Surprise Birthday Party!!

Thursday (November 15th) was Brea’s boss, Alex’s birthday. His wife, Julie (who is Ben’s boss) and the other guy Brea works with (James) planned a big surprise birthday party. Ben and I got their early and helped Julie set up and decorate. When Alex got home (he was ‘picking up the kids’ so James could take the family out to dinner) he was so surprised- he had no idea that this all was happening. The party was really fun, they had tons of food, a slide show, a live band and dancing (which is always one of Brea’s favorites). It was so much fun to dance around and play with everyone (they have four kids and it was so much fun for Brea to play with kids again). It was a good night and we are glad Alex had a birthday- so we could have a party!!

Serendipity 3

Wednesday (November 14) after work, we met in Manhattan at 60th and 3rd and went to Serendipity 3. This is one of the stores that is in a lot of New York movies, and people rave about their desserts- so we thought we would try it. It was pretty expensive so we just got one thing and shared it and for dessert we got the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate (which Brea’s coworkers suggested). The food was pretty good (we didn’t think it was good enough for the cost) but the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate was delicious- it was very cocoa chocolaty (we saw some of the other desserts and they looked amazing). As we were leaving there was some ‘problem’ in the kitchen- which we found out was that a water pipe had broken and the restaurant was being closed by the Sanitary Department (ahhh); So that was really interesting to be leaving this place we had just eaten as they were posting the signs that said it was closed because it was unsanitary- eeks.
Afterwards we went to the Manhattan Temple- it was amazing, as always.

South Sea Port- Pier 17

Tuesday (November 13) after work, we went to South Sea Port, Pier 17. It is the sea port at the southern tip of Manhattan. It was very cool to see- there were tons of big boats and ships, it was so weird to see these huge ships and then right behind them see the big buildings of Manhattan. There was a great view of Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge and Ellis Island- it was so beautiful. It was so great to be able to walk around (with the slight ocean breeze) and talk to each other. It was very relaxing and nice.
Afterwards, when we were walking home we were talking about what we wanted to eat and Brea mentioned that she just wanted something simple like Wendy’s- but there aren’t really many Wendy’s in Manhattan and then we walked around a corner and low and behold- we found a Wendy’s- it was such a coincidence. So we ate Wendy’s- it was a good night.

The Site of 9/11 and the Financial District

After spending the day in the Upper East Side of Manhattan we ventured down to the financial district to see the site of 9/11 and the Twin Towers. When we got off of the subway it was amazing- the financial district is where all the REALLY tall buildings are (wow- the buildings were so tall you couldn’t see the top floor). You see all these skyscrapers and then in the middle it’s just…empty. They have a tent up where they have listed the names of all the Victims and Hero’s of 9/11. In this tent they also have the plans for the new building being built on that site and the plans for the memorial. The actual site is all fenced off and there is constant construction going on (we were there late in the evening- it was dark- and there were still men working). We got to look in through the fence and it helped me realize the huge effect of this disaster- the enormous hole, where they are still digging out debris and waist. It was amazing seeing the buildings standing tall around the site and realizing that it didn’t just affect those two buildings, but must have caused structural damage to all the buildings around. But the most awing thing that I felt from this experience was the reverence that still, so many years later, fills that area. After living in New York, ‘getting to know’ the people and the atmosphere, it is hard to believe that something so terrible and awful could happen to these strong people and this nation. It was a very amazing and reverent time for us to think and really see the effects of 9/11. It was a wonderful experience.
(Breanne forgot the camera- urg- but we bought a disposable. So pictures will come…eventually.)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

This Saturday (November 10th) we went into Manhattan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was amazing to be able to see all the artifacts and art work. There were ancient Greek art exhibits, 17th Century European Furniture and interior design exhibits, many paintings, ancient musical instruments (from all over the world) and old weapons and suits of armor. It was so cool and very amazing to see it all- We were there for three hours and didn’t even get to all the wings and exhibits.
When we left the Met there was a group of performers out on the street. They had everyone sit down on the Met steps and did an acrobatic performance (it was three hilarious –very handsome- black men who did flips and tricks). It was really entertaining and very fun.
(Breanne forgot the camera- urg- but we bought a disposable. So pictures will come…eventually.)