Wrapping Up

After relaxing our feet for a bit, we headed back to Times Square ... again. We were lucky enough to get tickets to the Harry Potter exhibit on its last night in NYC. (The next day it was being packed up to ship out to Australia.) In fact, we were some of the very last visitors to the exhibit. They almost had to kick us out to close it up. :)

Even though we bought a timed ticket entry, they were running so far behind on their final night, that we still stood in line for an hour before finally making it in to the exhibit.

(That line goes all the way up the block!)

When we did finally get in, they announced that there were absolutely no pictures or video allowed. So disappointing!! Especially since Zach was chosen to wear the sorting hat and selected as a member of the Slytherin house!

Since we were at back at Times Square, we poked in to a few more stores, including M&M World.
Need a specific color of M&M's? They've got it! Rows and rows and rows of colors, as well as a million overpriced trinkets, toys, clothes, games, treats, etc.

And don't forget Lady Liberty ..... M&M style.





On our final day in New York, we only had the morning left. So we headed back for one final trip to Rockefeller Center and some last minute shopping. We stopped first at the Nintendo store, then waited outside the Lego store to be the first customers in when they opened.

As soon as our purchases were complete, we headed out again for a brisk walk (in pouring rain) to the Sony Wonder Technology Lab.

The lighting inside was really great for visual effects, but lousy for picture taking. So I only got a few before giving up and just enjoying the fun.

Here, they are creating their own racing video game.


And below, they are programming (on a very basic level) and playing with Sony robots.


They had many other hands-on, electronic activities that made for a fun morning.


After we finished, we headed out in the rain again to walk back to the apartment. It was quite obvious we were tourists because we were the only ones in sight without an umbrella. (New Yorkers know when the weatherman says 'rain' to bring an umbrella with you!)
Wish I'd taken a picture because we soaked all the way through before getting back. But I figured that was part of the experience too!

After a very quick lunch and goodbye, we grabbed a cab to the airport.
On the way, Parker said, "Mom, why are you grabbing on to my leg?" Anybody that has ridden with me probably knows I have a little backseat anxiety. Add to that the pouring rain, broken window that wouldn't roll up all the way, crazy driving and highly congested roads and freeways. Now you know why! I was so glad to arrive there safely!

However, because of the weather and mechanical problems with our airplane we spent quite a few extra hours in the airports in both New York and Chicago. This didn't bother Parker. He was happy to have extra time to build with his new Lego Hero Factory sets.

We had a fantastic trip! We're so glad Garrett hosted us for the weekend (plus). I know he was exhausted heading back to work on Tuesday, but we're so glad he was willing to show us the sights!
And I'm so thankful my mom was willing and able to take such good care of Aiden & Aleah. They had a blast! I think Grandma spoiled them, as grandma's should! Aiden missed me, but Aleah only wanted Grandma. Even after I got back! Now they'll both miss her.