New York, New York

My first Christmas present was a fabulous trip to New York City.  Chris informed me on Saturday that we would be leaving early Monday morning and leaving late Wednesday night.  It was a quick trip, but it was well worth it and fun!

I haven't been to New York City in about 9 years, and this was Chris' first trip ever to this amazing city!  It was so much fun to experience it with him.

Monday, we arrived in LaGuardia Airport around 10:30 AM, and the driver picked us up and delivered us to our hotel, on the Upper West Side, the Hotel Belleclaire.  It was nice and charming.

First thing we did was walk through Central Park, which was beautiful.  We can't wait to visit when it's Spring and in the Fall; I bet the leaves changing in the Fall are spectacular.  Olmsted did an amazing job designing this park.

After walking through part of the park, we headed down Fifth Ave for a bit.  We went into F.A.O.Schwartz, just because Chris had never been to one, and walked to Rockefeller Plaza.  I had to see the Christmas tree; it was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!  I wanted to see Anne Curry, but she was on assignment; so the Today Show was not an option.

Rockefeller Tree!!

After Rockefeller, we walked to Time Square; we ate at Roxy Deli (it was disgusting!)--big mistake.  We were just so hungry, and it was the first thing we saw.

For dinner, we went to Little Italy and ate at Angelo's.  The food was delicious and so was the wine :).  The streets were beautifully decorated with Christmas lights.

Tuesday, we headed to China Town for Dim Sum!!  It was so GOOD!!!!  I could've eaten it everyday I think.  Chris was the only white person in there...heehee, and he ate with chopsticks.

Dim Sum

Chris eating Dim Sum

 After China Town, we walked to South Street Seaport and Wall Street.  The trees at both locations were pretty too.  Then we walked to Battery Park and the ferry to take to visit The Statue of Liberty.

Wall Street

On the way to the Statue of Liberty, we decided to ride on top of the ferry; it was so cold!  The wind was blowing so hard; I don't think I thawed out from that ferry ride and walking all day until I got into bed.

We visited Ground Zero too.  It was so sad to see that it's still a big whole with some piers in the ground for a new building.  I hope that the new Freedom Towers will be up soon!  Thank you to all the men and women who helped save/rescue people trapped on 9/11.  I hope that all the families that lost loved ones on 9/11 are able to move forward and that their lives have been blessed.

Ground Zero

After, Ground Zero, we headed to the Empire State Building.  We went to the 86th floor; I think we went at a great time, the sun was setting and it was getting dark.  I loved some of the photos we got of the skyline at night.

Tuesday night dinner with my favorite New Yorker, Alan!!!  Thanks for taking us to a wonderful restaurant, Cafeteria.  The fried chicken and waffles were so good.  Also, this restaurant was on Sex and the City (Jenn, did you know this?).  Then drinks at a pub I believe somewhere in Chelsea.  And while finding a pub that we could actually sit at we passed by Carrie Bradshaw's stoop on Sex and the City---sorry Jenn you didn't get to see this on your Sex and the City tour.  It was so wonderful catching up with one of my great friends!  Alan, I need more of you in my life!!  I am planning a "real" visit ASAP.

Wednesday, was our last day, and we headed out a little later than we wanted to. But we had an early lunch at Katz' Deli-the restaurant in When Harry Met Sally, where Meg Ryan has her infamous orgasm scene.  The sandwich was very good and full of flavor.

Shopping in Soho proceeded our early lunch and then a cab ride to Bryant Park.  Originally we were going to ice skate, but that didn't end up happening.  We shopped at the Bryant Park market, and treated ourselves to a cup of coffee and shared a piece of cake...yum!  Since the New York City Public Library is at Bryant Park, we visited it.  All I have to say is, Absolutely beautiful!  The architecture in New York is incredible!

Shopping at Bryant Park

We walked from Bryant Park back to our hotel, walking back through Central Park.  We walked through Strawberry Fields on Dec. 8th, 30 years after John Lennon was shot.  It was crazy packed with news reporters and high security.  People were standing around singing John Lennon songs, and selling buttons about the CIA killing John Lennon...crazy!  And then we walked by his apartment; this is where he was actually shot.  Yoko Ono still lives there with her son.

John Lennon's Apartment Building

Then it was off to LaGuardia for our flight out.  We had so much fun on our quick and spontaneous vacation. It was great experiencing Chris' first trip to New York City.  This city is so amazing and such a melting pot of different nationalities...so cool!  And all the food options...I'm so jealous!

I can't wait for my next trip back; I sure hope it's soon!  Don't worry Alan, it will be :)

Thanksgiving 2010

This Thanksgiving we were able to spend it with Family!  This was Chris' first Thanksgiving with my family ever. We weren't able to make it to my mom's family this Thanksgiving, but thankfully we were able to see them the week before...missed you guys and the yummy Chinese food!

So this year was Thanksgiving with my dad's side of the family and his family.

We had such a great time spending with family and friends!  It really is so nice to be so close to them.

We left Wednesday evening after I got off work, about 7:30 PM, and drove to Chris' parents.  We got to there house about midnight...we were exhausted!  Sadie Mae was so excited to visit Mrs. Pam and Mr. Bryan.  She loves going there because she can run off the leash  on there lot (I think she feels free!).  Also, Mrs. Pam takes her on like 3 walks a day-I only take her for one walk a day.

We woke up early Thanksgiving morning and headed to my Aunt Rennie's house...we could've left a little later, but I forgot about the time change.  It was so nice seeing almost everyone in the fam; some of my cousins were not there-You were all missed!  My Grandmother Esther looked beautiful, as usual, and she seemed stronger than she was this summer-so Thankful for her being able to make it for Thanksgiving!  What a blessing!!  Chris enjoyed his first Thanksgiving with my fam...he fit right in!

Jordan, Taelor, and me with Grandmother Esther

Another take with Aunt Shirley

This was the first Thanksgiving I was told that I needed to bring something...not sure how I feel about this-this means I'm an adult.  But I brought dessert--turkey decorated gingerbread cupcakes, carrot cake cookies, and sugar cookies.  It was all very delicious....yum!

My sugar cookies

My turkey cupakes-I used candy melts for the feathers & heads
and chocolate covered marshmallows for the body

After thanksgiving at my aunt's house, we went to my dad's for the night, and we got to meet the new addition to the family, a German Shepherd named Mac!  He is so cute and fluffy!  He is going to be huge!  His paw fits in the palm of my hand and he's only about 2 months old (if that).

Dad & Judy-great photo!

Me and dad's new pup-Mac!  Isn't he so cute?!

Friday, we left to head back to Chris' parents house to watch the Iron Bowl.  What a sad day for the Crimson Tide.  I was so upset!  But you know what, Auburn will get what it deserves in the end!  We enjoyed leftover turkey and Cornbread dressing (has to be cornbread), my favorite!  Not sure why we don't have dressing all year long, because it is so good!

Saturday, Mrs. Pam and I went shopping in downtown Perry-no purchases-but the downtown is really cute.  Afterwards Chris and I went to our friends house, Chris and Amy, to watch our Georgia Bulldogs play GATech.  Thank God we won, or it would've been a disappointing weekend, as far as football goes.  Thanks Amy and Chris for having us; it was so good to see you guys!

Sunday, was a day of relaxation, and with that we decided to shoot BB Guns-that was fun! I hit the milk cartoon about 50 yards away.

Chris and his dad shooting BB guns

Taking a shot at it!

Monday, we left for Columbia, but on the way we made a pit stop to have lunch with my bestie, Hannie!  I was so excited to get to see her!!  I love you Han!  And I especially love that I have gotten to see you, oh about every 2-3 weeks....beats once a year if I'm lucky!

And the best part of our Thanksgiving weekend, was rescuing a sweet stray dog!  He is white with brown spots, blue eyes, and a pink nose.  We think he is a mix of pit bull, lab, and possibly pointer.  He showed up Wednesday night.  He knows commands, sit, stay, etc.  And all he wanted to do was love, love, love!  I wanted to keep him-he told me he wanted to be a part of the Davis family-, but my sweet hubby did not.  But we did call the rescue center to come get him.  But, mark my words, if he isn't adopted within 2 weeks, we might have a new addition to the Davis family!  He had a collar, but no tag; so, we tried to come up with his name.  Chris' dad nicknamed his "Porch", because he laid on the front porch.  And we just found out yesterday, 12/1/10, that someone adopted him!  So he is keeping an single old lady company...I'm so happy he now has a home, but I wish he was with us too.

"Porch"-isn't he so sweet?!

"Porch" wanted a photo with the fam!

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was wonderful, and got to spend time with their family and friends!  There is so much to be THANKFUL for!!