Week 42 - New York

It seems like so long ago, yet it's only been a week since we arrived back from our amazing trip to New York. Having never been to the States before, except LA airport, we were overwhelmed to begin with. But we managed to settle in and before you knew it, we (okay, more like Pete, I just followed) had sussed out the subway and where certain things were and had set out to explore this concrete jungle.

Saturday we arose early to check in for our flight that left at 10am. Mum and Dad's flight left at 12:30pm, so they had a bit of a wait before they could board their plane. The flight went by without any hassles. They were yet to come. We landed in New York and without much fuss found the shuttle we had booked that would take us from JFK Airport to Newark Airport. We managed to save $400 by flying into JFK instead of Newark. Our plan was to take the shuttle to Newark to meet Mum and Dad. We boarded the shuttle and discovered that the traffic was terrible. Naive me thought it being a Saturday we would be fine. After an hour and a bit, we arrived in New York. We were amazed at how many people there were and how crazy it all seemed. To cut a long story short, the driver forgot we wanted to go to Newark so he dropped us at another shuttle stop that would take us to Newark. Worried Mum and Dad had left as we had kept them waiting, we eventually arrived frazzled, yet intact. We then hired a cab to get us to our apartment. Within no time, we had arrived. What greeted us was a gorgeous apartment that had stunning views of New York. As we were all pretty tired, we called it a night fairly quickly.

Sunday dawned bright. As we had no set plans that day, we made our way into the city to explore a bit. We arrived in Times Square to huge crowds and lots of lights. We then made our way to Bryant Park. With seats all around, we ordered water and had a rest. Mum was then drawn to the Merry Go Round, so Dad, Mum and I went on it while Pete took photos. I picked the rabbit and got strapped in. Meanwhile, a little girl wanted what I had. She told me she wanted the rabbit. I politely told her I had it first and she sulked off. There was no way she was getting my rabbit. :-)

After that we wandered the streets and found we weren't far from Grand Central Station. So we took a few shots and grabbed more water. Side note: NY is awesome for having water fountains everywhere.

The station was massive, so after taking a brief look around, we decided to move on for food. We grabbed some food at a market and then made our way back to Bryant Park to eat and relax more in the sun. As the public library was right next door to the park, we made our way there. Unfortunately we couldn't see the main room in all its glory as it was closed for renovations. But the rest of the building was pretty impressive. As we were feeling the heat, we decided to make our way home. There we relaxed more and then decided to take the owners advice (owner of the apartment we were renting) and go to the local Mexican restaurant. It was amazing. Fresh gaucamole was made right in front of us. The views of the city were spectacular as well. So with full tummies, we made our way home for bed.

Monday we decided to tackle our bucket list. First stop was the 911 memorial and museum. I learned a lot about the events of that day. The monuments (see below) were huge (1 acre) and very impressive. There was a presence of sadness there. But the way in which each life was remembered was so well done.

After the museum, we stopped for food at the Amish Market. It was awesome to sit and eat. Especially as we had decided to walk towards and across the Brooklyn Bridge that day too.

Pete was estatic to be walking across the bridge. We had all watched a documentary about the bridge prior to our trip and he loved seeing it in the flesh. Mum and Dad walked halfway, but we decided to walk across the bridge (1 mile I think) and back again.

As Mum and Dad had done their dash, we decided to carry on to the Converse store while they took the subway home. We walked all of Broadway (I think it went over 50 blocks). The converse store was a let down, but we did manage to find an awesome coffee shop for a breather on the way. By the time we hit Times Square, it was dark. So we marveled at the lights for a bit before boarding the bus to head home.

As the weather was average the next day, we decided to head to my beloved Target on Tuesday. Mum loved it as much as I did, so after 2 (okay maybe 3) hours, we called it a day. As we had walked there, we decided to take a taxi home. Best $8 we ever spent. We then decided to have a quiet night in.

Wednesday we had the Statue of Liberty booked, so we made our way (via subway) to the bottom of New York to catch the ferry where we could see Lady Liberty in all her glory. Pete and I decided to take the stairs to the top, and I managed to handle the height pretty well. It did help that there was a shoulder high border. We then ate and did what Mum and I did best. Shop in the gift shop! Before we knew it, the island was closing. So Pete and I dashed about in a mad rush to get photos of Lady Liberty from the front.

After the Statue of Liberty, we took the subway to Times Square. There we went to M and M World. I loved it. Mum did too. Then we took more snaps of the bright lights before heading home.

Thursday we decided to hit Central Park. As Mum and Dad had booked a carriage ride, we decided to bike it. We managed to ride around the whole thing in an hour and a half. It was beautiful.

We then headed off to the Empire State building. Mum, Pete and I decided to head to the 80 somethingth floor. Dad opted for the first option. I was pretty good with the heights. And thank goodness the very top was enclosed.

After the Empire State trip, we made our way home to spruce ourselves up for a Broadway show that night. We were seeing Chicago. It was magnificent. We then headed out afterwards for a spot of desert before making our way home.

Friday Pete and I left the house early in hopes of visiting another Target. To cut a long story short, we arrived at the right street, but the wrong end. As we were due to meet Mum and Dad at the Museum for the Native Americans, we quickly jumped on the subway. The museum was great. It was free (a huge deal in NY) and full of information. We were told off quite a bit though. Maybe us Smith's are what some may call rebels. I would more likely say the security guards were bored. We then grabbed a bite to eat before heading to do the Sky Walk. As it had clouded over and started to rain, we decided to leave it. So Mum and Dad made their way home, and Pete (being the amazing husband he is) lead me to the Target store we had originally looked for that morning. I found a few items (as did Pete) and arrived home a very happy girl.

As that night was our last night in the big city we had planned to get dressed up and head out for dinner and cocktails. However, as we were pretty tired from all the sightseeing, we decided to hang out with the owners of our apartment and their friends.

Saturday Pete and I got up at the crack of dawn to cram in one last thing before we made our way home. We made our way to the Sky Walk. We found the best coffee shop ever (I'd say on par with New Zealand) to refuel, and then walked the Sky Walk. It was awesome to see so much green.

We made our way home to finalize packing before being picked up by a cab. As we were departing from different terminals, we were forced to say a quick good bye before heading in to relax before checking in.

There you have it. Our week in New York. It was overwhelming at times, but completely amazing. Will we be heading back anytime soon? Probably not as we have the rest of Canada and the US to explore. But we had the most amazing time and feel so blessed to have seen it all with our parents.

Week 41 - Travelling around Canada with Mum and Dad

As I am writing this, there is a mad rush to get everything ready for our trip to New York. We have been touring Canada showing off the sites, have been blessed to see lots of wild life and have been eating far too much.

Monday we had great plans for the day. After waking mum up in excitement as we had snow, we made a fancy breakfast for Mum and Dad, and then jumped in the car. Our destination was Heritage Park. We smugly entered the bare car park thinking we would avoid the weekend traffic. Sadly only a tiny part of the park was open. We decided to move onto phase two of the plan. So Mum and I were dropped off at Value Village for some thrift shopping while Pete and Dad went to the archery range to shoot some arrows. After a couple of hours, we were picked up to head to our next destination. The Clark's house. We sat down for a coffee and a chat in the sun (I know sun after the snow), and then decided to head to Fish Creek for a walk. We had a great time skimming rocks on the river and chatting some more. Before we knew it, we were heading off for home. That night we had dinner at home and packed up in preparation for our travels the next day.

Snow!

Snow!

That same day. Gotta love Calgary and its weather. A nice shot of Mum and Son.

Us with Darrin and Daphne (our pastors)

Daphne pointing out Fish Creek.

Tuesday we woke early as we wanted to hit the road as soon as we could. We made a stop at Bragg Creek for a coffee and then continued on to our destination - Canmore. There we took a look through town and marveled at the gandeur of the mountains. After a bit of shopping, we sat down in the sun to enjoy lunch (bagels - yummo!) and each others company. As Canmore was not our final destination, we moved onto Banff. Before leaving though, we encountered a few elk just randomly chomping on grass at the lights. When we arrived in Banff, we parked up and visited the information center. As we were a few days too early for the summer activities to start, we were restricted as to what to do. So we took a further look around Banff and then headed to our hotel to check in. After a bit of a rest, we made our way into Banff for dinner and then headed to the hot pools for a relaxing soak.

On our stop for a coffee.

Mum, Dad and I with our trusted stead Jelly.

On the way to Banff.

I like what I see.

Love this one!

One for you Dan.

Wednesday we packed up and then made our way into Banff for breakfast. As Canada has not wowed us with their breakfast options, we weren't very hopeful. However, after a bit of exploring, we found the best breakfast place. With full bellies, we jumped into Jelly to head to our next destination - Lake Louise. Pete took the scenic route and we saw some mountain sheep. We arrived to a car park at Lake Louise. After cautiously walking down the icy track, we rounded the bend and what I saw took my breath away. The lake was stunning. We turned into camera frenzied tourists and began snapping away like crazy. Once satisfied we had taken a sufficient amount of photos, we continued on our journey to Jasper. The drive was almost 3 hours, but so worth it. I thought home was beautiful. Well, I'm sorta thinking Canada was a bit more so. We again got camera happy and found ourselves stopping at all the pull off areas (and boy were there heaps). At one we saw a bear in the distance slowly making his way up a hill. We were over the moon. We continued on, and came even closer to a bear. I'd say a few meters at most away from us. We were elated. After arriving at our accomodation, we made our way into Jasper town to find something to eat. There a fellow kiwi served us (born and bred in Manurewa). The meal was awesome. After a quick stop at the few shops that were open, we then made our way back for a relaxing night in.

Breakfast in Banff!

Awesome shot of Mum and Dad.

Mountain sheep (I think). 

Lake Louise.

Us!

Love this one.

The bear in the distance.

A shot on the drive.

Mr bear up close.

Thursday we packed up and made our way into Jasper town. We found a place to eat breakfast and then decided to take a look at the shops. Poor dad is all I can say. Mum and I love it, and so does Pete. After shopping, we decided to see more of Jasper by going up a tram. As both dad and I are not the best with heights, we bravely undertook the task. Going up, I was fine (as long as I didn't look out the window). Dad on the other hand was not. He started to feel quesy and before long stated he was heading down. Mum joined him, and Pete and I followed not long after. The views were sensational. We then hit the road for the long trip back to Calgary. Pete drove the whole way and did the best job. On the way home, we saw another bear and stopped and also more elk. We stopped briefly for coffee and and food before arriving home to Calgary.

Mum and Dad.

A shot from the tram.

It started to snow while up the mountain.

Another bear up close.

Elk (I think).

Friday was Pete's birthday, so after unwrapping pressies, we insisted it was his day, and asked him what he wanted to do. He chose breakfast out at Saskatooon farm. We then made our way to the archery range where dad, Pete and I shot. Pete was over the moon I was doing it. I got the run down from the instructor and was shooting up a storm. After changing bows, it became more enjoyable. As we were all pretty tired, we made our way home for a rest. I used the time to head to the library to equip myself with books for the plane ride we would take the next day. 8 o'clock arrived, so we made our way to an Irish pub for dinner. There Pete consumed his beloved Guiness. We then stopped into the Ice-Cream place on the way home for something sweet before heading home to finalize packing for New York.

And that's where I'm gonna leave it folks. As you know, New York has been and gone. So I intend on writing about our adventures there in a separate blog. That I'll put up in the next few days. Until then...

Week 40 - Christmas Has Come ... Well, Sort of.

Ahh, bliss. Here I am composing this weeks blog in Pete's new chair (an early birthday pressie from his parents) with mum on the couch doing her thing scoping out what to do in New York. The boys have made their way to the archery range to shoot up a storm.

Monday was a standard day for me. I worked, went home to rest and eat, and then made my way back to work for a short staff meeting. Pete had a slightly different day. He worked his normal day, and then continued to work into the evening on a friends vehicle. He arrived home tired and covered in oil at 9pm. So as you can probably guess, he showered and crawled into bed shortly after arriving home.

Tuesday I used my time to myself in the morning to begin getting things sorted for when Mum and Dad arrived. The time went quickly and before I knew it, I was reunited with the challenging 3 year olds. Despite my apprehension at working with the group, we had a good time together (it helped that our most tricky child was sadly absent). As Monday was a write off for running, we decided to run before I had to head out for sewing. Our run has again become more challenging. It consisted in a range of exercises before we ran for 0.5km with a 2 minute rest 3 times before running another 1.5 km. So, a total of 3km worth of running. To say I was sore the next day would be an understatement. After our run, I headed off to sewing. There I discovered I had Stephanie (my sewing teacher) all to myself, so we spent the evening chatting and sewing. I managed to finish my dress (photos to come).

Wednesday was another work day. I spent my free time again preparing our apartment for Mum and Dad. When Pete arrived home, we decided to skip our planned run as the weather had turned nasty. So we had a quiet night in.

Thursday work was a bit different for me as we had no classes, instead, we had a Mothers Day tea party. The kids had a ball singing to their mums and spoiling them with gifts they had made in class. When Pete arrived home, we ate and then headed to connect group. There we prayed for each other and then discussed the concept of hope. Time got away with us, so we left after 10.

Friday arrived. I awoke feeling like it was Christmas, knowing that today would be the day that Mum and Dad were to arrive. I headed to work earlier than normal, (to help set up for a Mothers Day tea party for other classes) and work went by quickly with 3 more Mothers Day tea parties. My colleagues wished me an awesome holiday and before long I was merrily on my way to get a couple of last minute things sorted. Pete arrived home in good time, elated to be on holiday. He showered and shaved and then we made our way to the airport. We didn't have too long to wait (although it always feels like it when you are waiting for people to come out) before we (okay, more like me) were exclaiming they were here and running to embrace them. After arriving home and getting settled, we decided to walk up to the shops to grab a bite to eat. So with pizzas and pop, we settled in for a good chin wag.

Saturday dawned bright. Both Pete and I were up early. Pete made pancakes and before long we were boarding Jelly to head to IKEA. Mum and Dad were in awe of the place, and 3 hours later, we emerged with a few purchases in tow and slightly dazed expressions. We then made our way to Okotoks for a coffee and a quick visit to Winners. As time was slipping away, we then left for home, to grab a quick bite to eat before heading to church. At church we were blown away by the welcome our church family gave Mum and Dad. They were asked to stand in front of the church for Pete to introduce them. We then had several people come and introduce themselves telling Mum and Dad that they had amazing kids (I swear we didn't pay people to say that either!). Zelda (our connect leader) shared her testimony which blew us all away. I left church feeling so proud of our church family and so blessed.

Sunday the day began as slightly overcast, so we skipped the idea of cycling along the bow river. Instead we made our way to Cross Iron Mills for some shopping. Mum and I had a ball, Pete and Dad not so much. After shopping up a storm (Mum and I that is), we made our way home to have a quiet night in.

A metal figure that reminded me of my Dad.

Don't they look cute!

Us dreaming. Boats here are way more affordable than in NZ.

Me sporting my new hat.

Pete is his element.

Bass Pro Shop is mind blowing. Mum and Dad loved it.

We are so excited to have our long awaited guests here. We have a few things planned for the week that we are revealing to Mum and Dad bit by bit. Tomorrow we are heading out of Calgary. The only clues we have given is what to pack and for how long. So the next blog will reveal more.

Week 39 - Flights booked, Deb Down and Running in a New Location

I'm doing something a little different as I write the blog for this week. I'm relaxing in bed deciding to  get a head start as it's only Saturday. Our week has been fairly normal. We did step out of our comfort zones by becoming travel agents for one night of the week and by running in a different location.

Monday brought another work day. I didn't mind at all. I love my job, and I love the walk I take to get to work each morning. The work day went well, and before I knew it, Pete had arrived home and we were preparing ourselves for our run. The training has again been kicked up a notch with the end of the training session requiring us to run 1.5km. I was sure I would not be able to do this, but my body continues to surprise me, and I did. After arriving home, we settled in for a night of food and TV.

Tuesday meant I started work later (1:30pm). So I did a few things around the house before making my way to work. Even though I only assist with one class Tuesday and Thursday, I find these days hard. They are with the 3 year old's and some of them, to put it bluntly, are slightly feral. However, once the 'delights' leave, we chuckle over their antics, or realistically we moan and groan and get on with sorting out the destruction they have left behind. Okay, so they aren't that bad, but seriously, I wonder about some of these kids. As I didn't have sewing that night, we enjoyed having another quiet one at home.

Wednesday was supposed to be a big day of work for me with me assisting in the morning and then teaching in the afternoon. I guess you picked up the key word there. Supposed. As it was that time of the month, I awoke to cramps. I popped a couple of pills and went about getting myself ready for work. However, between periods of me lying in bed to summon strength and seeing a pale, sweaty (and I mean sweaty) reflection of myself, I called around the find a replacement. I rang my boss promising to let her know if I would be able to make it that afternoon to teach. After a sleep and more pain relief, I was feeling good, so I made my way into work. It was really nice seeing so many people concerned about my well being. I had an awesome time teaching and again loved being back in the saddle. As I was still not 'on form' we ditched the run for the night, instead opting to peruse the internet for flights to New York. After intensive research, a fairly large amount of complaining and me wishing my mother in law was here to do this for me (she loves it), we found the perfect flights. The catch was that they were to JFK and not Newark Airport. We figured for $400 cheaper we would fly to JFK and bus it to Newark.

Thursday I covered for a colleague in the morning, so gosh darn, I missed out on seeing the cherubs for the Thursday afternoon. I did have to go back to work to discuss the plan for Friday as I was teaching again. I asked Lynette (who covered my shift) if she had had a good afternoon. "It was perfectly delightful," she replied sarcastically. We had a good chuckle and then I discussed with Cindy the plan for the next day. I then made my way home to have a bite to eat with Pete before we made our way to connect group. We had an awesome night praying for others and others praying for us. During worship God gave me a picture of me in a circular courtyard with high brick walls and closed doors on the walls. I was inside and God was out. He said the doors were things in life I had to sort to allow Him to come through the doors and closer to me. We also had great words spoken over us and left feeling encouraged that maybe our miracle was closer than we thought.

Friday was a full day at work for me assisting and then teaching. It was nice to have been missed by the kids. I again loved teaching in the afternoon, and walked home happy. When Pete arrived home, we had our customary coffee catch up, and then headed out for a run. We found the run went well where we both improved our times. Once home, we dined and then put on the hat of travel agents once again where we booked our flights to New York. Pete then soaked in the tub and I curled up on the couch with my i pad.

Saturday I woke early, so I made my way out into the lounge to spend time with God. There He showed me what two of the doors were (see Thursday's picture) so I spent some time praying things out. After Pete arose from his slumber, we lounged around the house for a bit before heading out to the mall. We were on the hunt for underwear for Pete. We found some great underwear on sale and then did a bit more window shopping before heading home. When we got home, we did something glorious. We got into bed and had a rest. Yep, we are officially getting older. As the cupboards were bare, we then decided to head out for tea and food shop instead of going to church. We went to my favorite - Denny's. There I realized I am becoming more Canadian. Pete paid for the meal in cash.When we got outside, I asked him how much he tipped. He said "Whoops, I forgot." I was mortified. But as we needed the change for the trolley at the supermarket, we shamefully gaped it. Shopping was an easy experience and was nice and quiet. After our shop, we headed home.

Me trying on a hat.

If we get to stay longer, I think I wanna get one.

Sunday the roles were reversed and I slept in while Pete got up early. Once we had coffee in our systems, we made our way to Old Navy (I know, I know, I have a problem) so I could get some new PJs. We decided to try a mall in the North. It took us a while to get there as we took the long route, but it was worth it. We then had another look around, grabbed a bite to eat, and then made our way home. There we relaxed for a bit before kitting ourselves out in our running gear to go for a run. We decided to run around the Glenmore Reservoir which was beautiful. Once the run was done, we hastily made our way home to shower and change before heading out to a friends house for dinner. There were a bunch of us there, and we had an awesome night eating, playing board games and hanging out. Before we knew it, the clock was striking 10pm, so we headed home to jump into bed in preparation for our last week at work before our holiday.

Me prior to the run.

Pete prior to the run.

Us pre run.

Stretching it out.

Us after the run.

Our View after the run.

And there goes another week here. We are so looking forward to Friday as we are picking up Pete's parents from the airport to spend 2 weeks together. One in Canada and one in New York. We have loads planned, so you will likely get sick of all the photos. Until then...