The morning after we arrived in NY we walked around the city - slowly making our way down 5th ave. with a stop at the gardens and F.A.O. Schwartz
When Analise found out she got to pick something out the response was pretty immediate : "I'd like a pink dress, a pink crown, a pink necklace, a pink phone, pink glass slippers . . . etc." Boy did we find it all! It was actually kind of hard for mom to hold back, even when she didn't ask for anything else after finding the dress.
After shopping we headed for a picnic in Central Park. Daniel (checking his map) did a great job of arranging all the details. I'm so thankful!
A little view that reminded me of Paris . . .
ELMO!!!! We didn't know you live in New York! Analise about flipped when she saw him and couldn't stop giving him hugs.
We also saw Minnie mouse - which was equally as exciting, but disappointing when she didn't say high because she was deep in conversation with the police . . . we're wondering if Minnie didn't have a permit . . . try explaining that to a 2 year old!
The transformation is complete. She will now spend the rest of the weekend as "the pink princess." If New York is about making a fashion statement, she pretty well nailed that as every person we passed commented on the princess and tiara. It didn't help that the royal wedding was going on at the same time!
walking through the park to our picnic spot . . .
Oh, and our little Li-Li. Just along for the ride, as usual and happy as a clam. He's standing by himself and even bending his knees, but just won't take the first step. Still faster at crawling I guess - that's O.K., no rush!
The weather is finally beautiful! Yeah!! Analise is trying to take Eli for a ride . . .
Thankfully Dad is close behind!
AHH! Crusty face is coming! The delicate mingling of runny nose and sand is irresistible!
tasting the goods . . .
Our mini-sandbox (idea thanks to Beth Seelinger) fits well on our little porch and serves the purpose!
The last morning in NY we drove to the Botanic Gardens in the Bronx. It was a perfect day for it! Clear skies and warm sun. After an incredibly long winter, this felt like heaven. This caterpillar was made all of flowers . . . 
Still the cherry tree season and they were so gorgeous . . .
what are these? sweet peas? so cute! whatever they are, they reminded me of the little flowers that people used to get on May 1st in Paris. 
The sad part of the weekend was that Eli lost a shoe. SO frustrating! But at least it was warm enough to be barefoot today
Say cheese guys, I'm going to take your picture . . .
Man down! Man down! Analise get off of him! No, you can't push on his tummy like that - it hurts him!
The trees were wearing great big princess dresses! 
The second day we walked and walked! We started in Washington square and meandered around Greenwich Village, Soho, China Town, Little Italy and then back towards our hotel. It was a long day!
Wave to daddy!
Analise heard the music and could not be stopped. I have numerous videos of this, but only included one. Even in Kindermusik she doesn't want to imitate animal moves, she does ballerina moves - pretty normal, but she's the only girl in our class! The 6 boys stare in wonder and confusion . . . 
views from China town
Eli are you tired? poor baby
After shopping we headed for a picnic in Central Park. Daniel (checking his map) did a great job of arranging all the details. I'm so thankful!
A little view that reminded me of Paris . . . 
walking through the park to our picnic spot . . .
Oh, and our little Li-Li. Just along for the ride, as usual and happy as a clam. He's standing by himself and even bending his knees, but just won't take the first step. Still faster at crawling I guess - that's O.K., no rush!
