Four days on the road with the Family is truly a wonderful occasion and a remarkable experience that we will soon not forget.  Living in a cramped apartment in Manhatten for 3 days, all sleeping in one small room, a pizza party on the floor and getting lost on the subway was all worth it!

The most important thing was un-interrupted time together, where we could experience adventure, laugh, play and dream.

My child hood dream had come true, I finally participated and witnessed a Yankees game in the house that ruth built.  There is absolutely nothing like watching a ball game in a real ball park.  From our vantage point we could see the entire field, the Bronx burough and the new Yankee Stadium right next door.  It really is too bad that they are going to take down this old stadium.  But, I am very grateful to have been here for its final season.

As for the game, the Yankees cleaned up beating the Angels 14-9.  It was a really good game, close and one of those where you sit on the edge of your seat!

As for the overal Experience 9.5/10.  Its not a 10 out of 10 because I got treated like a criminal trying to bring my video camera into the park.  I know Frank from Pensacola Florida feels the same way!

Complete Wrap up of the Game on MLB:

New York is a wonderful place, with a new experience, adventure, scent or smell around every corner.  Once you think you have seen it all, something else comes across your path and you cherish it for being unique, big or grand.

Times Square reminded me of the importance of dreaming big

Central Park is good for your Mental health after being in the chaos all day

Wall Street is the place of work – be on top of the game

Statue of Liberty reminded me of Freedom

St. Paul’s Chapel a place for worship and reflection

Ground Zero a place of rememberence

Yankee Stadium – where I could be a kid again

We went to see Little Mermaid on broadway this evening, it was brilliant, and the special effects were breath taking.  I could see the awe in my daughters eye, I saw her dream, believe and think big.  It was a special moment for me.  I’m not sure what I enjoyed most – watching her or the show.

If you bring your children to New York City, the LIttle Mermaid is a must see!

After our brief over night sleep in Syracuse, we loaded up the the CX-7 (AKA Rocket) and headed down the i-80 for NYC.  One of the more remarkable events was the beautiful scenery of up-state NY.  The mountains are rolling and very pleasent marked along the way with farms, meadows and the odd melted ski resort (it was August after all)

After some traffic just before Scranton, PA and a brief stop in the Poconos for a picnic we proceeeded to head in to the Big Apple by way of Newark and Jersey City.  Thanks to my trusty Magellan GPS and a few confusing turns we finally made it through the Lincoln Tunnel into Manhatten.  The traffic was insane!  I learned the night before while reading an interesting blog posts about obnoxious tourists in NYC was to drive like them (if you chose to drive at all).  In order to survive demands extreme aggressiveness, waving fists plenty of horn honking and don’t worry too much about pedestrians they will get out of your way!

The drive from Jersey City into Manhatten was chaotic, to the point of being life changing. With all the energy I had left, I was immediately intrigued by the sites around me.  Immediately I was seized with energy, and my childrens optimizim forced me to continue our most excellent adventure.

Image via Wikipedia

Well, we finally arrived in New York City.  Lisa and I took our two kids to the Big Apple, we wanted to show them the sites, experience some adventure.

We took it easy on the way to NYC with an over night stop in Syracuse,NY.  Olivia and Braeden were absolutely thrilled with the swimming pool.  The only trouble was that the pool was too deep and we had forgotten the water wings.  This did not stop Braeden or Olivia from swimming as they jumped into the pool and attempted to swim with out water aids.  With all the excitement, confidence and determination Olivia began swimming, keeping her head above water!  Braeden watching from the side of the pool, was not about to be showed up by his sister attempted the same, a few more tries and he had it as well!  History was made in Syracuse, NY my Kids swam for the very first time!  Very very cool!

River Walk

You can’t help but be in awe of the City of San Antonio.  The 7th largest city in the USA is home to the San Antonio Spurs, real texas cowboys, the Alamo and the Famous river-walk.  When Gary (my business partner) and I arrived the temperature was over 100 degress.  We decided to take a stroll down the River walk and the temperature was a much cooler 90 degrees.

Certainly lots to see and do.  I enjoyed the cafes, restaurants and mexican gift shops.  Lovely culture!

Despite working, we were able to see much of the San Antonio downtown.  Can’t wait to go back one day with the Family!

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This was the first weekend at the Cottage where most things were done!  Time to settle in and just enjoy!

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Yes it is true!  Whistler was open and I got some skiing in while in British Columbia in May!  Conditions were a little icy and no powder to be seen.  It was just a treat to be able to Golf and Ski all in one week!  What a perfect place to celebrate my 7 year wedding anniversary with my wife.

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Conquering MT Sumas in British Columbia

Well here you have it, my first time hiking a real live mountain.  After a 6 hour climb, we enjoyed a view that few can enjoy.  We saw airplanes flying below us, and experienced pure beauty.

The trip was awesome, good times with friends and we even got to witness DJ getting married to his wonderful bride Karen!

More Pictures can be found on my Mac Photo Gallery