This past weekend we made a trip to visit some family in New York. It was our first trip on a plane since THE plane ride in August 2009. Gabe was a champ on the plane both ways and had a great time with his relatives. We all had a memorable trip with a nice amount of hanging out and sight seeing. NYC is just as cool and spectacular as you hope/expect it to be at the holidays.
Lucky for Gabe, we were there for Hanukkah and lit the candles every night. He is totally obsessed with the 'norah' and the candles that go along with it. Our first night there, we got right to business with lighting candles and opening lots of gifts.
Menorah lighting with Audrey...


The next morning was a fun filled day, starting with The Big Apple circus. Gabe loved it and now we know he'll be ready for the real deal, The Ringling Brothers Circus, next year. G stayed mostly on my lap but lap hopped in the second half. When he was sitting on the end, he let the rhythm grab hold of him and totally 'got down with his bad self' by dancing up a storm in the aisle. Everyone in our section was watching him and he almost got pulled into the ring (but I suspect they thought he was too young.) I honestly had cramps from laughing so hard. There were no pictures allowed during the show, but I'll try to get a video of his latest moves.
The ring...
Showing off his swag with Alex...

After the circus we refueled with lunch and then took a nice city walk for some dessert. I insisted that we go to
Milk Bar. We had wanted to try Momofoku but it wasn't to be, so we 'settled' for David Chang's bakery instead. We literally ordered everything available on the menu: every pie, cookie, croissant, and malt ball available. Everything was delicious and unique.
The menu...
The inside...
The only Korean was snoozing...
Sampling our treats...
After Milk Bar we took a walk on 5th avenue and checked out the fabulous lights (I WISH I had more pics) on the way to FAO Schwartz.
Trump Tower...
Time Warner Center after blue M&M's...
Inside FAO Schwartz...

Saturday we went to a Hanukkah party in NJ. Sunday morning/afternoon we ate like kings and then it was back to the city for more lights! Gabe fell asleep on the way, so Dave, Audrey and I hopped out to see the tree at Rockefeller Center while Alex and G circled.
The tree...
One with Santa...
Next we were all off to Bryant Park for the tree, skating, and shopping there. This was just what you want NY to be: festive with the decorations, ice skating, great Christmas tunes piping through the speakers and wasn't too crowded.
What a fun group...
KS's igloo...
Checking out the lights...
We wrapped up the evening with an awesome (seriously, one of the best I've ever had) Korean BBQ meal in K-town.
Can you see G&D?...
The restaurant...
Horsing around with Audrey after dinner...
Monday it was time to head home. We had such a wonderful time hanging with family and showing our boy NYC. We'll be back!