Mike & Mandi's Wedding in NYC!

The David Clan took a bite out of the Big Apple last month as we all traveled to NYC for Amanda and Mike's wedding.  Jack was the ring bearer in the wedding so we packed up both kiddos (and Mimi and Papa's 2 extra set of hands) and headed east for 5 days. I have to admit I was not looking forward to taking the kids to New York City. I have been there many times and it can be difficult to navigate even for the most seasoned traveler, let alone a family with 2 small  kids.  And yes, it was a bit difficult getting around, but aside from that hassle we had an absolute blast.  The weather could not have been more perfect and the wedding itself was absolutely amazing.  We had so much fun touring the city and catching up with all of Christian's family who traveled in from all over the country, especially Grandma Lucy who met Gavin for the first time.

Amanda and Mike planned an awesome weekend of dinners, cocktail receptions and, of course, the wedding.  It was probably one of the best weddings I have ever been to.  First of all, you can really see the love that they have for each other - that always makes the wedding so much more special. We adore Mike and are so happy to have him in the family.  Second, the setting was just spectacular - it was in Long Island City which is across the river, so the backdrop was the Manhattan skyline.  Gorgeous!  And finally, the reception was beyond fun.  Probably the best wedding band ever!  Christian and I pawned the kids off with Mimi and Papa so we were able to let loose and really enjoy ourselves.  We danced until the very last song.  Everyone had a fabulous time! 

I won't bore you with every little detail of the trip, but I must warn you that there are about 30 pictures below so  I will try to keep my captions brief.  But I wanted to try to give you all a taste of our time in New York.  Enjoy...

After waking up at 5 am and traveling for what felt like an eternity we finally made it!  Take a good look at this stroller because it's the last time you will ever see it...

The view from our room.  We needed lots of space for the kids so we opted to stay at the Marriott Downtown.  It's in lower Manhattan, right on the river.  Here's the view at sunset...

We were also right across the street from the World Trade Center.  Here is the new Freedom Tower being built...

We spent the first day doing "kid stuff" with Mimi and Papa.  I am eternally grateful to them for coming with us.  They were so helpful and very needed!  As I mentioned its not easy getting around NYC with 2 kids but they made it a lot easier for us.  Here they are in Central Park with Gav...

More Central Park with my hippie hubby...

The Plaza Hotel!

Jack enjoying a slice...

Love...

Rockefeller Plaza on Flag Day...

A view of the new Freedom Towers from the 911 Memorial.  It's really difficult to describe this place.  It's just very peaceful.  It's a touching dedication to the victims.  I think they did a beautiful job...

One of the two memorial fountains that represents each of the fallen towers.  I don't think these pictures do it justice.  It really is spectacular...

Flight 93...

So remember when I said to take a good look at the old stroller.  Well, folks, we lost it in New York.  Yes, we left it in a cab, never to be seen again.  And it would be impossible to get around New York without a stroller so we picked up these 2 umbrella strollers at Babies R Us at $35 a pop.  Could they be any uglier!  And both of the boys looked so uncomfortable...look at Jack, he's absolutely busting out...

But Gavin finds a way to sleep just about anywhere...in the middle of Times Square, in the middle of the world's largest Toys R Us, in the world's most uncomfortable stroller...

Mike and Mandi hosted a welcome cocktail party on Friday night.  Here's Judy with her siblings, Tom and Nancy and Grandma Lucy...

I'm obsessed with dressing the boys alike while they still let me...

Grandma meeting Gavin for the first time.  It was really special for Chris...

Sweet, shy Gav doesn't like crowds so he was not a happy camper that night.  Christian and I basically had to hold him all night otherwise he cried....like in this picture with his Aunt Melanie and cousin Sophia...

Me with the bride and our friend Allison...

And he cried some more.  I mean, look at that face....like we're absolutely torturing him...

The David's...

Ready for a day of sight seeing!  Serious cute factor here...

So on Friday while Christian and I tried to navigate the city alone with 2 kids in 2 very cheap strollers, Mimi and Papa enjoyed some much needed alone time.  It was their anniversary so they spent the day strolling Central Park (sans kids), exploring museums, and hitting the town for dinner and a musical.

They went to see Ricki Martin in Evita...

Then they REALLY saw Ricky Martin...

And finally, the wedding!  Here's Chris and Little Chris hamming it up for the camera...

Me and my honey all dressed up.  I think the hippie cleans up nicely, don't you!  Check out the view...it was even more amazing at night...

Gigi and the gals enjoying a pre-wedding cocktail...

Amanda was stunning...

A simply gorgeous setting...

Our little man in his tux!  So handsome!!  He did such a great job as ring bearer...

My family in their best duds, right before we shipped the kids off so we could tie one on...

Jack and his favorite cousins....Sophia, Carson and Sami.  He adores them and they are so good with him and Gavin...

Me and the blushing Bride!

Finally home!