The boys had a half day of school yesterday and John took the day off so we headed into NYC to go on our annual trip to the crowd-laden tree area and Times Square. Do you remember when Times Square was really Times Squaller? It was all peepshows (and worse) and drug laden and homeless and drunk and scary. It ‘s so NICE now. All pretty and disney and bright. I really like it much better this way.

Anyway, we went in with John’s parents this year, which was a lot of fun for everyone. Took the train in (there was no way I was driving in during the height of the season) which is always a big hit with the boys. Took the subway (with one extremely disgustingly smelly elevator) to Times Square and walked over to the Toys R US. Told the boys we were not buying, just looking, but if they saw something I would get it for them LATER for Christmas. But they still had nervous breakdowns over some Lego Star Wars stuff. Kinda put a damper on the rest of the day cause they were all pouty and pissy after that. Thankfully, Timmy was so ready for a nap and fell right asleep in the stroller for the walk uptown. At least someone was happy. Sleeping, but happy.

We walked up from Times Square to Rockefeller Center. Stopped on the way for a pretzel and to look at some cool window displays and some big decorations. Saw the display of the 1 million pennies that had been collected by NYC school kids to donate to charity. It was pretty cool looking. We ran in to Sharper Image to look around and warm up. Before going to the tree, we stopped in at St. Patrick’s Cathedral where the big boys chased pigeons, lit candles, and Timmy woke up from his nap.  Walked over to the actual tree which I had heard from a number of people was really, really pretty this year (it was).  Then I had a problem: It used to be that you could stand right in the middle in front of the reflecting pools and take your own pictures there- which was the best spot. They had even built a little platform in past years and people would just line up on their own and take their pictures. Now they have somekind of huge photography racket and it really PISSED me off. They have that prime area all cordened off and you must get your picture taken by NBC if you want one in that area. Of course, the picture taking is free, but the prints start at around $15 for one picture. What a fre
aking rip off! So now you have to take your picture off to the side of the tree, not in the middle with all the angels along side. It’s pretty disgusting what they can make money off of. But I cheated- I sent John and the boys in there and took my own pictures while the "pro" photographer was taking his. Timmy was NOT happy having his picture taken by this guy and he pitched a fit which lasted into my pictures. Oh well. Overphotographed syndrome.

After the tree we walked back thru the BIG crowds over to Times Square and went to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. for dinner. The wait wasn’t terrible since it was so early (not even 5pm) but by the time we got seated and started eating it was around 5:30pm. So it worked out really well. Timmy even told me he had to go potty (he never tells me, I just take him) and pooped in the city in the toilet! One of the highlights of the day.

All in all, it was a good day. The boys perked up after dinner and a little at the tree. Timmy was in a great mood at dinner and was even standing up in the booth dancing a bunch. He was so good about staying in the stroller much of the day. So tired today, but back into NYC for me as I have a photoshoot there this afternoon. Look for pictures on that coming soon.