I am SO EXCITED right now! I am thrilled beyond words. Wahoo!!!
My husband and I planned on visiting New York City on December 11th to take the kids to see the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center and to browse the holiday displays in the windows on 5th Avenue. Even though we live a little over a half hour from Manhattan we haven’t been to see the tree since 2004. Prior to that my husband and I went together (before the kids were born) in 1996.
Our plans have changed. We’re going to go down this coming Saturday and meet my Aunt, cousins and their children. I have not seen my aunt and one cousin in about 10+ years! The last time I saw my cousin’s daughter she was a toddler. Now she’s 15. I’ve never met her other daughter.
My other cousin I saw maybe 8+ years ago when he and her son came down to visit with us (they only stayed over night). Her son was a toddler at the time too. Now he’s 10.
The reason why I am so excited is because I miss my family terribly. I spent my summers in Pennsylvania with my Aunt and two cousins. My one cousin was more of a sister to me then a cousin. She was my best friend growing up and we used to see each other often when our families would get together.
A riff among the older members of the family (our parents) caused the families not to see each other anymore. From that point on time and distance just sort of tore us apart.
Believe it or not Facebook is what got us back together again. We talk on Facebook often and we’re able to share pictures of our families with one another.
The other day my cousin sent me a message via Facebook to say they were coming to NYC to see the Christmas Tree. When I told her about our plans we decided it would be silly not to go to the city on the same day and meet one another. We live about 40 minutes from the tree (give or take). They live OVER 3 hours away! WOW!
If we had a larger home I would have them spend the night with us. They are going to drive back the same day. Imagine that? They will spend about 6 or 7 hours just driving. My family is crazy – but I L♥VE them!
You know I’ll take plenty of pictures when we go. I hope the weather is nicer and there is some sun. When we went in 2004 it was dark, overcast and very gloomy. It even POURED later on in the day and my family got soaked to the bone. I hope the weather is nicer this time around. It might snow on Sunday but hopefully it won’t happen on Saturday and ruin our plans. If we so much as see a snowflake we’re not going. Driving in NYC is bad enough in perfect weather, let alone inclement weather.
If you happen to be in NYC on Saturday keep an eye out for me!
Kimberly
GrandmaAllen says
Hope you have a lot of fun, don’t forget the camera. I’ve never been to NYC, so I envy you!