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Austen enjoyed the fireworks show at a nearby town…until they got really loud.

One of Dada’s coworkers gave him special Japanese cookies just for Austen. Austen’s response: “This is not a Japanese cookie. It’s a chocolate cookie!”

We went on a short vacation to visit some of our old neighborhoods in NYC. Staying at a hotel blocks away from our previous apt. on the Upper West Side, everything felt comfortable. Austen enjoyed a lot of new activities from the Ferry ride, row boating in Central Park, visiting doggie parks, riding taxis, buses and the subway, shopping and all the “fine” dining.

Not having lived in the city with a toddler, Mama and Dada surprisingly appreciated many benefits of NJ life such as friendlier attitudes, easier-going people and an overall less-rushed attitude, not to mention very few incongruous matching full time nannies (who aren’t necessarily the nicest people!).

Ferry ride into downtown Manhattan.

Avoiding the papparazzi.

Scoping out her room, after we got a 3 bedroom suite (for one night) due to hotel overbooking.

At a puppet show in Madison Park.

Splashing the water fountain at Central Park, near the boathouse.

Watching the local 1 train arrive.

Ferry ride fun.

Of course we had to stop at FAO‘s where Austen played with lots of toys, bicycles, blocks, strollers, rocks, animals and anything else along the way.

Austen really enjoyed visiting CMOM. In addition to below activities, Austen made a craft at the collage table (although Mama and Dada left it in the drying rack) and sang along during circle time (animated book reading).

Dubious readings on the jump-ometer doo-hickey thingamabob said Austen jumped 7″ high and Dada jumped 18″ high.

Austen captured Dada’s spirit while petting some stuffed sheep.

Building Zeus’ temple (Mama also enjoyed this game).

Firetruck & MTA bus rides.

Ball play.

Need I say more?

Playing ball with a hotdog.

Enjoying some special dessert at
Serendipity.

How could we resist The Boathouse in Central Park? Dada did most of the rowing while Mama shouted steering directions. Despite this team approach, we still managed to crash into another boat, full of Sikhs!! We also found a tree stump full of turtles who weren’t too shy… until we bumped up against them.

Mama and Dada reminisced during a stroll through the campus, stopping at Philosophy Hall, the Library steps, Butler library, St. Paul’s Chapel followed by dinner at a local hangout spot for students, The Heights.