraAOe8zpaAjglsp47n1JkDJCncEcrXz1Hka_nk6DQ0K9IK1nNZGtwGEss98H4U6f6bQ6BLuyXOtoTR7IYq2-eBI4Y1Bn4t53r_G5jwQ7M2CpyeERpS2GuzTzdF_4/s400/NYC+Day+4.0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Kicking off the parade was Macy's Great American Marching Band. With the sound of those drums, my heart about beat right out of my chest with excitement!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizL-3spM7RjnfCZMLX6xZPI72vYtWUa23xod-114q2AwUWX1O8E6z3sk7RXkIFePjR0BFTxlP7qf64IM-iVFl8E79fhIxVPBh55Ey01_wGEv7OnDrzaiK2p9eQlNxGn2sfE33K6RDP8No/s1600/NYC+Day+4.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizL-3spM7RjnfCZMLX6xZPI72vYtWUa23xod-114q2AwUWX1O8E6z3sk7RXkIFePjR0BFTxlP7qf64IM-iVFl8E79fhIxVPBh55Ey01_wGEv7OnDrzaiK2p9eQlNxGn2sfE33K6RDP8No/s400/NYC+Day+4.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I knew the balloons would be big from watching them on tv all those years. And I knew they would be even larger than I expected after witnessing some being inflated the day before. But I had no idea how ginormous they would really be floating down the street overhead, between the skyscrapers. As they approached where we were, I literally could not fit them in their entirety within my camera view! It was awesome.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
By the way, little fun fact, NYC has prepared for hosting this annual parade by installing rotating stoplight posts that pivot on the spot allowing them to stand parallel to the sidewalks of the secondary streets, thereby removing them from interfering with the parade route. I never thought about how all of those strings attached to the balloons that people walk down the road would get caught on street lights. Very clever, NYC.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGxzZu8LK-Uip3cRvHHF_L3y9h-RKT2hRuV38ZYc0o6NVsBDQxkQM6ex-Cs9Yl_ekMccd9FdfSlHFG-gMnDGonocRrfv6RyJLBVn7Pvkjipx1JI49LIIDIFR9DXBYnt7gu32u5KdUSUE/s1600/NYC+Day+4.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGxzZu8LK-Uip3cRvHHF_L3y9h-RKT2hRuV38ZYc0o6NVsBDQxkQM6ex-Cs9Yl_ekMccd9FdfSlHFG-gMnDGonocRrfv6RyJLBVn7Pvkjipx1JI49LIIDIFR9DXBYnt7gu32u5KdUSUE/s400/NYC+Day+4.2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
As soon as I spotted Snoopy being inflated the day before, I knew that he was the one that I wanted a picture taken with. We anxiously awaited his arrival the whole parade, and when we saw him soar around the corner, I made sure that Brad had a good shot of us with him. Success.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Also, here you can see our feet dangling over the ledge of our little wall with all of the confetti decorating the ground. (And if you're wondering, yes, Brad frequently reminded me to move my legs to keep the circulation going while they hung there. And if you're also wondering whether or not that worked / I adhered his advice, no. When I finally got down for the first time in 5 1/2 hours, I about collapsed, and my legs tingled the whole shaky way back to the subway.)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zW19ohnhDePFlOH3ALvQvAw41TpCsgZDUBTs1cZIU9GN0lN6mB72B05uRhZzDRHzattyT_qK6x6UPPb3R-KBMRB4dHQsPOKtNNXdiQHVXDV39b8HrXMfVpnQxldmIKwJWUi9ooBeZQ8/s1600/NYC+Day+4.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zW19ohnhDePFlOH3ALvQvAw41TpCsgZDUBTs1cZIU9GN0lN6mB72B05uRhZzDRHzattyT_qK6x6UPPb3R-KBMRB4dHQsPOKtNNXdiQHVXDV39b8HrXMfVpnQxldmIKwJWUi9ooBeZQ8/s400/NYC+Day+4.3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The only person I anticipated coming my way more than Snoopy was Santa himself. I had been waiting for months to see Mr. and Mrs. Claus and their eight reindeer fly by me. With the sound of his "Ho, Ho, Ho!!" ringing in my ears, I couldn't do anything but cry. And smile like an idiot. It was so surreal, and I was so overcome with happiness. Then, once he moved on to other people down the street, marking the official end of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (and the beginning of Christmas Season), I cried anew because it was all over! But I didn't have time to wallow in my misery. Brad kissed my face and reminded me that we had a massive crowd to beat to the subway! (On wobbly legs.) But I was absolutely looking forward to going back to our hotel and crashing for a couple of hours, so I tried to keep pace.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RdXUzQqWtPehI_0qYlYS9rdlACvHIAK1MGWa2pK1_XReo4GifBOeK9WGfOgoz7a_-L8ozCDBLBUCTBiMdT1PpmgO9XK48yPEKNv6akUAXbrM5PXGEDfz6GUsWwy6-Ljx3Kg5kG5MWTw/s1600/NYC+Day+4.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RdXUzQqWtPehI_0qYlYS9rdlACvHIAK1MGWa2pK1_XReo4GifBOeK9WGfOgoz7a_-L8ozCDBLBUCTBiMdT1PpmgO9XK48yPEKNv6akUAXbrM5PXGEDfz6GUsWwy6-Ljx3Kg5kG5MWTw/s400/NYC+Day+4.4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The Parade was 100% worth travelling for Thanksgiving. 100%. But it was still a little sad to be away from our families as we celebrated the holiday with a special dinner. We didn't just want to have random diner food for our big meal, so we took part in a Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise. It wasn't our traditional menu, and you could tell they were accommodating a variety of cultures, but it was still special and fun.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluPvLGvUeuQnNAwb23mCDRGA7OZrFpzEYmTIWiuMXFLMOfeEjZH05KYiRQZTTW4tQKBHKk1cl14Ug_0Wx13JsRqSx9OV3zqsRK5I4GHAQRzSPrpPEODSL85laO66AiqLgatve9iJFz3k/s1600/NYC+Day+4.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluPvLGvUeuQnNAwb23mCDRGA7OZrFpzEYmTIWiuMXFLMOfeEjZH05KYiRQZTTW4tQKBHKk1cl14Ug_0Wx13JsRqSx9OV3zqsRK5I4GHAQRzSPrpPEODSL85laO66AiqLgatve9iJFz3k/s400/NYC+Day+4.5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We had the perfect backdrop to our holiday meal as we floated underneath the Brooklyn Bridge and watched the sun set over the New York City skyline. I think this nearly made up for the lack of green bean casserole.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9zmM3xG7h901EnF9lQOY6acZv7-GhWNAf1xj6gxJObyi0F0xDR1WeeNFLJ6tXlQWVLsprtilxS5px7jQHha_BOoFv6gnCLi2ab5u5QbyenujotgMlcXs4CMv8MC59bT1XhOsdCqPM5w/s1600/NYC+Day+4.6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9zmM3xG7h901EnF9lQOY6acZv7-GhWNAf1xj6gxJObyi0F0xDR1WeeNFLJ6tXlQWVLsprtilxS5px7jQHha_BOoFv6gnCLi2ab5u5QbyenujotgMlcXs4CMv8MC59bT1XhOsdCqPM5w/s400/NYC+Day+4.6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Between the main and dessert courses, Brad and I headed to the exterior of the boat. It was perfect timing, because we had reached our destination. As we approached and then floated stationary near the Statue of Liberty for a while, the majority of the dinner guests came to the top and enjoyed the magnificent scenery while a variety of patriotic music was playing in the background. It was romantic, and sweet, and moving, and patriotic, and a moment I'll never forget. We had much to give thanks for, indeed.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tkMkqtSsQ__xy6zxKtjZjzGRBQYaBalRY2-uc3myUZ_TGLAwWORTyHBS9pNkT4bI0Sk0J-hwgOt_2hRP_pORAvfsod03S-IMNJCzZOREprVf5n6FjB8iGvXGjOAQbI-_rPJVebaro18/s1600/NYC+Day+4.7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tkMkqtSsQ__xy6zxKtjZjzGRBQYaBalRY2-uc3myUZ_TGLAwWORTyHBS9pNkT4bI0Sk0J-hwgOt_2hRP_pORAvfsod03S-IMNJCzZOREprVf5n6FjB8iGvXGjOAQbI-_rPJVebaro18/s400/NYC+Day+4.7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Following our dinner cruise, we went to Rockefeller Center. It was absolutely beautiful. I was super disappointed that the giant Christmas tree wasn't lit up yet, but they don't do that until the week following Thanksgiving. (Boo.) It was still cool to see its enormity there with scaffolding assembled to provide the capabilities of decorating. Bradley and I had every intention of ice skating in Rockefeller Center's iconic rink, but when it finally came our turn in line, we realized they were asking over $30 per person to skate. Yikes! It is the one and only event throughout the whole week that we removed from our schedule strictly because of the high price. We're not <em>that</em> cheap, but we're too cheap to spend over $60 to ice skate! Regardless, it was completely awesome to be there and see it in real life. We actually purchased a puzzle of this scene for our Christmas puzzle of the year.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUcd4SobDob5bGUfsbk6HVXTbNm3ijtcd0CimvrNTf9pPjejbzdxspggCJs881JIFJiInrizjZb-t-yunuhXifKeTFuMzFoSQDn28TK1kuW-UGEJHWHKbQ5MpdIH_-HjFpcPBVv1yy2M/s1600/NYC+Day+4.8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUcd4SobDob5bGUfsbk6HVXTbNm3ijtcd0CimvrNTf9pPjejbzdxspggCJs881JIFJiInrizjZb-t-yunuhXifKeTFuMzFoSQDn28TK1kuW-UGEJHWHKbQ5MpdIH_-HjFpcPBVv1yy2M/s400/NYC+Day+4.8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So instead of ice skating, we journeyed to the Top of the Rock(effeler), which is the second largest building in the city. We chose to do this one in the evening, so we could capture the Empire State Building in our night view of the city. It was breathtaking. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHikRKuc9QSS3Sr7ZTgmB6uSwlEIoRj4rLjBJLxaVU709G9AL_bQJOplMgX51YFtNw0Okg8zhrJLos-fv37zThuzlGYGdVyghZXepkMBFPRWuBXtc0crinFDcCP3xiVdntCw2DmhRiBY/s1600/NYC+Day+4.9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHikRKuc9QSS3Sr7ZTgmB6uSwlEIoRj4rLjBJLxaVU709G9AL_bQJOplMgX51YFtNw0Okg8zhrJLos-fv37zThuzlGYGdVyghZXepkMBFPRWuBXtc0crinFDcCP3xiVdntCw2DmhRiBY/s400/NYC+Day+4.9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
That was technically the final event on our schedule for Thanksgiving Day, but the hubs and I were still all jazzed from the events of the day (and our lengthy afternoon nap), so we headed back to our favorite place in the city, Times Square. We seriously love that place. We climbed to the top of the Red Steps and marvelled at the best view of Times Square possible. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92ur5_g4yS0fUoZjMKizHZxy0f7nVCod3O6hJfFIGDFFU91URM0Euzl5-_ZkeHBZxrJLHDysVu0tOeTt3UDDpTWokdkr8PxCfv9ngAZUrg0KjW4DjVRVZNgU4VxHw__OLNaaTaF_Met0/s1600/NYC+Day+4.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92ur5_g4yS0fUoZjMKizHZxy0f7nVCod3O6hJfFIGDFFU91URM0Euzl5-_ZkeHBZxrJLHDysVu0tOeTt3UDDpTWokdkr8PxCfv9ngAZUrg0KjW4DjVRVZNgU4VxHw__OLNaaTaF_Met0/s400/NYC+Day+4.11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Once we had soaked in enough of the buzz just looking at Times Square gives you, we just walked around and checked out all of the nearby stores, especially the chocolate ones! We couldn't help but go on into the M&M store. The walls were lined with the chocolate candies in dispensers as high as the ceiling. Talk about Mmmm... </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0q-kRLaKmn_Jm88i8g6qJmc_oG-ALR38HzmKG6dvuyW8kqDBeKf5-bl6zO_0pRqoTDqKXeH1yae8boFtqSHai0Qapc2nFbhOgOAfZy9_aNLcT31Zxib9Uhh6jnC7dERGtBsZNRnUgaew/s1600/NYC+Day+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0q-kRLaKmn_Jm88i8g6qJmc_oG-ALR38HzmKG6dvuyW8kqDBeKf5-bl6zO_0pRqoTDqKXeH1yae8boFtqSHai0Qapc2nFbhOgOAfZy9_aNLcT31Zxib9Uhh6jnC7dERGtBsZNRnUgaew/s400/NYC+Day+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So that was our Thanksgiving of 2011. I still can't believe I got to be <em>at</em> the Macy's Parade and see Santa in person! Or gaze upon the Statue of Liberty amidst our holiday dinner. What an amazing experience it all was. (I'm not sure I'll ever go without traditional food again, though. Jussayin.)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJJedNjXAxZHYSXRJYl7AWvgdY4tymiEQJr_aUxFj_HyJkZv50TnRivNFp45mGJUkHGCRWv2pWLtn-opGypPrg4rj2hMeTWO1i5B8-wcIVnvMrOBo503sRf4x4SLflJ4rMCzgQ0X-wNc/s1600/NYC+Day+4+609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJJedNjXAxZHYSXRJYl7AWvgdY4tymiEQJr_aUxFj_HyJkZv50TnRivNFp45mGJUkHGCRWv2pWLtn-opGypPrg4rj2hMeTWO1i5B8-wcIVnvMrOBo503sRf4x4SLflJ4rMCzgQ0X-wNc/s400/NYC+Day+4+609.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Here are recaps of our other days in the city: <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2011/12/nyc-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1</a>, <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-2.html" target="_blank">Day 2</a>, <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3</a>, <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-5.html" target="_blank">Day 5</a>, and <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-6-final-day.html" target="_blank">Day 6</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor; text-align: left;" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.585207014799.2060277.150801357&type=3" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>[Entire Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Album]</em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mindymehaffey?ref=tn_tnmn#!/media/set/?set=a.586040729029.2060357.150801357&type=3" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>[Entire NYC Day 4 Photo Album]</em></span></a></div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-12261874770194850272012-11-19T15:38:00.001-06:002012-11-26T15:00:18.690-06:00NYC Day 3<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wednesday, Day 3 of our New York City Extravaganza, was a busy one that included visiting two museums, witnessing the parade balloon inflation, our first New York pizza, and Brad's very favorite event of the trip, Wicked on Broadway!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwvuuICldrhMJiPPebAGZsIOO2ZYklfBDFCt5kWk9yK3vwDpabOneqloDDBjk54nN4dIhH9C7ZoHKJfjScNaUJ2euj2u1mwZ4V_-6MfpBs-7ztAMDYBR2GBehpUNdOLJm8jRXqYeLQi4/s1600/NYC+Day+3+061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwvuuICldrhMJiPPebAGZsIOO2ZYklfBDFCt5kWk9yK3vwDpabOneqloDDBjk54nN4dIhH9C7ZoHKJfjScNaUJ2euj2u1mwZ4V_-6MfpBs-7ztAMDYBR2GBehpUNdOLJm8jRXqYeLQi4/s400/NYC+Day+3+061.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But the whole day started off with a quick move. We were able to get a great deal on a fancy schmancy hotel in Midtown for the first two days, but then transferred to a cheaper (bigger!) hotel in SOHO for the rest of the week. We actually liked this one better than the boutique hotel, even though it was just a Holiday Inn. It had much more space, was conveniently located near a Subway Station, and still had a great view of the city outside of our window. The hotel switch did, however, require our first cab ride. I was actually very nervous. (Too many crime shows have put the fear in me. You willingly jump into the back of a car in a city you know nothing about and trust the driver to take you where you ask instead of dumping your body in a back alley??) Even though I was spooked, Bradley handled it like a champ.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNYJw1bP2f4_0N6dklFQcy7auMKT4WlKNeCD-ZfPh6_B8x3yjJ50fefOGJ6EffWzOv9WaIXFfdaBwHXXkhLj5otWbNVBuoZ_a3XU4XgG2hm7JCgPINnZF-Beu3KwNKX1WuNvMay8uE6o/s1600/NYC+Day+3.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNYJw1bP2f4_0N6dklFQcy7auMKT4WlKNeCD-ZfPh6_B8x3yjJ50fefOGJ6EffWzOv9WaIXFfdaBwHXXkhLj5otWbNVBuoZ_a3XU4XgG2hm7JCgPINnZF-Beu3KwNKX1WuNvMay8uE6o/s400/NYC+Day+3.0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once we settled into our hotel, we headed toward our first intellectual museum experiences at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Let me just be honest with you here, this was a little too sophisticated for our liking. We spent the better part of our morning walking around and trying to hide our faces of confusion. We would come upon something that other people clearly found fascinating, and just look at each other and stealthily go, "Huh?? I don't get it... What is that even supposed to be??" Finally, when we got up on about the fourth floor they did have some Vincent van Gogh displays, and we both found those legitimately interesting. But after that, we decided to drop the hoity toity facade and call that museum a bust. We subsequently dropped the Metropolitan Museum of Art unceremoniously from our schedule for the day. At least Brad and I both felt the same way. Good riddance to "art" we just don't get. It was time to move on to more fun things.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RvUB5qkOFM9Ua6WrqxRDprw1lDhAI6CA-PnFGD2_5qWpAxDzT_uERNcSCgDdVbxG3FdXi94jJlEi-Vo6E6Ye0o_SYK89avCDntjm4tyaRs8_oOB2MvkmVKkLLwlgM9lTLk5rDxm6dRQ/s1600/NYC+Day+3.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1RvUB5qkOFM9Ua6WrqxRDprw1lDhAI6CA-PnFGD2_5qWpAxDzT_uERNcSCgDdVbxG3FdXi94jJlEi-Vo6E6Ye0o_SYK89avCDntjm4tyaRs8_oOB2MvkmVKkLLwlgM9lTLk5rDxm6dRQ/s400/NYC+Day+3.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Did you know that the day before the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, you can go watch them inflate all of the balloons?? I was like a little kid walking around the block surrounding the Museum of Natural History (our next stop) and trying to figure out what each float was going to be before it had fully taken its form. If we couldn't tell, we just consulted the sign that accompanied each one indicating its name and the year of its first flight alongside a photo. Even only partially inflated, I could already tell they were going to be larger than I realized from tv! Dispersed within the balloons were semi trucks hauling giant tanks of helium. It was awesome.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIOyQu7hxy6LjcNmQgoN7uX52XDTXygeyQOZo-EFDZHk1mZbXOb9WSnPsoLUCTxzKuL9dmP6lxZs7slmkcWb47DWTCxfnRsj8Kfpd6GDURqUw82vUzDjI0zTMbbtDc-jnzgy4-KBACP8/s1600/NYC+Day+3.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIOyQu7hxy6LjcNmQgoN7uX52XDTXygeyQOZo-EFDZHk1mZbXOb9WSnPsoLUCTxzKuL9dmP6lxZs7slmkcWb47DWTCxfnRsj8Kfpd6GDURqUw82vUzDjI0zTMbbtDc-jnzgy4-KBACP8/s400/NYC+Day+3.2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
By then, the Dunkin' Donuts we ate in the subway that morning (there is an entire city underground!) had worn off, and we were starving. So for lunch, we tasted our very first authentic New York Style Pizza at Patsy's Pizzeria! Patsy's claims to be the city's very first pizzeria, opening in 1933. I don't know if the legend is true, but I do know that the pizza was delicious!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Owz_duviQL7KnRvJQP47TtROKUB2lCP5Mz4x0PonOaYtXr1G735pozqxDQCT_RdcN-noTptoIVSRtta-qAd9TJuG58MUTiS9tNT78i-i4-D6b7FJYzdfDyXN-ro_AtsiGDRLoESr9ug/s1600/NYC+Day+3.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Owz_duviQL7KnRvJQP47TtROKUB2lCP5Mz4x0PonOaYtXr1G735pozqxDQCT_RdcN-noTptoIVSRtta-qAd9TJuG58MUTiS9tNT78i-i4-D6b7FJYzdfDyXN-ro_AtsiGDRLoESr9ug/s400/NYC+Day+3.3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Once our bellies were filled, we headed to Museum Numero Deux for the day, The Natural History Museum. This bit of learning was much more our cup of tea. The majority of the museum was like a zoo of every kind of animal in the history of the whole world. I especially enjoyed the life size elephants that you could go right up to. But our favorite part of the whole place was the dinosaur exhibit, with fossil skeletons as big as an entire room!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxnLx3PAzO3nYYP8T4q6n9S9gGzSFXn0N8KbxPJNp6pNkAXfsBKAqTy4TqqAcjkjP2QsE3de2AdIaqNEPqQCRXcuHmsTSIcQToe4hiZ3UUSi7Yv9gsLzdbFZZJl6miv63_rbwgYfO8ow/s1600/NYC+Day+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxnLx3PAzO3nYYP8T4q6n9S9gGzSFXn0N8KbxPJNp6pNkAXfsBKAqTy4TqqAcjkjP2QsE3de2AdIaqNEPqQCRXcuHmsTSIcQToe4hiZ3UUSi7Yv9gsLzdbFZZJl6miv63_rbwgYfO8ow/s400/NYC+Day+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
When we walked back outside, we re-entered Balloon Inflation territory. Not only had the floats grown in size, but so had the crowd! It was now an official, organized tour around the block. It was so cool to be experiencing a tradition with native New Yorkers who participate in this activity every year! Not as cool, however, was walking against the huge crowd to make it to the Subway entrance we needed...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlZd_ZcI9FLriP-kAz2rbBTllXiD6yNGakPK0NvAQgOv9xtBlV1-hCe05-RuLfbKlc7pBCtopuMFXzBYMFWeqBrwiK2NI137bA4nPzHmjQujSdxpED5yAmWBzDjETrE9jXO3MJQTnixo/s1600/NYC+Day+3.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlZd_ZcI9FLriP-kAz2rbBTllXiD6yNGakPK0NvAQgOv9xtBlV1-hCe05-RuLfbKlc7pBCtopuMFXzBYMFWeqBrwiK2NI137bA4nPzHmjQujSdxpED5yAmWBzDjETrE9jXO3MJQTnixo/s400/NYC+Day+3.5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
But fight the crowd we did, because we had a schedule to follow! We rushed back to our hotel room to change clothes for our Broadway Musical! I even exchanged my comfy tennies for some fancy heeled boots! (You better believe my feet were screaming after two museums, but I figured we'd be sitting most of the evening, and it was worth it. You can't dress like a hoodlum for such a classy event.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Ohmygoodness, you guys! Wicked was soooo good! Brad and took great care to not let the show get spoiled for us beforehand. We knew nothing about the story and had heard none of the songs prior arriving on the scene. We wanted it all to be brand new and enjoy it with fresh eyes. We each ordered a novelty cocktail in souvenir cups (Brad chose the Ozmopolitan, and I drank the Flying Monkey Punch.), and then we took our seat right in the center of the Gershwin Theatre. It was overwhelming and amazing. My skin broke out in goosebumps when the lights went down, and I'm not ashamed to admit that a couple tears fell out of my eyes during the "Defying Gravity" number. I've never experienced anything like it in my whole life. We must go back and soak up as much Broadway as we can stand ASAP! (Because of this one performance, the Broadway-focused trip to NYC is already in the works for May, 2013.)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8nMcMBpc1znOYQPt6MEIXQc8lNP-bmHto1ZLfYwWlBjrAa9EyqUOxb6kdeSDaVORfPnHIkZUWakWn7QVGUmb_tcBbKsnjV0eMAAZ-SF7s3km9I3IInxxVLh4a0kXdEf7dWroxd4bRe4/s1600/NYC+Day+3.6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8nMcMBpc1znOYQPt6MEIXQc8lNP-bmHto1ZLfYwWlBjrAa9EyqUOxb6kdeSDaVORfPnHIkZUWakWn7QVGUmb_tcBbKsnjV0eMAAZ-SF7s3km9I3IInxxVLh4a0kXdEf7dWroxd4bRe4/s400/NYC+Day+3.6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Brad touts that Wicked was easily the highlight of his entire week in the city. But mine didn't come until the following morning, bright and early. I have a feeling you can guess what it was. I can't wait to tell you all about it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<em>Check out the rest of our days in NYC!</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2011/12/nyc-day-1.html" target="_blank"><em>Day 1</em></a><em>, </em><a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-2.html" target="_blank"><em>Day 2</em></a><em>, <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-4-thanksgiving.html" target="_blank">Day 4</a>, <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-5.html" target="_blank">Day 5</a>, and <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-6-final-day.html" target="_blank">Day 6</a></em></div>
<a href="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" border="0" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /><br />
</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.584939640619.2060260.150801357&type=3" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>[Entire NYC Day 3 Photo Album]</em></span></a></div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-57788268919355579792012-11-16T15:58:00.000-06:002012-11-26T14:59:37.487-06:00NYC Day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So remember a year ago when Brad and I took a week long trip to New York City for Thanksgiving? And remember how I <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2011/12/nyc-day-1.html" target="_blank">began</a> but never ever finished blogging about it even though it was the best time ever, ever?? Well, I got a little bit of fire lit under my rear since Thanksgiving 2012 is less than a week away, and I can't let an entire year lapse. So, without further adieu, let's move on to NYC Day 2!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKFgUhKEC-bLApm4FcajZGeSbpgcL1rg5SDubzItMriBw0M3OFDvq-uhl2rI_4zgKGh9_NxBGx6hz3UK4bRgJjGJ2jHxRu_pG5ttIoghPZOBZNYzOhqAe7NiMS9M9R08VPmPgF72rRFI/s1600/NYC+Day+2+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKFgUhKEC-bLApm4FcajZGeSbpgcL1rg5SDubzItMriBw0M3OFDvq-uhl2rI_4zgKGh9_NxBGx6hz3UK4bRgJjGJ2jHxRu_pG5ttIoghPZOBZNYzOhqAe7NiMS9M9R08VPmPgF72rRFI/s400/NYC+Day+2+032.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
On Day 2 in the Big Apple, our <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2011/09/big-plans-in-big-apple.html" target="_blank">schedule</a> consisted of consuming as much of the Downtown portion of the city as possible. (Did you know that in NYC, Downtown is called such because it's literally the bottom of the island? Then there is Midtown in the middle and Uptown at he top. Neat. I bet that's where it all started...) We woke up before the sun in order to make it onto the very first ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty in an effort to beat the crowd and squeeze as much into the day as possible. It was a cold and dreary day, but we made the best of it!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqg9wRxR9bqvGfaUTRfBXQcrkPvgcE6aSchu6EgYECrFdKv072363Ju4ujD9hAArjlG3USSVmmkveMRIwuvJfUobbpQsgeBNv_eZx4S3MXD-SI57c9eX6nxqtrD_CSO30L0u6RDG9IZM/s1600/NYC+Day+2.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqg9wRxR9bqvGfaUTRfBXQcrkPvgcE6aSchu6EgYECrFdKv072363Ju4ujD9hAArjlG3USSVmmkveMRIwuvJfUobbpQsgeBNv_eZx4S3MXD-SI57c9eX6nxqtrD_CSO30L0u6RDG9IZM/s400/NYC+Day+2.0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The Statue of Liberty was AWESOME! We had considered not actually sailing out to the island, and just seeing it from the shore instead, but I'm so glad that we did the whole thing. We felt incredibly patriotic as we drew closer to the monument, imagining how so many immigrants felt after weeks or months at sea coming to America, and finaly seeing Lady Liberty's glowing torch as a symbol of their long awaited freedom. It was much more moving than I anticipated, and we weren't even there yet!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We expected the Statue of Liberty to be pretty standardly cool, since it's a main tourist attraction, but we had no idea just how amazing it really would be. (Or how large it is up close!) We rocked some headsets as we simultaneously participated in a self-guided audio tour of the island that explained every aspect of the statue's history, symbolism, and implications for our country. By the time we made it around to the front to get a good, square view, I had tears in my eyes. What an experience. I was pleased to see that even visitors from other countries that were listening to the audio tour in their native languages were equally touched by the heart behind the Statue of Liberty. It made me realize how much of an honor it truly is to live here.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lF160bJYPTdvhkF1WpwrsJuo4l07xN9eA7DyYqpUp7PWQXT-jUy8iWgZUep_WVVDrSxWh9HEf9p0x4bB-IwarQPj1V5sPwYMIMo53Y_ba-ipgni41L7EPKGlgOym36jPnR4ShyqTLeg/s1600/NYC+Day+2.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lF160bJYPTdvhkF1WpwrsJuo4l07xN9eA7DyYqpUp7PWQXT-jUy8iWgZUep_WVVDrSxWh9HEf9p0x4bB-IwarQPj1V5sPwYMIMo53Y_ba-ipgni41L7EPKGlgOym36jPnR4ShyqTLeg/s400/NYC+Day+2.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
We hopped back on the ferry and rode it to the nearby Ellis Island, where all of those immigrants who passed the statue a century ago officially docked on American soil. We were in the immigration museum for hours and hours learning about the stories of so many people who chose the United States as their home. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwux9Nql0LpwSNYKpQvLq37GGOivFsjA5m90YZJYgDIEi-lPa561L8xGnHBCyA4bkW25Kj8gcmOoljYkbrvWAhGm4-rl238HV8qNeIcC_N7ZGcTq3btnn1XFxfblRzzqdSYkzc0bvH78/s1600/NYC+Day+2.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwux9Nql0LpwSNYKpQvLq37GGOivFsjA5m90YZJYgDIEi-lPa561L8xGnHBCyA4bkW25Kj8gcmOoljYkbrvWAhGm4-rl238HV8qNeIcC_N7ZGcTq3btnn1XFxfblRzzqdSYkzc0bvH78/s400/NYC+Day+2.2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Once we got back on the mainland, we grabbed a couple hot dogs from a cart and ventured over to the World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial sites. There are two giant fountains in the places where the twin towers once stood, both with water flowing down the four walls into a pool which then dropped down farther, letting the water fall out of sight. Names of people killed as a result of the 2001 terrorist attacks were engraved in the stone all along the entire edge lines of both fountains. It was incredibly humbling to see name after name as far as you could see. And even more humbling to see people out there honoring those who died, even in the rain. So many names were commemorated by loved ones with flowers perched into the carved space created by the letters. So far, Tuesday had proved to be a pretty emotional day.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlkdQ6ZCaMwEj0KjFuqPJKTze4-wNAAMeNz1pGQ2a20YETzdoUNViMYaxJwtnyOfxmRPoZu10jlOKRTsVm8E9c67T7AEKoMULNgKd-avaua1oQ6IF2dYhj3tp93o7G89NdEX7BbrpYGM/s1600/NYC+Day+2.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlkdQ6ZCaMwEj0KjFuqPJKTze4-wNAAMeNz1pGQ2a20YETzdoUNViMYaxJwtnyOfxmRPoZu10jlOKRTsVm8E9c67T7AEKoMULNgKd-avaua1oQ6IF2dYhj3tp93o7G89NdEX7BbrpYGM/s400/NYC+Day+2.4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While we were downtown, we walked over to the Financial District. Brad's a kind of financial guru, so he was totally geeking out to literally be strolling down on Wall Street and to stand outside of the New York Stock Exchange. He couldn't resist posing for a picture with the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charging_Bull" target="_blank">Charging Bull</a>, even though it was fenced off because of those pesky Occupy Wall Street protesters.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXx3x7EUs5RvdNcxthoJ3AzC_BzkhvK0I9m8xtKNn6u3THjGF6HZ7PeAb2WZGkBlfJYwd4yDwjZ9TzDVqXVDfP7DElWHb64lNs32duQmpPwamPcvpVuSgXUkSaapmQ1ah9B8EG1tHOoA/s1600/NYC+Day+2.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXx3x7EUs5RvdNcxthoJ3AzC_BzkhvK0I9m8xtKNn6u3THjGF6HZ7PeAb2WZGkBlfJYwd4yDwjZ9TzDVqXVDfP7DElWHb64lNs32duQmpPwamPcvpVuSgXUkSaapmQ1ah9B8EG1tHOoA/s400/NYC+Day+2.5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Brad and I were so tired from the early morning and chilled to the bone from walking in the cold drizzle for so long (and we were ahead of schedule), that we decided to spend a little while napping back at our hotel. We finally crawled back out of our warm cave to visit Little Italy for our only preplanned, nice dinner of the week. The authentic Italian restaurant that I can't remember the name of now was amazing. It was so authentic, in fact, that Brad and I were absolutely certain that it was run by the mob, and that they had a hidden room in the back with one light bulb dangling ominously from the ceiling where they threateningly interrogated people on a regular basis. Our very kind, very Italian speaking server, who we think was the owner, made strong suggestions for our menu items, and we willingly agreed with him simply because we wanted to leave our dinner with all ten fingers still intact. We didn't regret it; the pastas were delicious!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgispx6WgCC0ombef5A099wPhW-0vzayD-De9E11DEme79x_WHkD7tAVNMyLZlJPr-UbzA7L1FK-GNU4vRgLKdQ8mdwDopse3dW-UAIAubTu2A5ZS0aRmAdp8O7djoAChTYEjpRXzDSsNw/s1600/NYC+Day+2.6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgispx6WgCC0ombef5A099wPhW-0vzayD-De9E11DEme79x_WHkD7tAVNMyLZlJPr-UbzA7L1FK-GNU4vRgLKdQ8mdwDopse3dW-UAIAubTu2A5ZS0aRmAdp8O7djoAChTYEjpRXzDSsNw/s400/NYC+Day+2.6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
From Little Italy, we had a pretty long walk in the rain back to the nearest Subway Station. (The rain didn't hinder me from talking Bradley into posing near a gigantic nutcracker for a photo op. A tourist is a tourist no matter the weather!) By this time, I was all but whining about my sore, soggy feet hurting so badly. Who knew you would walk so much when you visit the city?? Even though I had ditched my cuter tennis shoes from the day before for my straight-up running shoes in an effort to have more comfort, it was still pretty brutal. Brad estimates that we walked an averaged of <em>at least</em> five miles every day we were there. Ow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So my sweet hubs had the bright idea to walk into some random massage parlor to take advantage of their advertised special for a back and foot massage. Good idea. Except it was torture! Turns out they specialized in deep tissue massages, and we both thought we were gunna die! I think each of us let out cries of pain at one point or another during the 20 minutes. When we got out of there, we both tried to play it cool until Brad finally admitted that it was super painful, and I laughed and let go of my pride to agree that it was some of the worst pain I've ever willingly allowed to happen to my body! We both just laughed as we limped the rest of the way back to the Subway Station.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpV5x0JXK4vyWJeQJFS9jTdn9GZRG34CoNC7xV56azBogRPRREe0aEeWM7bxFFRi8OZ4vqlnJ4E1ozD1QYp0LkgxlKVrYKF8E2HiEHt5r0ytdfDFUtKA_XFOtchHx_lTidPRkEywN7yM/s1600/NYC+Day+2.7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpV5x0JXK4vyWJeQJFS9jTdn9GZRG34CoNC7xV56azBogRPRREe0aEeWM7bxFFRi8OZ4vqlnJ4E1ozD1QYp0LkgxlKVrYKF8E2HiEHt5r0ytdfDFUtKA_XFOtchHx_lTidPRkEywN7yM/s400/NYC+Day+2.7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And with that, NYC Day 2 was officially complete! It was rainy and dreary and emotional on a few levels, but it was absolutely wonderful! I will never forget the first time that we got to see some of the most iconic landmarks of the city (as well as the nation), or the time we cried and then laughed because we were crying and then laughed until we cried again about our painful first massage experience. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Stay tuned for NYC Days <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-3.html" target="_blank">3</a>, <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-4-thanksgiving.html" target="_blank">4</a>, <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-5.html" target="_blank">5</a>, and <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2012/11/nyc-day-6-final-day.html" target="_blank">6</a>! And if you want a recap, here's <a href="http://mindymehaffey.blogspot.com/2011/12/nyc-day-1.html" target="_blank">NYC Day 1</a> that I actually posted in a timely manner a year ago. </div>
<img align="left" src="http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr53/mrs_mehaffey/Signatures/signature-1.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/media/set/?set=a.584731457819.2060241.150801357&type=3" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>[Entire NYC Day 2 Photo Album]</em></span></a></div>
Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.com0