Leaving NYC 2013

These skyscrapers form their own canyons. So similar, but so different from another trip's sunset I remember....Mt. Zion National Park.

Robert and I decided we walked more here and at Boston, than at the Grand Canyon or Yosemite!

After 3 weeks, it's time to head back to Georgia. Our 5th summer doing this crazy business of sleeping in a (car), eating off a camp stove, bathing in campground restrooms (some better than others) meeting people from all walks and seeing America.

We can say along with Woody that we have been from California to the New York Island, from the Red Wood forests to the Gulf Stream waters, from the diamond deserts to the wheat fields waving. What a treasure our varied USA country is. What a treasure our family time is, too.

And of course as we drive on down the highway the next 2 days, we'll dream up another RVing adventure!

Last nite NYC July 10, 2013

Abigail Magic Lights show Times Square

I guess they figured they had a show to offer at least as good as some character cartoon people and a guy in brief undies playing a guitar. (This isn't quite Key West at dusk, but generally the "artsays" come out at dark.) Afterwards they passed they hat and collected about $5-8 for three separate 5 mins. shows. Where were their parents. (Right there videoing.)

Times Square good bye!

Our last nite of the tour. Katie and Abigail got this crazy idea to perform a magic show here (not so crazy for those two I guess.) Katie rustled up an audience and Abigail worked her magic... complete w audience participation.

John's Pizzeria, w. 44 th Street

The pizzeria with brick ovens was once a church, but I don't know the history. Elegant staircase and the stained glass windows remain.

Our last supper - Yankee Tour 2013.

John's Pizzeria, NYC

July 10, 2013. It's hard to believe all we've seen and experienced in a day, starting this early morning at TODAY.

I saved this dinner rec. from a friend, maybe Karen Gallagher or Beth Stevens? But John's Pizzeria can't be beat! The pizza was amazing, but you have to have the garlic knots!! This was just great. It does get very crowded at dinner with the theater crowd, so go early or after the shows start like at 8 pm.

John's Pizzeria
260 W. 44 th Street (walk to Times Square)

Liberty Legos Toys R Us

We went to FAO also, both are just outrageous toy lands. TRUs more airy and open space. Statue of Liberty in legos. Also Empire State Building.

Toys R Us candy at NYC

We didn't look for the carousel, but there is plenty to see here! They have Peeps place, and Willy Wonka world, so plenty of sweets, too!

Ferris wheel at Toys R Us, NYC

How cool!!
1514 Broadway, New York City
(near Times Square)

Fun at Toys R Us, NYC

After wall street look, train over to Times Square and the 3 story ToysRUs there. Way cool. All sizes allowed on this huge ferris wheel in the store. $5.

George Washington and Wall Street

Federal Building, NYC

Federal Building was closed today bc of maintenance problems but here the first capitol before D.C. and where George Washington was inaugurated. NY stock exchange in background.

Wall Street, NYC

July 10. Next hopped a train to lower Manhattan and the financial district. Wall Street so unlike the rest of the city with its very narrow streets (horse and buggy) art deco architecture and skyscrapers. Stock exchange no longer open to the public since 9/11.

Katie at Little Italy

July 10, 2013. Street scape at Little Italy. A block from Chinatown. Katie in her Junior Ranger hat.

Temple if the Golden Buddha

Mahayana Temple. We stopped in here for some peace and meditation and a prayer of thanksgiving to our Christ Jesus. This 16 foot Buddha is the largest around and it was very serene here. Taking pictures would have been disrespectful, so I googled this one on the internet.

Temple of the Golden Buddha
661 Choiren Krung
Brooklyn (Chinatown) New York

Chinese food in Chinatown

Wed. July 10 I wish I had noted the name of this restaurant in Chinatown as it was very good with an extensive menu and great prices. Family style eating. Air conditioning!

Chinatown, Brooklyn

Took the train over to Chinatown and Little Italy. This was an experience! Lots of mini markets and food carts. Low rise buildings with the skyscrapers in the distance. Very cool.

Trump Tower

This was a little disappointing actually. I didn't care for the mud colored marble surround on all entire interior tho I'm sure it cost a fortune. Rooftop garden grade C. Too few scraggly trees, not impressive. You're fired.

Abercrombie model

The girls made a photo with a smiling model. Robert wowed us doing some of his own modeling with this guy. We are a crazy family! But Robert looks just like this guy after losing 40 pounds and getting in the best shape ever at 45!

Abercrombie on 5th Avenue

After the hype and excitement of the Today show, we walked over to 5 th Avenue for a couple of kid picks. Standing in line to get into the retail Abercrombie & Fitch. Did I mention I have tweens and teens? We don't even go to this store in Atlanta. But they did not want to miss the 3 story edition here in New York City.

Abigail waves Hi on TODAY

Neat to talk to Matt Lauer during a break. Abigail in her souvenir pink NYC ball cap.

Summer on TODAY

My friend from Atlanta snapped this pic and sent it to us. How funny. You crack me up Christine Cooper. Matt and Savannah did say hello to us as our RV signs were bright and interesting enough I suppose. Matt talked to Abigail especially and asked about our travels. Katie showed off her junior ranger hat with its 30 plus National Park badges of places visited. Savannah so beautiful in person. Tall.

TODAY show, NYC

Summer and Abigail at the "window." They took turns scooting around and we got a couple of calls from friends who spotted the on tv. Robert, too, who of course wasn't trying to be recognized.

Katie at TODAY show. 12 years.

Katie staked out a front row spot. Actor Ryan Reynolds was here and was nice enough to walk all the way around this crowd posing for pics with fans. Unfortunately, Katie just missed out at her turn when some crazies behind her elbowed and pushed their way over Katie who politely relented to their physicality. We hardly knew of Ryan anyway, but he seemed nice enough with his patience in taking all those iphone sefies with everyone. Literally he spent time w each person or group minus Katie who was surely in the right place. Sorry Katie.

Rockefeller Center, NYC

Wed. July 10, 2013 - Day 18
Up at the crack of dawn today to make it to the TODAY show. We were undecided as to whether this would be worth the pain of getting up so early and catching the long subway ride to downtown. Review afterwards with girls was "that was awesome!" So happy we made the effort in spite of this making a very long day. They LOVED this experience even if Robert and I were fine to sit on the sidelines with coffee.

We have always been on the side of, well we are here, so might as well bang it out. A fab morning!! Highly recommend for tweens. Here the girls made posters with their RV blog "SummerMiller5." Hilarious as only could be, our many RV adventures and mishaps through the eyes of kids. A completely different perspective that will have you laughing out loud.

Back to Times Square

Can't get enough of this spot!

Times Square Evening

Interesting subway times at night! Mornings and day, the NYC subway stations are SILENT. I mean library quiet. No one says a word! Then at night they rock out. Saw the "flash dance dancer" (male) with his blaring boom box, the obo player, more.

Katie on Broadway!

We did have a nice break and gourmet food goodies at the shops of the Plaza. Then down Broadway!

Plaza

Also under construction or renovation.

Plaza Main Lobby

Eloise TV at the Plaza

Ok so we haven't had tv for a couple of weeks, so the girls plopped down here and got comfy. Plaza Hotel.

Eloise tea party - gift shop

The Plaza does offer a "high Tea" with reservation ($60 pp) but we opted for a pretend tea in the gift shop downstairs where we had the place to ourselves.

The Plaza Hotel, NYC

Across the street to the Plaza Hotel where we went in search of Eloise.

Magic Lights at FAO

Abigail was crazy for this demonstration on lights tricks. She returned to purchase with her own money and later after some practice, made some money with it.

FAO Schwartz, NYC

Walked a couple of blocks over to FAO on 5 th Avenue, by Central Park and across the street from the Plaza Hotel. Robert liked the Apple Store next door.

Candy buttons - Dylan's Candy Bar

Dylan's Candy Bar

I want candy!! Took the subway from Rockefeller to Dylan's 3 story candy store on 3rd Avenue. A treat!!

Rockefeller Center, NYC

We went to the shops at 30 Rock but did not pay $135 to go to the top of the Rock, since we just went to top of ESB. Neat to see the Plaza and "ice skating rink."

American Girl Doll Store NYC

NYC

Empire State Building Gift Shop

Empire State Building - family

Empire State Building - Abigail

July 8, 2013

Empire State Building

BB. Kong at Empire State Building

Empire State Building, NYC

We made straight for the Empire State Building to beat the crowds and it were successful! Loved reading the building history here.

New York Subway

July 8, 2013 - Day 16. We were so got and tired after our 10 hour guided city tour. But up early this morning and back to it. Today on our own, exploring the city. Robert did an amazing job of navigating the tangle of subway, PATH and more. You don't even realize just how far underground some of these rail lines are. And its warm!

Back at NYC Rv

Back at our RV camp just across the water from Liberty Island. Dinner here at the Surf City Restaurant on the RV (parking lot) grounds. Fun to eat on the water. Jersey City, NJ.

Kids at Statue of Liberty 2013

Statue of Liberty, NYC