.....There are a lot of things that I still haven't done in NYC.....one of them was walking over the Brooklyn Bridge......my friend Sara had the adventurous and exciting idea to take 5 kids over the bridge, to pizza and then out for ice cream....we had so much fun that we had to keep playing at a park in our neighborhood because we just didn't want the day to end......
......We got to the top and as I looked over the island that we call home, it was even more apparent that we are just a tiny spec in the city......so many buildings, so many people, so many tourists.....we are just one little family that is enjoying the beauty that the city shares with us....enjoying the landscape and the history that's in our backyard.....
......my girl was not happy about standing still for a picture....there was action she was missing out on......
.......but when it comes to sitting still with her baby sister and William......well, that she might hang tight for; just for a second.....before it was time to turn around and see Lady Liberty......she has no idea what she represents......it never ceases to amaze me how lucky we are to have the freedoms that we have in this country....
.....and before long, we had spent our time hanging over NYC.....playing on top of the bridge, dangling in the sky.....so much commotion happening below us.....north, south, east and west.....helicopters flying in all directions......so much chaos; if you take the time to observe it......but the kids didn't notice any of that.....they just enjoyed the moment.....inhaling all of it; the joy, the laughter, the sun, the bright blue sky, the anticipation of pizza.....oh, to be young and free.....I take so much joy watching the pureness of their world......
....and then it was time for a first.....at least for Elsie....she had never eaten ice cream out of a cone before....and she was serious about making sure none of it fell on the ground......
.......and then she became serious about enjoying it with her buddy, William......
.....and it was such a treat to watch the two of them.....sweet sounds of innocence.....it brightened so many people's day....on lookers just stopped in their tracks to watch the two of them entranced by their cones.....between clicks Sara and I would laugh too, not realizing until seeing the photos how endearing it really was......
.....and after the cones melted and fell to the dust, it was time to head back home.....at least to a park near home, just so we could take in the sun and the sweet smells of spring for a bit longer....
.......to watch a tugboat pass by....to throw a frisbee.....to blow some bubbles.....
........for some good old fashioned chalk and a sidewalk.......
......and then it was time to end our gorgeous day....we were dirty, happy, wind blown, sun kissed, exhilarated.....and I was thankful......the day was wonderful.....thoughtful friends, good memories, the beauty of our city, a one of a kind play date.......Daddy was heading home in a few days and Easter was around the corner.....one of my favorite holidays....a day of new life, of promise and hope.....
.....savoring every minute.....