New York City

We went to New York City. We took our kids, and that may seem a bit crazy, but we survived and saw everything that we wanted to! Here are some pictures!

The airports were fairly un-eventful. I found out my license is expired and they acted like they would give me a hard time, but they didn't. The kids did pretty well, and it was a lot easier with Jordan with me.

We got to Cory and Kirsten's apartment, rested for an hour and then headed out to Central Park.

We saw the LDS temple and walked around Upper West Side before heading home.

The next day we got an early start. We walked the Brooklyn Bridge, had dinner at Juliana's, and that evening we went to Times Square.

We became quite the pros at public transportation. The girl's loved riding the buses. Madison wasn't to fond of subways coming in and out though.

This is my camera and this picture is a miracle. I actually got to Cory and Kirsten's apartment and found that I had lost my camera. I assumed it was in the Taxi. I was devastated and didn't know what to do. Cory mentioned that on the receipt there is a number that labels the taxis. I vividly remember the driver asking me if I wanted the receipt. I told him no, but for some reasons quickly changed my mind and took it. I found the receipt deep in my pocket and we called the city. At first it was hopeless. They number of the taxi was a private company not registered with the city. We googled some things and found out if I paid with a credit card that a company could find the transaction then the company would recognize the taxi number. Sure enough the company was found. They were trying to reach the driver, but he would never answer. I called back for two days hoping for any news. Finally the Taxi Driver called me while I was at Times Square. He was hard to understand, but I think he said he had my camera and was bringing it to the apartment. It was crazy and still is crazy!

The next day we went to the New York Public Library, and saw all the sites in the area.

Birthplace of Teddy Roosevelt

The next day we went to the Natural History Museum. Both my kids fell asleep which left Jordan and I a little time to enjoy some of the exhibits. Afterwards we went to a fun little hotdog place! It was busy, small, and crowded, but gave us an accurate feel of New York.

That evening, Kirsten and Cory kindly watch our kids so we could go to the 9/11 museum. Such a good museum to represent a sad and memorable day. (no pictures were allowed)

The next day we ventured out and took a ferry to Liberty Island to see the statue of liberty and then Ellis Island. It was a very cold day. But we took a quick walk around the statue of liberty and I really enjoyed the Ellis Island museum.

We finished up the day with a slice of pizza and exploring the financial district.

Trinity Church

Loved our time! Cold, but worth it! Look at us traveling with our kids. (babies)

Mustard yellow dress - Refashion

I follow this lady on Instagram named Sarah Tyau. I came across her late this summer. (I think it was about the time she was gaining a ton of popularity, and was featured with PEOPLE). I really enjoy following her, seeing her photos, watching her stories, and reading her posts. She is funny, cute, somewhat cheesy, but overall very good and authentic. She became well known because of her 'refashioning' skills. She takes clothes that don't fit very well and sews them into something cute. I fell in love with the idea.

I grew up sewing and watching my mother sew. She even refashioned a few things, quite often, now that I think about it. However, after following this account I became reminded and inspired about refashioning. She really changed the way I look at clothes that I give away to Goodwill and also how I look at the clearance rack. I not only just think that I could add sleeves or length, but I pay attention to fabrics that I love, and becoming more brave in what I chop and re-sew. I have taken in a few dresses and skirts for my girls that I love the fabric or style of them, but that don't fit them right, or don't fit them yet and I want them to wear them now. ( little trick, I don't cut on some of these so that I can take the side seams and hem out easily and have the dress grow with them if I desire) (and sorry that was a confusing sentence, but a fairly important one).

In this dress that I want to show you I completely changed what the article of clothing was. Saved on buying fabric! Woot Woot. I wish I had a 'before' picture, but I don't. However, this mustard dress was a maxi skirt someone gave me as a hand me down that just never laid very well. However, I loved the color and didn't want to see it go to waste. (since I am pretty sure it wouldn't flatter anybody, it was a weird maxi skirt).

I cut the skirt completely. I cut my own pattern for a bell sleeve dress for Madison. I didn't even have to hem it and just used the original hem. It is not perfect, but it was fun, and I learned a lot about sewing with knits. I even crocheted a little collar for her to hide the imperfections in the neck. ;)

I even crocheted a cowl as an option as well. ( she loved having a choice)

Amtrak Adventure

We did it. We rode the train. It was definitely an adventure. We boarded the train about an hour from Iowa City in a city called Mt. Pleasant. I am always pleasantly surprised by the kindness that I always receive in Iowa. The train station had a few passengers waiting. They loved interacting with my little girls. They laughed at their curiousness and even were very interested in how much they would weigh when they stepped on the baggage scale. (Madison 33 lbs, Jordyn 23lbs)

We boarded the train at about 6pm and had some dinner. We packed a little cooler full of food to make our little meals on the train. (The meals are EXPENSIVE, that you can buy). We packed sandwiches, fruit, cereal, and tons of snacks to have a day+1 worth of meals. Afterwards we hunkered down and went to sleep.

We found it easier to strap Jordyn in her carseat to help her settle down to sleep. There aren't any seat belts on the train, but there is so much room at our feet she fit with plenty of room. The rest of us spread out over our two aisles. Jordyn woke up for a couple minutes every time the train stopped, but went back to sleep each time.(she did a lot better on the train ride back)

In the morning we found ourselves in Denver. It then takes the whole next day and into the night to make it through the Colorado mountains and Utah. The day was LONG!! The girls loved walking around a little, but it was exhausting to watch Jordyn, since the train rocks a little and we didn't want her to fall and knock her head on anything. However, we made it. About 10 pm the next day.

Looking out the window in Southern Utah

We definitely watched shows on the iphone to pass the time

My two hoodlums

Eating a meal in the dining car

I am not sure if I want to ride the train again with kids as young as my kids. They took a lot of attention, and couldn't/didn't take the best of naps. They days dragged on. However, it was nice to have Jordan available to help and play instead of tied to driving the car. Pros and cons I guess.

Overall it was a fun adventure.... and I am glad to be home.