My sister and I had so much fun showing Gracie (8 years old) the city. She was so excited just taking everything in. Ellen and I have the capacity to go on a super-schedule, so we pared things down as best as possible for an 8-year old.
Everything was a first for Gracie, so she didn't want to miss a thing. She stared out the window of the train the entire hour long ride into Manhattan.
She loved Grand Central and was amazed by the number of people in New York. "That's way more than a 1,000" she was heard saying.
We trekked over to the TKTS booth and bought amazing seats for half-price to see The Addams Family. Then we had enough time before the matinee for lunch and a surprise.
We went to my favorite Brazilian restaurant - Emporio Brasil - where Gracie enjoyed the taste of a Brazilian soda - Guarana, some yummy lunch, and a brigadeiro (fudge ball) for dessert.
After lunch we took Gracie for a quick surprise before the matinee. When we walked by this storefront she said "Look Mama, an American Girl Doll store" - aha - our surprise worked!
We did some quick shopping (Gracie has Kaya, so we got some new outfits, accessories and books) and looked around at the amazing displays. Good thing my boys didn't join us on this girls outing - as we only saw 2 men in the entire store!
Trying not to tire out her 8-year-old feet, we took a taxi across town to the theatre. Doesn't she look like a natural? You'd never guess it was her first time taking a taxi.
I can't even tell you what amazing seats we had for The Addams Family. OK, I can. Tenth Row - orchestra. Gotta love TKTS booth! We laughed and laughed and had a grand old time.
We stopped at the Hershey Store in Times Square to pick up some NYC souvenirs after our show. Gracie had a hard time choosing, but finally found a glitzy NYC yellow cab filled with scrumptious Hershey's kisses.
And because we were in full tourist mode, and protecting the tootsies of our precious 8-year old, we took a rickshaw ride to Central Park.
Once at Central Park, we exchanged Mohammed and his rickshaw for Rashid, Muffin and their Central Park Carriage Ride. Gracie had more fun looking at all the horses and dogs in Central Park. I'm not sure she noticed anything else.
We ended our big adventure in the city with a train ride out of Harlem - 125th Street. I think Gracie will have stories to tell for months to come.
After a dinner of homemade comfort food (aka my Macaroni & Cheese) Gracie put on her AGD t-shirt and the matching one on a loaner doll (from Aunt Jennifer).
I think it's safe to say it was a highly successful outing. Ellen and I had so much fun showing NYC to Gracie. I hope she'll come back for many more visits.
OMG what a day you had!!! THAT's the kind of day to spend in NYC. True tourist thru and thru! I love the TKTS too. You can get some amazing plays with great seats for a good price.
Posted by: Lynn | Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 09:56
Will you be my Auntie too???? Looks like you all had a wonderful time and what wonderful memories you have made for Gracie.
Posted by: Dee | Monday, March 28, 2011 at 15:01
That looks like a fantastic day! You made plenty of memories for sure.
Posted by: Karen | Monday, March 28, 2011 at 07:53
What special memories for all of you! So glad you were able to enjoy the innocence of a child while in NYC...a rarity these days.
Posted by: Ruthie | Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 23:17
You are a terrific aunt! That will be a trip she remembers for years. Do you want to take me on a tour of NYC??
Posted by: Lorette | Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 12:08
What a fun day! You had great weather as well. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Posted by: Michelle | Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 12:06
I love being an Auntie and doing fun things with my nieces and nephew, but I want to be YOUR niece! What fun!
Posted by: Beth | Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 11:07