YA YA 2024 - we hit NYC!

Last Friday, Lisa, Tracy, Chris and I all landed at the same time. I ordered an Uber and went around and picked them up!

We gave big hugs, dropped our bags and headed into the bag next door to meet the girls that had driven in!

Covid just about took me out this round (not really, but it was bad) and I almost had to miss the trip!

We died laughing because this went off 15 minutes into our arrival!

We were all ready and headed up to see Karen. But day drinking... and NYC = NY PIZZA! OMG it was the best lunch I've had in a loooong time!  Just like I remember it!! We kind of forgot to grab it for the other four!!

We arrived and Tracy, Lisa, Jen and Treva were already up there.  Karen was nervous I could tell but also happy.  I immediately hugged her and she was so happy to see everyone.  After a few minutes we told her we would take a walk. So she got up, grabbed her cane and then Lisa grabbed her hand (so sweet) and we walked out to this grassy seating area.

She didn't want pictures (I get it) but we promised we wouldn't share and just had to take some.  She was so funny, because, as always her personality shines.  She has had 2 back surgeries, her middle finger removed from a massive infection in her hand and she's an addict. I thought she was GONE from this earth but nope, she's alive.

We started getting silly...

and this face right here is her typical Karen face with us and it might be my favorite picture of the weekend!

We called my mom quickly before heading out... and then said our goodbyes. It was hard to walk away, because the reality is, I will probably never see her again. I haven't seen her since 2010, haven't talked to her in 4 years but hopefully we gave her something to fight for. She knows she's loved!

We headed back to the hotel, they all changed - I didn't even bother. We went to a very expensive, very loud but yummy restaurant in the upper east side.

I think we were back in bed at the hotel at 10:30pm.  We are old... and tired and day drinking does that to ya!

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Saturday, we woke up, and Poolsie, Lisa and I were off looking for coffee and food.  We found a yummy little French bakery. We woke the girls off and set off on foot to see NYC.

First stop, St. Patrick's Cathedral. It was beautiful. I donated $20 and we lit candles. I lit one for Uncle John and another for Aunt Trisha. Poolsie lit one for Don.  It was sweet.

Then, we hit up  MOMA (Museum of Modern Art).

I saw Starry Night in person!

 And some Jackson Pollock

Andy Warhol originals

and a weird... no joke, penis chair.

I don't "get" most art.  Chrissy kept saying "how does this make you feel"

and I'm like... UUUUUH....

Who knows, maybe I just need more practice!?

We walked by Rockefeller square, Radio City, all over Times Square

We had lunch and shopped in Bryant Park ...

and at lunch "Aunt Trisha" flew in my hair!!

It's always a good time with them!

We finally found the 64' Oscar Meyer Weiner that shoots confetti... that was on Tracy's to do list - so weird and so funny!

and of course, we ate street food!

and did our foot pic... I kind of like this one better in the sand! LOL

We headed back to change. Treva was whining about walking and more but we gave in.

Off to dinner in Little Italy!  I was SO sad this one went by so fast. 

SO YUMMY!  Best Chicken Parm ever! Sorry Lascas!

We walked around for a few minutes after and bought trinkets for people. We were so touristy...

I LOVE Little Italy!  And so bummed we didn't make it to China Town. Treva was whining as I mentioned! hahahahaha

And before the night was over... we made it happen!

Tristan was busy at The Bridge at TCA welcoming 8th graders into high school. I thiiiink he bahaved but this pic says otherwise.

Finally at midnight his bug project was done.  He worked a year on this. No clue if he did it correctly, but I hope so!  That lice better have been worth it!

Almost done with 9th grade and I still can't believe it!!!