I LOVE NEW YORK CITY- day 1

Just as we were leaving for Christmas Vacation down to Las Vegas to see Andy's family, I picked him up from work and we headed off onto I-15, and he handed me an envelope and said, "Merry Christmas!"  I opened the envelope only to see two tickets to NYC and two tickets to the Broadway play, "The Heiress"! I was in complete shock! It was a dream come true.  It kinda felt like he was proposing again.  It was such a big surprise!

We had talked about how fun it would be to see our friends the Smiths, and see the play, and run around and eat everything in site, but I never thought it would really happen.  Let me tell you the rest of that ride down to Vegas, I still couldnt believe it.  Andy had already talked to the Smiths and planned the night we'd see the play with them, and I seriously couldnt have imagined a better trip. My husband is seriously my hero.

We got back just about two weeks ago, and I am just now finally sitting down to write about it.  It was a blast. We left Jake for the first time in TWO YEARS.  That was the hardest part.  I imagined all sorts of things happening, but he was perfectly happy with grandma and grandpa Turner while we were gone and he even started eating hamburgers. HAMBURGERS! He's never done that for us ;-) He did give me a really long hug as I explained to him we were leaving.  Andy said he thinks he teared up a bit, and as my heart ached to hold him forever, I was really really looking forward to three days of adventure!

We hopped on our flight and it went really fast.  We planned out what we wanted to do, and what we wanted to eat, and where we wanted to be when.  Andy took a nap, and I wrote down our final list. We sat next to the CEO of Citibank's son, and talked about what he recommended in the city, and before we knew it, we landed.  We were almost scammed into taking a false taxi, but we got out of it when I asked him if he accepted credit cards, which he definitely didn't, and off we went to Hotel Smith, the nicest, cutest, friendliest hotel on the east side :-).  We are so thankful Erinn and Andrew let us stay with them.  We were comfortable and happy to see our friends and cute Eliot and Benson again.  It felt like a piece of LA home on the island of Manhattan. You guys are the best :-)

We jam packed our days, so I will first give an abridged version of our first day, and then below you can read my novel.

NYC DAY ONE (ABRIDGED AGENDA):

Crepes on Columbus with the Smiths for Brunch
Lincoln Center, Julliard, Mormon Temple
Times Square
Magnolia Bakery
30 Rockefeller Plaza, Top of the Rock
Tao Restaurant
The Heiress-Broadway PLAY! Ahhh Dan Stevens (aka Cousin Matthew LIVE on STAGE Ahhhh)

NYC DAY ONE (UNABRIDGED):

We woke up the first day and headed out to brunch with the Smiths at Crepes on Columbus.  WHOA!  That place was insane.  I cant even tell you.  It was like "Welcome to NYC" in all it's glory.  I cant believe it.  I ordered a crepe with Basil Creme Fraiche, Ratatouille, and Bacon.  Then they served up some baguettes that were the best I've had since I left France.  Just like the movie Rataouille when the french lady says you can tell a perfect baguette by the sound it makes, and then she crunches it and it makes a perfect crisp sound, yeah....call me a french snob, but those baguettes actually gave me the chills they were so good.  THAT was a first, but I think I was just really excited. The owner, at least that is who I'm assuming we talked to, was incredibly sincere and welcoming. I would eat there every Saturday if I had the chance.  Hands down yummy!

 Erinn and Andrew headed home to put the boys down for a nap, and Andy and I found ourselves quickly on the subway exploring Manhattan.  I loved it.  I love being back on the metro, or subway systems with all the unique people of the world.  It reminds me of my mission, and for a moment it felt like I should start contacting them! I was right at home, and so was Andy.  There is something about a city with public transit that I really love.  If I had Jake though, I would probably be freaking out, and he would be freaking out cause I'd have him strapped down somehow and he would want OUT!  BUT I tried not to miss my boy to much, and we got off at the Lincoln Center and walked around.  We saw the opera house, Julliard, and all the incredible places I've heard and dreamed about.  At one point I really wanted to go to Julliard for acting/drama, so it was awesome to just see it.  Then we took of to Times Square to look around, and I thought it was a lot of fun.  I laughed when Andrew Smith said it was like "Hollywood and Highland but on Crack" cause there were all those people dressed up like cartoon characters and it was def an amplified version of Hollywood, but seeing all the musical and ticket booths just set my heart a flutter.  Yeah, I know, I'm a stage nerd at heart.  We went inside the toys r us, and once again thought about Jake, then we headed back out and kissed in the middle of Time's Square. It is a happening place with the lights and studios and theaters, and all that Jazz.  We then decided to go to the Magnolia Bakery to try the Banana Creme Pudding a la recommendation des Smiths.  It did not disappoint! I am craving it right now.   Forget the cupcakes give me the banana creme pudding.

Off we went to the Rockefeller Plaza to see the ice skating rink and go to the "Top of the Rock".  The view from the top was incredible.  I remember being in awe of the beauty of all the buildings and then catching myself because usually nature will get me to stop and think about the beautiful scenery, but everything that I was looking at was man-made.  It is really a sight to behold.  building after building after building on one side, and then a nice view of Central Park and more buildings on the other side.  A couple from Utah just happened to ask us to take their picture (that also happened to us on top of the Eiffel Tower).  Andy loves being up high.  He loves heights, must have something to do with flying! We headed down and back to the Smith's casa to get ready for dinner.

The Smith's made reservations at the Tao restaurant.  The Tao is WOW.  The design inside is very industrial chic and the food is perfection.  It is the most delicious Chinese food! I would highly recommend it! We shared a bunch of plates and they were all super.

Then, the moment we had been waiting for, we went to the Walter Kerr Theater to see the charming Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey HELLO!!) and Jessica Chastain star in "The HEIRESS." I have been wanted to go since like I dont know, October? We went on the second to last week before it's limited run was over.  It was so well acted out and can I just say that live theater is magical?! It was inspiring to see two very talented and trained artists perform live on stage.  They were very good, very very very good. No wonder why they get paid the big bucks. Geeze.  I still cant believe Jessica Chastain had to full on cry twice a day for her role as Catherine, but she did excellent and when Dan Stevens came onto stage, the audience just clapped and I still couldn't believe we actually made it!  Our seats were fourth from the orchestra pit, and we were right there, so we could see the tears, and the passionate kisses.  There was a moment when Dan and Jessica kissed and it was DEAD silent in the theater.  I was like, "whoa, talk about capturing an audience!" No one moved a muscle, That is what was so magical about it, they really made people FEEL something and react to something.  The ending wasnt what I had expected, but it did not take away from the wonderful acting.  It made us think and reason, so I'd say they did a fine job.  I really wanted them to hook up, but what is a good drama without drama.  The play had many funny moments, and I loved how Jessica said, "yEs" in the play.  I really cant write how she said it but it always made the audience laugh.  Dan surprised me with his american accent.  What cant he do?

We waited at the stage door afterwards to take pictures and get autographs with the stars.  It started to snow lightly and just hanging out with Erinn and Andrew was a lot of fun.  Eventually they came out and took their time to sign playbills and take pictures.  They were so gracious.  I told Jessica she has a beautiful presence on stage and off and she sincerely said Thank you.  Her voice and the way she laughed was very similar to her character on "The Help" but she was just being herself and not her clueless character.  It is neat to see how they use their natural talents and abilities and use them in their roles on film.  Next, Dan made the rounds just as Jessica said Thank you, and I told him I met his mother in line for the restroom.  She was behind me in line and was beaming.  I told her how wonderful the actors were,  and she said she was here from London to see her son, and that her son was DAN.  I squeaked and told her congrats and squeezed her arm...how exciting.  Dan informed me that was his mother-in-law but he said, "Aww" when I told him how proud of him she was.  It was cute.  They both stopped to take a picture with Erinn and I, and Andrew gave Dan a super high five.

Then off into the lightly drifting snow we went, catching a taxi back to the Smith's house.  I was on cloud 9.  Dream fulfilled.  My husband is a rockstar.

Crepes on Columbus with THE Smith Family

Benson KNOWS these are good. 

Julliard/Lincoln Center

Benson's Super Smile

Fashion Week Not-So-Diva

I belong here

Times Square

I just felt like kissing everyone and everything...apparently

We missed Jake in Toys R Us in Times Square

Yes, I will kiss you in Times Square.  Who needs to watch the ball drop when I can kiss you whenever I want?

Banana Pudding is where it's at. 

30 Rock NYC

30 Rock really tall

TAO is a WOW

                                                                       THE Smiths.  Arent they super cute in Times Square? Walking to the play!

Jessica C. doing her thing

Slightly Gitty would be an understatement

Andrew gave Dan a super High 5! Love it!

Hey there Cousin Matthew.  We heart U!

Jessica Chastain signing my playbill and me telling her what a beautiful person she is.  I'm sure she never gets told that!

"Thank you Stacey, Would you like to work with me?" ha ha yeah right, she was just telling me thank you for how wonderful she really is! ;-)

Money shot. My frozen, excited face and cute Erinn with the stars of the show! Ahhhh!

Happy 2nd Birthday Jake!

Here you are! Two and Terrific, and super cute!

One Week Old (1-29-2011)

One Year Old in Santa Monica (1-22-2012)

One Week Old and Handsomes as ever!

We love your curly-qs and kissing your cheeks

Your mama loves you, you know that?!!

We had a party and you were surrounded by both your grandparents and our dear LA friends!

We took you to the beach for your birthday, too! You lucky lucky boy!

Happy Birthday Jacob! You are TWO! TWO!

You make mom and dada so proud each day!!! You are turning into a sweet little boy and we are shocked and surprised by all the neat new things you are learning.

Here are some things about you I dont want to forget:

You are so much fun! You are determined, tender, precise, loving, and a wonderful little helper.  You have become quite the chatterbox, telling us all kinds of things! Especially, if something doesnt go your way, you are reallllly verbal about that, but you have a cute little voice! You say many words, but recently have started saying very loudly, "HAP HAP Happen?" When you are trying to figure out what happened to a lost toy, your star birthday balloon that floated away, or just plain confused about something!

One, ok, maybe two of the sweetest things you do that melts my heart and makes me tear up is that you are such a little helper.  I never would have thought a two year old would be able to help without being asked, but you help all the time.  It must just be in your nature, cause I catch you doing random acts of kindness just out of the blue and it blows me away.  Here are some of your charitable acts that set my heart aflutter.  I was doing the dishes, and you come up to the dishwasher and I'm thinking you are going to make another mess, but you take the cups and tote them over to the counter, reache up on your tippy toes and place them there in a neat fashion right where they need to go below their designated cupboard.  JAKE you just blow mommy away with your tenderness. You always close the garage door behind yourself after we come in from the cold, you throw your dirty diapers away, and you are so very conscientious of others feelings if they are sad.  Just the other day, I caught the flu.  It was horrible.  I was sick all day, and as yucky as it is to write this, every time I threw up, you ran to the toilet and held and hugged my leg, and asked, "OKAY OKAY?" checking to see if I was ok.  Then, you flushed the toilet for me and played contently all day, watching movies, and bringing me books to read you in bed. Later, daddy came home from work as soon as he could and you two went out for a daddy son date.  When you came home with dada, dada gave me a blessing and you ran over and put your hands on my head right along with dada like you knew exactly what you were doing.  Little boy, do you realize what a sweetheart you are?  Well, you are.  You often do many of these things without being told. Andy and I are so proud, like when I caught you throwing away a tiny piece of paper you found on the floor. Goodness, we just love you so much.

You were not an easy baby, your poor tummy hurt a lot, but you have overcome these obsticles and we have seen miracles in your life. You have become such an incredible little person.

The second and one of greatest things that makes my heart explode with love for you is when you pray at night.  We've been working on it in nursery and every night we pray with daddy if he is home.  Your sweet voice repeats the words and even if they dont sound perfect, the sounds you make are more than perfect in my heart.  The other night, dada started saying a prayer and you repeated his words, and when dada said, "Bless our family", you just pointed to mommy and said, "Mommy too" "Daddy too.  Tears welled up in my eyes.  Thank you baby boy. You have such a mighty spirit in that tiny body of yours.  I hope you always have that sweetness about you when life gets challenging and remember, we will always pray for you, too ;-)!

You are a busy toddler.  You love to move and bounce! Your favorite place to be is outside and you love your grandparents, aunties and uncles, and your cousins, often asking about them during random times throughout the day.

You love music and you have a great voice.  At church, you like to conduct during the hymns, and you sing "I am A Child of God" with us each night before we tuck you into bed.

You fall alseep in your big boy bed, because you kept crawling out of your crib.  You sleep with your monkey, and with ducky, and lets not forget sippy (your sippy cup).   They have to be placed strategically in their places before you are content to close your eyes.  You also love to give us each a kiss before you go to sleep, a little tradition we have kept up and now that you love!

In the mornings, you often wake before the sun comes up and always want to snuggle with mommy and daddy, but last night at 2AM when you quietly figured out how to open your door, sneak down the hall, and climb into out bed,  yeah...that scared me pretty bad, but I kinda laughed too.

For your second birthday, your grandma Carson was here. She loves you Jake, and so does your whole family.  We had everyone hooked up to the ipads doing face chat. You were surrounded by those who love you! You had family from Oklahoma watching us sing to you, as well as all of dadas brothers and sisters and Grandma and Grandpa Turner, who love you so much. We had your neighbor friend Sawyer here and your favorite little girl from nursery, Halle.   You ask about her all the time, it really makes us laugh! You sure picked a cutie! I kinda planned a super last minute cake and ice cream party, and you loved it.  We had a dinosaur cake and balloons, and we sang to you, and for the first time you could really enjoy your cake, and we let you! You can eat anything now, how grateful we are to say that.

You got a Lightening McQueen Car from Halle and her family, and a Monster Book from Sawyer.  Grandma got you a small trampoline so you can jump all winter long, some new summmer clothes, Brown Bear, Brown Bear book and Where the Wild Things Are, a Lightening McQueen rolling backpack for trips to see Grandma, and a small Lightening Mcqueen car. We got you your first tricycle! Your feet cant reach the petals YET but that doesn't stop you from going! 

Your favorite color is GEEEN! or Green! We think because when we ask you what color something is you burst out with, "Geen" without even looking! You love the movies Cars and Monsters Inc.  You also love Elmo, and we think you watched Nemo so much you are over that for the moment, but you still recognize him at the aquarium.  You love Thomas the Train too, and all cars and trucks outside your window.

I could write a novel on how much we love you.  I love kissing your chubby cheeks, and reading you stories, I love watching your bright blue eyes light up when you are excited.

We've always loved you and look forward to another year with our honey, baby boy, bumbbumb, sweetie pie.  You make us laugh every single day.  Happy 2nd Birthday Jake.  I will never forget welcoming your special spirit into this world.