NEW YORK NEW YORK

For my 30th Birthday celebration Kate and I decided we needed a 'night out on the town' in none other than NEW YORK CITY!  We had it all planned out...she was going to fly in on Thursday, she would assist with a Valentines party and hang out with the kids on Friday, and on Saturday we would PARTY!  We are talking a trip to Carlo's Bakery, the New York City Ballet, Serendipity that evening, then staying in the CITY overnight.  Did I mention ALL of this would be kid free???  I was so excited!  Well, that is until the weather RUINED our amazing plans.  ALL flights into Philly were cancelled on Thursday and since their 'replacement' option was less than ideal we knew it was not meant to be.  We were able to cancel our room, but since the ballet tickets are non-refundable there was no point in them going to waste.  Luckily my awesome friend was able to work things out with her husband and the kiddos and Stephanie and I were on our way to see the New York City ballet.  It was a blast.  We drove into the city (I may or may not have followed GPS to the wrong side of the ferry), found adequate - not too expensive parking, took the SUBWAY and found our way to the Lincoln Center and into the Koch Theater.

Subway selfie!

It was pretty funny because Stephanie had just asked me if I knew where the Manhatten Temple was located, all I knew was it was in a busy area of the city, and we step out of the subway entrance, take a look around and lo and behold...there is the TEMPLE.  Since we were right there and we had plenty of time before the ballet started we decided to go take a look.  The temple is located on the first floor, a small distribution center is on the 2nd, and a meetinghouse is on the third.  After getting cleared by the security guard we took a look around the 2nd and 3rd floors.  It was so much fun being able to be there.  And now we know where it is!

On our way over to the theater there was a DELICIOUS smelling waffle cart - we HAD to have one.  And they did not dissappoint.  Paired with a cup of Belgian hot chocolate it was pretty close to heaven!  We attempted to sit at the tables located right by the cart, but since it was snowing and all it didn't last long. We were able to finish our impromptu meal in the lobby of one of the theaters at the Lincoln Center.

Now it was on to the Lincoln Center Theater and over to the Koch Theater.  We went to see Coppélia, a 19th century comedy ballet.  It was absolutely amazing!  

These dancers are so skilled and dedicated!  I LOVED every minute of it.  Since you aren't allowed to take any pics inside the theater I borrowed these from their internet site...

Thank you to Stephanie (and Kate) for the amazing day in New York City. Although it wasn't how I originally planned - it turned out to be a wonderful day.  I was even able to make it home in time to say goodnight to my beautiful children and my amazing husband!!  30 is going to be GREAT!