A New York City Christmas

Every year we visit the BIG tree at Times Square despite the cold weather and the crazy crowd. This year we decided to treat ourselves and stay in the city for one night so we could take our time and the kids could really enjoy.

We ate at Bon Chon's and Mars 2112, and shopped at FAO Schwarz and Toys R Us. We even got a surprise visit from Lola Mia and Grandma and was treated to dinner by Tio Boyet. It was a fun way to celebrate Christmas before the craziness of Christmas Day.

Logan loves our room and this comfy bed

FAO Schwarz - Dylan was super excited when he got inside and realized it's a toy store!

Finally got to the Christmas tree - too bad Dylan fell asleep on our way there

A surprise visit from Grandma - the boys were psyched!

After a long day, back to our room for dinner and the boys played with their new toys from FAO.

Minutes after Grandma left, the boys CRASHED

...and mommy and daddy ordered dessert

it was a very merry merry christmas in the city.

TRU - Times Square

We couldn't skip out on TRU especially since Dylan loves riding the huge ferris wheel they have inside. Plus, it's the ONLY ferris wheel Daddy would ride!

We were surprised to find the place to be a mob especially since it was 10am on a Thursday. But then again, it is the day before Christmas Eve and everyone were trying to finish their Christmas shopping.

We were there for two reasons: ride the ferris wheel and get ONE toy for Dylan (Grandma gave him money for a toy which he kept reminding us). It took Dylan a while to find something he wanted. It was either "I have that already" or "I don't like that one". He finally boiled it down to two choices and were trying to convince us we should get him TWO toys. After he realized we were not giving in, he made his choice - a NYFD truck - no surprise there!

It's a good thing Logan could care less at this age. We certainly aren't looking forward to next couple of years when both boys will be trying their hardest to con us into buying them every single toy that isn't in they playroom already!

Mars 2112

A pretty cool restaurant for kids and adults. We were worried Dylan would be scared, but he was actually more curious. He did enjoy the spaceship ride to Mars, but was neutral towards the martians and aliens.

Can you spot the martian?

Dylan couldn't keep his eyes off the alien who had three fingers

He much rather play with his new fire truck from TRU

Daddy and Mommy had a date here 12 years ago!

Dylan trying very hard to ignore the alien

Logan woke up and found her staring at him.

Bon Chon - melts in your mouth

One of the places we've been wanting to try is Bon Chon's. We've heard great things about their chicken wings. So it was first stop when we got into the city. We walked 14+ blocks not thinking it would be a far walk. Thank goodness it wasn't too cold and the kids actually enjoyed the walk as Dylan counted all the taxis, trucks, and buses in sight.

Bon Chon's didn't not disappoint at all. We had both the regular and spicy; we can't wait for the next time we get a chance to have their wings again.

Happy 50th Birthday LOLO!

For weeks we kept a secret from Lolo - a surprise party with family and friends. As an added surprise, King and Ate Cece flew in from Vegas. It was a great party, Lolo had a great time and we all enjoyed celebrating Lolo's golden birthday.

Happy 50th to one of our favorite people!!

MATL Christmas Party

One of our favorite Christmas parties of the season - with lots and lots of friends. Not only are there lots of food eat and hours of fun play time with friends, but Santa also visits and brings presents for the kids. This year, Dylan got exactly what he asked for from Santa (well, one of the MANY things on his list) and Logan got a pretty cool sing-a-ma-jig.

Logan found a couple of toys that were his favorites. We think he was just glad he didn't have to share them with his brother.

Poor Logan was NOT a fan of Santa

Dylan, on the other, sat on Santa's lap, took the gift, and ran =)

ooohhhh, look at what I got!!!

He was happy playing with his new stinky truck, woody and alien.

Logan thinks the Santa sing-a-mah-jig is pretty cool too.

Santa Train at Whippany

We missed the Polar Express this year (surprised that it was already sold out in mid-Nov), so we opted for the second best - Santa Train at Whippany.

The boys were thrilled to ride the train and as a special treat, Santa came down the aisle to give the kids a little present and take pictures. As an added bonus, we even saw their friends Brooke and Madelyn.

It was cold as we waited outside for the train, but this little guy didn't mind at all. He was willing to do anything to ride the train, even look at the camera and smile (sort of). Logan was all bundled up and didn't mind the cold either.




Finally got in the train where it was nice and toasty.

Santa with Dylan and his friend Brooke
It was a 45 minute ride enjoyed by the boys. Dylan talked about it for days and he can't wait to go on another train ride. Maybe next week, Mommy will think ahead and buy the Polar Express tickets as soon as they go on sale (in August!!)