Nephews in New York

Highlights of our time with Conrad, 14, Brandon 12, and Ben ?...

-Arrived Thursday afternoon. Henry and Emily came over to do a photo shoot of Ben and Conrad for a book they're doing. Only needed to shoot their arms. But for some reason it took 2 hours. And lots of polaroids. But I'm sure the finished product will be great.

While they were shooting I snuck out to get my brother a Carvel ice cream cake for his birthday the following day. I went over to the Gristede's on 100th & Broadway. I entered the store and noticed out of the corner of my eye a little guy, maybe 18-19ish pretending to shop but really watching me. Didn't think much of it. Until I went over to get the candles and cake decorations. As I reached up for 3 and the 9 candle I stepped back and oops, bumped into the guy. Accident? Maybe, but more likely not.

Then I went over to the soda aisle. Stepped back and oops, there he was again. I realized now that he was following me. But why me? There were plenty other women walking around the store by themselves. I thought about it some more as I walked over to the checkout counter. Then it hit me. Only I was wearing a skirt. And he was carrying a camera phone around. Bastard! He was trying to take pictures up my skirt!! As I waited in line I looked back and yep, you guessed it, he was there behind me again. No groceries mind you, just standing there. Other people asked him if he was in line and he said no. Finally I left the line and went to get some other stuff, keeping a close eye out for him. He dissapeared. Got back in line, paid for my good and did one final glance around for him. He was not in the store. Oh no, he was waiting outside for me!! Walked out, gave him a dirty look, and walked home, continually looking behind me. I think he figured out I was on to him and didn't end up following me. I wish he had though. I would've called Ben, Henry and Dave to come over and kick his ass!

-Friday went to Great Adventure with everyone. Got off to a late start as we had to do some last minute birthday gift shopping. The place was PACKED. I could'nt believe it was so busy on a weekday. But I guess everyone had the same idea as we did. Lines were 2 hours for all the good rides. We got the Fast Lane pass which is a beeper of sorts that allows you VIP entrance into a ride and lets you know when to enter so you don't have to wait in line. But it didn't help much. It was still a 2 hr wait for each ride so we filled our time eating and chilling. In all we only got to do about 5 rides but we still had an amazing time. The Nitro blew everyone away. Everyone but Conrad, who was too scared to go on it. But seeing our reaction as we exited the ride he says he will go on it next time around.

-Saturday we spent most of the day in Chinatown. Ben gave the kids $50 each and they went to town. As you know $50 in Chinatown can go a long way. Shopped for hours. Took the kids by the Trinity Chuch to see the memorial set up for 9/11. I think they really enjoyed learning about the history of the church. They both signed a scroll in the back where you can leave your sentiments for the victims of 9/11. Very moving to watch them sign it. Then went back to Chinatown for yes, more shopping. Ate really tasty food at a place on Mott which I forget the name of. They're known for their spare ribs and roast pork. The most tasty amazing pork I've ever had. Huge lines, but it was dirt cheap and really hit the spot. The kids bought bootleg DVDs so we went home and watched Soul Plane which is freakin' hilarious. Even if we did have to fast forward through the dirty scenes.

-Sunday we went to see our cousins in Long Island. Spent the first half of the day on my cousin Cindy's boat. Well, kinda. We got on the boat, loaded with snacks, sandwiches and Corona's and set out for a good time on the bay. But as we were leaving we heard a loud THUMP. Uh oh. Something's wrong. Turns out we could'nt turn right, only left. So we had to go back in. Ended up just chilling on the docked boat which was still relaxing. Kids swam. We ate. And ate. And ate. Nice time.

Then headed over to my other cousin Dagmar's house for a BBQ and swimming. Had a great time and laughed until my sides ached. They are the funniest people I know and we always have a great time. Jokes are usually at my Uncle's expense but its all in good fun.

-Monday was time to say goodbye as Dave & I had to work. Said a sad but tired goodbye in the morning. I was so depressed all day knowing I would come home to an empty house. I wish I could see them more often. We had such a great time together.It really felt like we were all on vacation. Time goes by so quickly and they grow up before you know it. We have to try and do this more often.