The Scariest Roller Coaster Ever

Kirk's work had their annual summer party at the local theme park, and so he and I took the bumpkin to introduce her to the awesomeness known as the roller coaster. First, though, we felt like easing her into the idea of been loudly jostled around was the best strategy, and we took her on the carousel. She wasn't too certain about it, but she warmed up to the idea soon enough:

 

When we felt the time was right, we took her on the Big Girl Ride, AKA, Puff the Little Fire Dragon:

Can you blame the poor kid? That creature looks mighty ferocious, the seats are hard, and it is incredibly loud and bumpy. It is pretty much the scariest roller coaster ever. Luckily, though, she was able to tolerate it by the time we rolled back into the loading dock. And as it turns out, there was something even cooler than any ride:

 

After all that adventure, the ride she liked best wasn't even a ride. It was a pen full of tired reindeer.

Indeed, it was a day filled with adventure and excellent times. I like to think that the baby will thank us later in life for not encouraging her to be frail and nervous about every new thing, but there's no knowing yet. I'm an adventurer at heart, but I know that's not for everyone. So, are you more of an adventurer or more comfortable sticking with what you know?

Nueva York: Glimpses

I took many pictures of New York while we were there, and wanted to share a few of my favorite glimpses:

Sometimes it's the smallest details that I remember best, which is kind of silly because I don't remember the entire context. What about you? Are you a detail rememberer or a big picture rememberer?

Nueva York: Essential Sights

Wherever we travel, Kirk and I compile a list of must-see places. Usually these consist of national monuments and tourist traps because how could we make it so far only to be prideful about our traveling habits? Being smug is no reason to not experience something, I believe. While we are super good at adapting to new places (we gave accurate directions on four different occasions on our short trip!) we also like to be a little silly and embrace our inner tourists. So, in New York, we went all over the place and saw lots of awesome things and even took a bus tour (which made me feel super dorky, but I powered through my pride):

Freedom Tower under construction

World Trade Center Memorial

Survivor Tree

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Hellenistic Gallery at the Met

Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Top of the Top of the Rock

Brooklyn Bridge

Manhattan



Lady Liberty



Hudson River

Ellis Island

Central Park

Central Park

What about you? Do you swallow your pride and embrace being a tourist or do you try and blend into your surroundings?

Nueva York: Architecture

Oh my word, guys: I never thought I'd say this in my lifetime, but I just got back from New York City! I think I could live there if I had a somewhat spacious apartment near Central Park and I knew I wouldn't be stuck there the rest of my life.

There are so many things to be discovered in New York. First of all, architecture is real! I know, it's hard to believe when you don't actually see cool buildings on a daily basis. Or maybe you do, and you take it for granted. Here are some fun bits that I was lucky enough to experience first hand:

Stay tuned for more adventures from the Big Apple!