Atlantic City

This weekend we decided to head down to Atlantic City.
Who doesn't go to the beach when it is snowing? Ok ok so the snow wasn't really sticking on the ground.

We had lunch at White House Sub Shop
Then headed over to Caesars for the Pier Shops.
The kids seemed to enjoy the two candy stores at the Pier Shops.
We also watched the water show while eating ice cream, yes ice cream during the winter.

One of our favorite places, the beach... although it was a bit cold.

Enjoying the odd flavors and over sized candy at It's Sugar

Yes that lollipop is taller than Madeline

We also enjoyed a short but nice walk on the boardwalk.

Afterwards a coffee/snack break was needed before hitting up the outlets at The Walk.

It was a nice getaway for a quick day trip and we definitely hope to go back again perhaps when the weather is warmer.

Chinese New Year Lunar Parade NYC

Wow what an experience.

We staked out a place on Canal street, with hundreds of other people only to see the parade turn down Mott street. OOPS! Well we went down, walking quickly with those said hundreds of other people to a side street and cut over to see the parade. Well technically threw the kids on our shoulders so they could see the parade. We saw a few dragons, Snoopy, and Minnie then decided to get some confetti fireworks and fried dumplings.


The kids loved the confetti fireworks, we had fun shooting some off then playing in the confetti.


Ok so the place we got fried dumplings is worth mentioning, appropriately named Fried Dumpling is off of Mosco Street ( which is the said street we cut over to see the parade) and while it had a line it was worth the 5-10 minute wait. It not the healthiest version of dumplings (steamed with veggies) the fried dumplings were delicious and satisfying. OH did I mention the price? 5 for $1, so four orders aka $4 and we had 20 dumplings to split between us. The best part of it, Mason LOVES friend dumplings so this added to his perfect day.

http://offthebroiler.wordpress.com/2007/04/24/nyc-dining-fried-dumpling/

http://www.yelp.com/biz/fried-dumpling-new-york

First Snow of Winter

Woo Hoo we finally got some snow.

We had a freak snow/sleet storm back at the end of October but this time it was much awaited and much fluffier snow.

First sight of the snow out our back window


We went over to the playground, typically you can see NYC in the background but it was so foggy/snowy you can't see NYC at all.




After the playground, we cleaned off the car, grabbed a bite to eat then headed over to Liberty State park for some hills

Is it obvious Madeline loves her shovel?

ZooMania

One of our Christmas gifts is a gift that will keep giving for a whole year.We got a family premium membership to the zoo.

Not just one zoo but to the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park, Prospect Park, and Queens Zoo! So far we have tested 3 out of the 5 and loved each one!

Seriously if you are planning to take the family to more than one of these parks in a years time this membership might be for you.

At the Aquarium

Bronx Zoo

Central Park Zoo




For $164 you get-

• FREE admission for two adults and the children in their household up to age 18 to the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park, Prospect Park, and Queens Zoos
• FREE admission for one additional guest or child caregiver
• FREE unlimited access to Bronx Zoo attractions including Congo Gorilla Forest, Wild Asia Monorail, Children’s Zoo, JungleWorld, Butterfly Garden, Hess Express Zoo Shuttle, Bug Carousel PLUS the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium 4-D Theaters
• FREE unlimited parking at the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium (subject to availability; one car per Membership per visit)
• FREE limited-edition wildlife T-shirt
• Invitations to Members' Evenings at the Bronx Zoo
• FREE updates on zoo activities and events in Members' News and Members' E-News
• 10% discount at select gift shops at the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, and Central Park Zoo
• 10% discount at select restaurants at the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, and Central Park Zoo
• Discounts on Education programs and courses
• Priority zoo entry for Members—no long lines at the gate!

Check out their website for more details!

Blessings

Wow Hanukkah and Christmas came and went. Now the countdown to NYE!

We are so blessed to have a wonderful and wacky family to share the holidays. Just hope to see the rest of my family soon.

Now it's time to entertain my parents for the next week in the Big Apple

Holiday Time

(Tree at Rockefeller Center)

Wow can it really be December 20th?

(Macy's Herald Square Window)

We have been so busy, but loving city life especially with the holidays coming up.

(Santacon)

Lots of family coming up this week so I will make sure to make a post with lots of photos!

Until then
Happy Holidays!

6 Months

So we passed our 6 month mark of living here in New Jersey at the end of October. Wow 6 months, on one hand it doesn't seem that long ago but on the other hand we've done so much and covered quite a bit of land in that amount of time.

It is pretty magical up here already for the holidays, and we don't even have the super cold weather YET. We passed Macy's last weekend and they were setting up their holiday window displays.

We went to Bryant Park for ice skating and family day last Saturday.


Matt was the only one who had real experience and at one point Matt was trying to keep up both kids along with keeping himself up. While it was hysterical (to me) we decided that wasn't the best situation so Mason was getting the hang of it and Madeline and I just clung to the wall.


After ice skating we got kettle corn, colored at a craft table, sang ice karaoke for Columbia's Freezer tour and the kids won hats!

Bryant Park has really cute temporary glass shops set up for the holidays so we peeked into a few of those as well.

I am not sure if Matt will brave ice skating with us again, but I am really looking forward to trying again.

Here goes to another memorable 6 months!