yankee stadium v citi field

The real inspiration behind our trip - adding more ballparks to our list and the chance to cheer our teams on.  After booking the trip we realized we went to Colorado when pregnant with Mikaela and watched the Rookies at Coor's Field.  I sense a theme here...

The first game we caught was the Mariner's taking on the Yankees at Yankee stadium.  Due to transportation issues - something to do with the subways we arrived a bit later then we had hoped to the stadium.  Our first experience wasn't the best, as we brought our water bottles - and they had to be tossed as they didn't allow them in empty.  But overall we enjoyed our time and it was a beautiful day to take in the game - even if the M's did lose. 

View from our seats

Field View

Todd peering at the old field

The new stadium is built right next to where the old Yankee stadium used to be.  It is now a playing field for the community to use.

It's funny what a difference one's outfit can make in the city.  When going to the Mariner's game, Todd wore his throwback Griffey jersey.  Getting lots of compliments in and around the stadium and city.  The next day, a different tune was sung while wearing his Dodger's gear...  lots of friendly jeering. I guess the city still hasn't forgiven the team for leaving.

Other Seattle fans

Throwing out the pitch

After learning from the previous day, we arrived MUCH earlier to Citi Field - which is highly recommended.  This gave us the chance to explore the "Mets Hall of Fame" and go out to the parking lot, where they kept the bases from Shea stadium.  We made sure to put our foot on each base.

My Friends the M&Ms

The apple in center field makes an appearance for each Met home run! 

Homerun Apple

Outside Citi Field

Home plate

Here is where Jackie Robinson's number was retired and commemorated.

View from our seats

We had so much fun at Citi Field, we went back a SECOND night to cheer the Dodger's on to victory.

Ice Cream

Go Dodgers!!!!

NYC Part 2

And in no particular order, here is more of our adventure to NYC

NYC Public Library

I had read in several tour books that the Declaration of Independence is on display at the library - come to find out, it's only over the 4th of July weekend.

Museum of Natural History - this place was AMAZING!!!  We probably could have spent way more time here - as we didn't see everything, but it will be an awesome place to take Mikaeala back to see.

We took a tour using the Hop-on-Hop-Off bus - here is Times Square.  We used an app that bundled different attractions to purchase tickets to various sites - saving us a bit of money.  This was one of our choices.  Choosing for the Uptown Tour.

Times Square

Empire State Building

 We saw a show on Broadway - buying tickets from a discount booth.  Everyone we talked to recommended SpongeBob Squarepants the Musical - it was an ok choice.  But we still enjoyed ourselves.

 We also went out to the Statue of Liberty - stopping at Liberty Island and Ellis Island.

 Some of my relatives came across from the Netherlands and stopped through Ellis Island.

 Stopping to have lunch at Chelsea Market - may I suggest the taco place!!! YUM!!!   Todd as you can see is wearing "Washington" sports attire.  We then got to chatting with a few people from Seattle - one of them ended up being family with a Mariner's player! Just goes to show - you never know who you might meet.

 Katz Deli - this place popped up on one of my searches.   Boy did it not disappoint!  It was delicious pastrami sandwich.  So much meat that Todd and I split an original. 

Vie of NYC from Jersey City, NJ right in front of our hotel.

 Empire State building - we decided to go up at Sunset.  After riding one of the many elevators it became apparent we weren't going to make it by sunset.  So they offered us the ability to walk the remaining flights up to the observation deck.  We were only one of a few to make the trek (I think it was only 10 flights or so)

 

 View from Bryant Park outside of the public library.  We sat here and re-grouped.   Traveling in the heat, 20 weeks pregnant and dealing with some vein issues tended to require frequent rest breaks for this lady.

 

 

Kellog's

 This was probably one of my favorite days - we lazily spent the afternoon at Central Park.  Todd rented a boat for an hour and rowed around the lake.  We then capped the afternoon with an espresso and tiramisu at an upscale restaurant in the Upper East side

We stopped at Sant Ambroeus I know that this place made Todd feel a bit out of place, but I love that he embraced the entire event - even in his Dodger's clothing.  It may or may not have been the most expensive coffee and dessert we ever ordered.

 On our last day it was overcast and actually a bit on the chilly side.  But we still walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and ate lunch at an excellent pizzeria.  I do know that we definitely ate our way through the city and enjoyed checking out different spots along the way.

New York City

Probably the quickest decision we have ever made - a trip to NYC!!!  Alaska airlines got us with their companion fare, and we wanted to use it to go somewhere that would put the savings to good use.  Then we started talking about ball parks, and I looked into the Mariners' schedule - NYC, Boston, DC, Chicago...  then several hours later, I decided maybe I should see where the Dodgers' were.  Wouldn't you know it - both our teams were in NYC the SAME EXACT WEEK.  This was on a Sunday, but Wednesday we had bought our plane tickets.

View of NYC from the hotel

We took a red eye into the city landing at 6 in the morning.  We took the subway over to Jersey where our hotel was.  Todd did a great job picking it out, we walked up out of the station, and there our hotel was.  Staying in Jersey was so nice because we were able to escape the hustle/bustle of the city (and the noise), and enjoy the city skyline.

After checking into the hotel - our room was ready! and enjoying breakfast there.  We went on a city walk.  The first stop was yummy coffee!  This shop is a historical site - and was a stop on the underground railroad!  

 Who are you going to call?  Ghost busters

 Where we stepped out of the Path at the World Trade Center.  The building in the background is the One World Trade Center.  We went to the 9-11 Museum and Memorial.  When I had been there in 2005 - there was still rubble on the ground.  The museum was very well done and very moving. 

 

We also walked around the Financial District - seeing the charging bull, Wall Street, and where George Washington was inaugurated. 

 We also ate dinner at what is claimed to be the first pizzeria in the US - Lombardi's opened in 1905.

california

reasons why I really like alaska airlines!  mileage plans - we all had enough miles (including miss m) to fly to california for less then <$100.  we booked our tickets and crossed our fingers that everyone would be home.  waiting until the last minute to take advantage of a sale... priceless 

 First stop after getting off the plane at midnight.  In-N-Out for milkshakes

 Grandpa found a car for Miss M on the side of the road.  Here she is driving her red convertible

Beach Day

Beach Day

 We then headed to visit friends from PT school, and meet their sweet little girl

We then spent the night at an aunt & uncles.  Enjoying the company and swimming in the pool!  Such a fun trip spending time with friends and family.  Can't wait until next time!