Our 9th Anniversary Get-Away

Rich had a surprise get-away planned for our 9th anniversary. He didn't tell me a thing other than we were traveling 8 hours the night before we went. We dropped the kids off in Cleveland on our way out. They were thrilled and have been looking forward to going to both of their grandparents houses while we were gone. Shortly after entering PA we saw a very strange sight on the side of the road. We both believe it was a road kill "big black bear!" First stop was in NJ. I became suspicious when I saw a sign for the Medieval Times on the side of the road and Rich got a big smirk on his face!We ate dinner w/ our bare hands... (very messy) while watching this awesome show. There was jousting and all sorts of entertainment. Luke would LOVE this place! The food was good we were served Tomato soup, 2 BIG pieces of chicken, garlic bread, a seasoned baked potato wedge, ribs, and a pastry dessert.We were cheering for the red and yellow night this time. (Which meant we were sitting in his section w/ matching crowns to his outfit). I was lucky enough to catch a flower the knight kissed and threw at me, actually it fell in my soup, I kinda dropped it. We went to our hotel (after a lot of hassle) driving in NJ and NY is NOT easy!! and the directions were awful. Actually the signs in the city were awful. We were looking for a certain road which was actually labeled on a shopping sign and not particularly obvious anywhere else. We got thrown back on the toll road a few times. It was quite miserable.

The next morning we headed out to the big city and parked our car. I give Rich a lot of credit for being brave enough to drive in NYC! yikes!! it was very scary!! After parking he had planned to take me for a horse and carriage ride around central park!Then we walked around ourselves for a bit.and climbed on some rocks.At 10am the zoo at Central park opened. It was a nice small zoo. The weather was perfect.

A cute video of a penguin we saw!

http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm269/trustinginHim-2/?action=view&current=MVI_7897.flv

At 1pm we boarded the subway and headed for the Yankee's new stadium! Rich was in heaven! :)It was sad to see the old stadium right across the street, knowing that it would be torn down soon. I kept thinking "This is the house that Babe built".... We picked up a souvenir book for Luke called "One Last Time"... Rich is going to write something in the front for Luke to remember their last trip to the stadium before it is taken down. I got all teary eyed reading the book thinking about the stadium being torn down, but in the story they reminded this little boy that the "older" players had their chance and now it's the new players chance to make memories and records. Here is Rich in all of his glory!They decorated it really nice inside w/ photos of past playersAnd recent players...

Rich bought me this shirt for the baby. Let me make sure everyone knows I'm still an Indians fan at heart.. I let him have his fun w/ the Yankee's since it's so important to him and the kids now.I do have to say I felt pretty cool in my shirt. I got quite a few laughs from people trying to figure it out.After the game we went back to central park and walked around then took the subway back to see Little Mermaid on Broadway! Of course taking the subway was never easy. We walked and walked which was quite a site w/ me waddling everywhere and Rich limping. Little Mermaid was really really good. The lighting, costumes and effects were amazing!! it was much better than I had expected. Even Rich was able to really enjoy himself.

A little bit of the night life in the middle of NYC

http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm269/trustinginHim-2/?action=view&current=MVI_7997.flv

After the show we "tried" to get back to our car. We took the subway to 59 street but this time it took a much longer time. We accidentally went to another 59 street. We kept getting on and off the train, it was 1am by the time we made it back to our hotel, completely flustered!!

We slept in the next morning.. me till 9am.. then I took a bath and soaked away my aches and pains! He slept in till 10am. and we were headed back home on our 8 hour trip! Along the way we took a side trip and stopped at Penn's Cave. It was SOOOOOOOO cool. The cave had enough water in it to allow us to travel by boat from one end to the other. Inside it was a little scary.. the water was 38 degrees, so the kids switching sides left and right making the boat rock made me a little nervous about going in!

Here are the steps leading down to the cave. It was hot outside but 59 degrees in the cave. Just walking down the steps made you want to put your coat on quick!Here we are either leaving or arriving back at the entrance?This is the back side to the cave. It opens up to a lake. It was so pretty! We got home by 11pm and went to bed. The next day I went to pick up the kids at Mamaw and Papa's house. They were sleeping overnight in their camper.