NYC
This past week we needed to go to New York City to make an appearance at the Russian embassy in order to get our visas. After the 3 hour drive we had time to get a quick lunch at this cute little restaurant which was right across from the embassy before our meeting. We were somewhat nervous, not knowing what to expect, but the whole ordeal lasted less than half an hour. After we left the place, we felt so good about it, we wanted to skip down the sidewalk. Now we had the rest of the afternoon in front of us. So much to do in so little time. I had made dinner reservations ahead of time since Micah’s birthday is coming up. What better place is there? We decided to get on a bus and head down to the Freedom Tower and the 9/11 Memorials.
The Guggenheim Museum
We ended up taking a bus down to the tower, which took longer than we thought, but we found it without any problem and with the help of a really nice bus driver. We were just going to see the new tower being built and decided the last second to see the memorials. We thought we would go see them real quick and then head to dinner. Well, give yourself some time if you decide to do it yourself. The ticket was free, but then we had to walk five blocks around to the entrance. Then it seems as if you will be going to a concert with all the lines and mazes we went through. Finally we got to this small building and we thought we were there. Nope, it was a small security terminal. Ok, maybe we are almost there. Well, after a couple more minutes of walking down a maze or two, and then having our free ticket scanned about 5 times, we made it.
Freedom Tower
Area around the memorials
Really quite amazing memorials, in person
It really was very nice, once we got into the memorial area. They are huge and breathtaking.
That took way longer than we had hoped, so we took a taxi back up town toward our restaurant and we made it with plenty of time.
Enjoying a nice dinner with my birthday boy
We had a great day and dinner together. Here are a few pictures of the city at night on our way out.
Just pretend this picture of the Empire State Building isn’t blurry
The Renno’s are here!
Hi Friends!
For the next two weeks we have the priviledge of a visit from Katrina’s family; her parents, sister and one brother! Bill, Sharon, Rachel and Jason all arrived on Thursday. We are so happy and thankful that they have come to visit us. Yesterday was spent relaxing and letting them get adjusted to the time zone. Today we went to Red Square, saw St. Basil’s and went inside, the Kremlin, and we saw the changing of the guards which we have a video of on our youtube channel. Then we walked down to the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, went inside the church and as we were leaving they were ringing the bells up in the bell towers. It sounded really pretty! Afterwards, we ate at a Russian restaurant to let them get a taste of the food here.
It was a fun and tiring day, but we are so happy to have them here!
Violet walking with Grandma and Grandpa
In front of Christ the Savior Cathedral
Five in Florida 