Testing Testing 124: January 2014

We love when Texas visits New York City. We especially love these three. Less than a month after Kaylie made the Petty family a trio, we were trekking across the United States in our U-Haul. Life is crazy and fast like that. It changes in a matter of weeks, suddenly and full of adventure.

I still remember our final dinner with Kristi and Ben at Cheddar's. Kaylie, just a tiny little thing… happy to be held. Not really a special restaurant, but a place that will always hold a place in our hearts. A few years ago, we traveled almost 8 hours for a wedding and then had the bright idea after a few beers to "quickly" grab spinach and artichoke dip, our favorite. Which, of course, made us so late that we had to squirm in through a back door and half stand/sit on an awkward couch. No regrets. It's that good. After we left the restaurant that night, I cried for almost 20 minutes on our way home - knowing that our lives were rapidly changing. New babies, new cities and many miles between.

Another chapter. Another page.

But you know what's so fun about new chapters? New memories. Different memories, stitched together by new experiences and old stories. And that is pretty great.

Experiencing New York City through the eyes of a 1 1/2 year old was pretty darn cool. Of course, she was a trooper… wide-eyed and full of giggles. She instantly became best friends with Pickle and Sundae with her generosity in sharing food. Richard gained a new nickname - Alford. NYC did not disappoint with an adventurous first night involving a drunken neighbor and 911 being called. We explored so much in so little time. NYC never disappoints with its adventure, views and excitement. And the four of us even put on face masks one night… we really have the best husbands, don't we?

We are thankful for these friends and for the continuation of memories.

Petty Trio: Love from New York City… and sorry about the snowpacolypse that held you captive an extra night. Although, one more dinner and bottle of wine wasn't so bad.

FRIDAY

ARRIVE IN NYC!

Lunch at Shake Shack, Grand Central Station, NYC Subway, Times Square, M&M Store, Disney Store, 30 Rock, NBC Experience Store, Lego Land, Empire State Building, NYC Public Library, Bryant Park, The Plaza Hotel, FAO, Ordered from Seamless

SATURDAY

Museum of Natural History, Lunch at Papaya Dog, Cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery, Highline Park, Chelsea Market, The Park – Bar/Restaurant, The Children’s Place (Kristi bought Kaylie a pair of cowboy boots, ironic?), Grocery Shopping, Margaritas / Guy's Night @ East End Tavern

SUNDAY

Central Park (Reservoir, Boat House Area / Bethesda Foundation, The Mall “Divorce Walk”, Coffee at Le Pain), Saw City Hall / Brooklyn Bridge, 9/11 Memorial, Lunch at PRET, Battery Park City (Statue of Liberty), Wall Street, Kristi & Ben date night (dinner and Rodney Dangerfield’s Comedy Club)!

MONDAY

DUMBO (Brooklyn), Lunch at Grimaldi’s, Roosevelt Island Sky Ferry, Serendipity, Pil Pil & Nails (girl’s night!), Lasagna & Wine @ Home with face masks!