New York and Connecticut

We just returned from a week-long trip to New York and Connecticut. We flew into New York on a red eye and the girls slept for most of the flight. We stayed with my sister in her amazing apartment, overlooking the Hudson. This picture is taken out in front of her apartment building and you can see the statue of liberty out in the distance.


The girls got back on a normal napping and eating schedule within the first day, and didn't seem bothered by the new location or the time change.


We went for long walks along the water and the girls were thrilled to see the ducks, squirrels, and dogs. There's a playground right outside the apartment and we took the girls out to play and practice walking.


Andi has a playroom in her apartment building and when it was too hot to play outside the girls had lots of fun exploring the new toys.


We saw my Aunt and cousin in the city and also met up with my mother's cousin and her family. Although the girls were a bit shy at first, they quickly warmed to to all the new people and were happy to be held and played with.

The girls were thrilled to see their Auntie Andi, who bought them special belated-birthday cupcakes and read them bedtime stories.


After a couple days in New York, we drove down to my grandfather's house in Connecticut to spend the weekend with family. Once again, the girls acclimated well to their new surroundings and were thrilled by all of the people around to play with. They got to see my father (their Opa), great aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, and also their great grandfather.


The trip had many firsts including Nina's first steps! (Or rather step...). Nina was standing up when she saw a dog enter the room. She was so excited that she took a step towards it all on her own! This was particularly meaningful for me, as I took my first steps in that same house,


We also took the girls into the pool for the first time. The girls weren't happy with the cold water and as soon as we dipped their toes in they started to cry. Regardless, we had to get a picture of the girls in their (dry) swimsuits.
All in all a great trip. The girls were real troopers and everyone was incredibly helpful and accommodating. We played tennis, relaxed by the pool, celebrated Andi's and Mark's engagement and several family birthdays (including my grandfather's) and even enjoyed a yummy pig roast.