ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Sykes Eddition

We've been loving watching all these ice bucket challenges-- especially the extra-ordinary ones, the ones of friends and the growing love and support (all 63 buckets of love as they have been called)  for the (step) mom of some of our very first childhood friends back in Pennsylvania.  That all being said, my kids needed to understand the reason for this season... and so we've begun the learning process.

They have limited knowledge of the ability stealing disease of Multiple Sclerosis, which grandma has.  This life stealing disease seems to be in the same "family tree" per-se  of neuro diseases.  We watched several youtube mini documentaries on ALS and how it effects people with it and steals their abilities to do normal things.  I don't want to just play in ice water, make some laughs and film a video of us.  I want the kids (and myself) to understand why we did what we did.  The kids have watched me fund raise and practice and go off and participate in the MS150 for mom.  They could understand why I did all of this as they saw Grandma slowing down, loosing her ease in walking, and then we met Paula another MS Warrior.

For them ALS was unheard of.  For me ALS was practically unheard of.  I had heard the term and knew there was no cure-- like MS.  But that was about it.  It's amazing a month ago this was all a lot of people knew-- if that much.  And now with the great success of the ice bucket challenge this is a known term and to say awareness has rose would be an understatement.

I was challenged Saturday by my sweet honorary nephew, Jacob to do the Ice Bucket Challenge.  Then yesterday (Tues) Uncle Mark took the ice bucket challenge and nominated Anthony and Jayna.  Jayna has been sooooo anxious to be nominated as she watched Aunt Missy, her cousins Hunter, Parker, Lauryn, Aveeri, Ryan and Amanda all do their own challenges in addition to other friends.  And FINALLY she got called out.  I am pretty sure Uncle Mark nominated them so he could secure "Favorite Uncle of the week" status.  It worked.

Next I introduced them via fb to my childhood friends the McNeals.  And then they learned our friend Mrs. Joyce McNeal was recently diagnoses with ALS.  She via the pictures we see on fb seemed so normal so they now see it can strike anyone, not just "sick" people. 

Mrs. Joyce with the Pittsburg Pirates mascot along with her other ALS warrior friends

Sadly when I went to clean the house of my elderly friends (which I do every Tuesday) Mrs. Phyllis told me the horrible news that her nephew was diagnosed last week with ALS.  This evil disease is sneaking it's horrible head into our lives more and more and we are glad to help in whatever small way we can-- through this ice bucket challenge, through learning more about ALS and even by making a donation.

I always thought I was very grounded and believed what I believed full heartedly and strongly.  These past two weeks I realized that is no longer true on the one contoversial topic I have always held a zero tolerance stance: abortion.  I am so again abortion, and extremely pro adoption (that comes with being in a foster and adoptive family I would assume).  But with all the ALS challenges and donations comes contoversy over stem cell research and it was then I realized I am not fully grounded in my beliefs anymore.  Mom initially was saying don't donate b/c of stem cell research on aborted babies.  But you know I'm not sure how they get their stem cells-- abortion or cord blood.  I haven't done the full research.  What I do know though is, if I could donate and be guaranteed a cure for MS (which mom has) and get back the mom I had 5 or 10 years ago who was able to do whatever she wanted, was the most amazing handy man, could help remodel and do home maintenance, would enjoy shopping excursions, could go to the beach and enjoy the sand and some water, attend all the kids school activities w/o hesitation and more--- It would to ME be worth that stem cell research to restore my mom's health and physical abilities.  It is wonderful living close to my parents.  But it also sucks watching first hand my mom to loose more mobility, body functions and even moods and emotion changes.  I can only assume ALS families feel similarly.  I will donate $25 from our family to an ALS organization.    I have chosen to donate to the Pennsylvania Chapter of ALS in honor of Joyce McNeal (who lives in Pa).  They appear similar to local chapters of MS, where they help families dealing with MS not just all research.  When the time comes and Mrs. McNeal needs some additional resources I hope they are available to her.  For that reasoning I donated to this chapter.

So now without further yammering here are our Ice Bucket Challenges!

Jayna's Ice Bucket Challenge:  She nominated her Uncle Steve because he scared her last visit hahah, her cousins Kierra and Cale, her friend at school Brandon, her Aunt Karlee, and who she refers to as Uncle Phil (sorry Karlee--- although you two aren't together Jayna is still a fan of our favorite Lynchburg Police Department officer)
P.S. Aunt Beth, she chose not to nominate you because she didn't want it to cause you any health issues <3 <3

Anthony's Ice Bucket Challenge:  He nominated three friends from school; Wesley, Carson and Luke

Finally it was my turn.  I nominated a friend, Alisa, My brother Zach and his wife Rebekah and then Jayna and I agreed we should also nominate Nana Jan <3

Jayna's Baptism

Jayna was baptized this Sunday, August 24, 2014.  Originally she wanted baptized at our former church, Thomas Road, by Pastor Jonathan this past May.  However, Pastor Jonathan was on vacation for two Sundays.  During this same time period Mom and Dad switched churches from jumbo-super sized Thomas Road to a much smaller (maybe 150 people) Oasis Church.  So since Jayna couldn't be baptized that week by Pastor Jonathan, and it would have to be delayed til June, she decided to wait until Uncle Zach and Aunt Rebekah could come and attend.  Zach and Rebekah have been in Guam for the past three years but were scheduled to come home the first week of August.
Jayna hasn't liked the children's church program at Thomas Rd for over a year and has chosen to go to the adult services with me instead.  I think there are too many people, chaos for her.  So Jayna started going to church with grandma and Poppy to Oasis the last week of May, while Anthony and I stayed at Thomas Rd through most the summer.
Jayna met with the Pastor's wife regarding baptism in late July.  I started attending Oasis with Anthony in August.  Anthony isn't the biggest fan.  He went from a church program with tons of bells and whistles to a more typical children's church program.
As seems typical in life, all the best intentions and plans--- fall through.  Zach and Rebekah called on Friday to say they were no longer able to come to Jayna's baptism on Sunday.  They had to take their dog to the vet for a surgery.  Unfortunately being brand new to their area (Baltimore) they didn't have n established vet and felt they were being taken advantage of, so they drove Steeler, their dog to Rebekah's home town where she has an established family vet.  I think they drove from Baltimore to Maine on Wednesday.  They called me Thursday morning during my post-third-shift nap.  Thursday their plan was to come by train to Lynchburg on Saturday.  However by Friday they realized it wasn't possible between travel time, travel price tags, and worrying about their Steeler dog who was going to have surgery this coming Thursday.  They have postponed their visit til after Steeler's surgery.  Maybe over my birthday weekend- the kids have 3 days off that weekend.

Thursday stunk because I had to break it to Anthony Steeler wasn't coming w/ Uncle Zach and Aunt Rebekah and he is super dyingly anxious to see "his" dog--- so he was mad and upset.
Then Friday it was worse when I had to tell Jayna they weren't coming.  She cried hysterically.  She was extremely upset.  Then Saturday morning she got it in her head they were tricking her.  They were going to show up and surprise her.  I told her no they weren't but she was hoping so hard.  Today she said "They really aren't coming to my baptism".  Three years is a long stretch for adult sibling to go w/o visits but it's practically torture for a niece and an Uncle- especially an Uncle who lived with her for years, was always easily accessible, and whom she adored.

Then Grandma Pam came down with a flu-like virus and had to cancel on attending too.

However onto the happier and the nit-picky agitating...
Jayna did end up with a large fan base supporting her at church this morning/  Remember she's only been attending here about 3 months.  She doesn't have a bunch of friends and the ones she had were in the children's church class.  However, Jayna did have
mom, dad and big brother
Grandma and Poppy
Uncles Joe and Mark
neighbors and friends Angie, Kayla and Caiden
Nana Jan, Cousin Kierra and Carmen
friend Justine
her friends Will, Diamond and Alexus
17 people who came to watch her be baptized!
They started baptisms with the youth (middle and high school group), then they went to the adults and announced "and last to be baptized is....) So YES they forgot Jayna.  Dad spoke up after that lady's Baptism as another pastor went on stage to progress to the next segment of church, so they back tracked and did Jayna's baptism.  Every other person who had been baptized, when they came on stage the Pastor baptizing asked for that person's friends and family to stand in support of that person.  Since they forgot Jayna all together, they also skipped that part of her baptism.  I don't think she noticed, but I did.  Not to mention she would have been the youngest person baptized with the most people present to support her.  No big deal- it's done and over, but notes to remember if Anthony chooses to be baptized at some point.... ensure they don't forget him.

Unfortunately I was trying to video tape it as requested by Zach and Rebekah, but I wanted still photographs myself.... if ended up being a slightly shaky video and blurry pictures, so this is the "snap chat" picture Uncle Joe took- slightly edited as best I could.  I do think the church got a better picture, so I can update it at a later time.

After church we headed to Grandma and Poppy's along with Will, Diamond, Alexus and Justine for a lunch together.  Justine made Jayna her own brownies, much to Jayna's happiness!
We head to my house after lunch and the kids played until 7pm.  Then I went to pick their mom up from work and dropped them all off at home. 
Overall Jayna had a great day, no nervousness really, a lot of family and friends, and a great after church meal and playdate!

Beach Bound 2014

This year we took a unique beach vacation- unique in many ways.  This is the first beach trip where none of my brothers came. And yet, mom was with us which as her MS has gotten worse has occurred less on any given trip/vacation.
We got to the beach about 11.  Although check in wasn't until 4pm, the desk called us only about 5 minutes after we arrived and said our room was ready.  They also immediately gave us a parking pass.  Both were appreciated.  Mom wasted no time taste testing the DQ right beside our hotel, The Sea Gull Inn.  I would recommend it, but it is closing down in September, being torn down and turned into a mega hotel.  Being on the oceanfront it is currently only 6 floors and small in size, so obviously they have big expansion plans.
Dad, Jayna and I got us all lunch at Wendy's.  Then we were beach bound.

The waves were incredible and strong.  The currents pushed us miles from our hotel.  In just 30mins we would go from our current location 27th down to where the life guards end at 45.  We'd walk back and do it all again.  It was exciting and both kids were mostly entertained.

The flag attached to every Life guard chair warns "Water is dangerous"

And although we'd worn sunscreen and it appeared mostly overcast Dad and I both ended up with some sun burn.  Jayna got tired of the water before Anthony, which is no surprise- he loves the waves.  Jayna and I changed then took a walk- about 2 miles.  I got her a personalized leather bracelet since she's always bummed nothing comes with her name on it.  By the time we got back to the hotel everyone was ready for supper as it was after 6.  We went and got supper.  Mom and dad shared a gyro meal.  Anthony got 2 corn dog meal.  Jayna and I each got a slice of pizza.  Jayna was dying to do this haunted house.  Anthony had zero interest.  It scared her nicely.  I thought is was lame.

It was nearing 7:30 now when all the street performances begin.  Mom decided she was chilly and tired so she went back to her room- using her scooter, what a gift it is!
Dad the kid and I enjoyed numerous performances from a silly actor, several musicians, an artist, and the pain one was Aaron Bonk.

Aaron did about 35 minutes of juggling various items, cracking whip stunts and balancing acts many of which included fire, swords, axes and even a chainsaw

The kids loved this one.  I found it insanely loud giving me a ear and head ache--- perhaps I would have gotten in anyways...
Jayna was my favorite performer.... dancing away with this Jazz group ;-)

By now it was 11ish.  I stopped by Walgreens for some over the counter meds on the way back to the hotel.  Everyone got ready for bed.  My head was killing me as was my ear.  I am used to head aches and migraine but the extreme throbbing ear was a new symptom and I was up almost every hour all night.  In the morning mom and dad went to a lame time share presentation to win a free vacation next year and free passes to a dolphin cruise.  I forced the kids to get up near 10 so I could go buy more meds as obviously what I had wasn't working at all.  Then we went to eat breakfast/lunch.  Jayna chose chocolate chip pancakes, I got strawberry waffles and Anthony got chicken strips and fries.  I was still feeling no better but tried to force myself to keep going.  We went to the beach.  The waves weren't 1/2 as crazy.  Anthony was bummed and Jayna loved it.  I mostly napped on a towel because sitting was making me even more dizzy and I had no energy.  I was bummed I was no fun to be around.After we left the beach, Dad and mom convinced me to go to Urgent Care.  I agreed.  I was now also sick due to the migraine.  The urgent care facility was rather close and they were quick.  I left with 2 rx- one to stop the nausea and one for to stop the migraine.  While I took the meds and headed to sleep, Mom and dad took the kids for a late lunch and then for a 2 hr evening Dolphin boat cruise.  I am bummed I missed my kids first boat ride and I have no pictures or proof it even happened-- but I'm told it did, they saw some dolphins, Jayna gets mildy seas sick as in not throwing up but was feeling uneasy, they liked the first hr and then got bored....After that they went to dominos pizza and brought a pizza and cinnamon sticks back to the hotel for supper.  I ate a few cinni sticks.  Everyone got ready for bed then.  I felt mostly better other than drained and a bit dizzy/loopy.

Thursday I was up before 5 to see the Sunrise. It was beautiful.  I stayed outside alone watching the sun, walking the store, collecting a few shells and enjoying the moment.  Jayna was upset I didn't wake her.

Dad joined me outside around 7 on the 2nd floor patio our hotel had.  He wrote his postcards.  Afterwards we went back to the room and got up and read for the day.  On our list of to-dos was to ride a family bike.  We are guanteed nothing but this is more evident with mom's MS.  This may be mom's last chance to do a family exercise/sport/bike ride.  I'd like you to know, these bike's are not 1/2 as easy as they look.  Mom was unable to pedal so she was along for the ride.  The rest of us traded seats off and on over our hour Long bike ride spanning 54 blocks of boardwalk.  It was a lot of work.  Jayna wasn't too much help but was eager to steer.  All of us were tired by the end-- except probably Dad because I don't think he ever gets tired.

Then dad, the kids and I had to walk 7 blocks from our hotel to hop in the waters due to a high bacteria level beach closure.  We had a wonderful final hour in the waves.

We had to rush and get our stuff out of the hotel room in order to be checked out by 11.  Then we went across the street for our final beach meal.

Grandma and Jayna's matching shirts

This is way fewer pictures than I typical have, but it was a very hands on vacation when I was able, on day 1 and 3-- So less time to play with cameras.

Camp Hydaway

The kids both were able to attend Camp Hydaway this summer.  Initially there were no vacancies and each was put on a waiting list.  Then at Easter at a Spring Carnival at the school I do crossing guard at I won a week of day camp for $45 in the silent auction for Jayna to attend.  On Sunday while we were in NYC I got a phone call that a spot opened up for Anthony.  I had cruddy reception so mom and dad dealt with all the packing and details and got Anthony to camp Monday morning.

Anthony had 4 days and 3 overnights a camp.  He seemed to have a good time although he said he didn't know the kids.  He was slightly hungry thanks to his pickiness and disliking most meals.  His main complaint was they wouldn't let him take the swim test til the last day meaning he could only be in the kiddie area.  He wasn't there the 1st night like everyone else who tested.  That is disappointing.  I surprised him when I picked him up by bringing one of his 2 best friends Alonza along!  This would be the boys last overnight for the summer as Alonza was heading to NC to see his dad's side of the family for the rest of the summer.

best buddies reunite and are all smiles

Unfortunately due to a rain storm the closing camp family picnic was canceled

 Jayna went to Camp Hydaway 8:30-4 the same week as VBS #3.  She was less than impressed by most of it.  Her highlights included playing with Ally from school on Day 1, and then fishing and paddle boats with Tucker on most the other days.  She didn't have any friends in her cabin and said there were two mean girls.  She asked me not to make her go back, but I still did.  To top it off she was supposed to be dropped at church afterwards.  On day 1 they left her at camp.  On day 2 they argued with her about getting on the bus when Jayna insisted she is to go to church.  They called me at least so she did get on the bus to church.  It wasn't a winner of a week.

Jayna on the final pick-up of the week--- I think it equals out to 3 out of 5 stars--- the thumb is not up or down

  I'm guessing this will be their last year of Camp Hydaway after not overly enjoying it this year... but we shall see.

Anthony's Cabin Group Picture

Jayna's Cabin Group Picture

Bible School #3 Church of God

We of course had to go to our favorite Vacation Bible School from last summer again this summer with our heard of kiddos.  Mom's neighbor Brittany kept me informed as to when it was and we invited the troops, as is our norm.  Usually I don't let visitors come with us until night 2 until I know it's a good set up and good mix, but it was so good last year, I started bringing everyone on night one.  Luckily mom helped out with transporting!

Monday

Today's Theme was "The Call" featuring the Bible story of Saul

Day 1 with our gang

It again this year was a great week with a wonderful church!The theme was Savior's Roundup a western theme.  The only one of its kind I've seen advertised around town.  I typically see 4 or so themes repeated all over at many churches.  The church members did a fabulous job putting it on and almost all of it was hand made set ups as opposed to the pre-made and bought option from the company who designed the program.
Each night the kids were given a memory verse to learn and they'd get a coin to buy a goodie at teh Country Store.

For all have sinned and some short of the glory of God.  Romans 3:23

Tuesday

Today's theme was "The Sacrifice" featuring Jesus, the Ultimate rancher

All the kids from VBS on night 2: Tuesday

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19

Wednesday

Today's theme was "The Armor of Christ"

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6

 

Thursday 

Today's theme was "The mission" recruiting others for Christ

Friday

Today's theme was "The Reward"- Heaven

Like most VBS programs it was split up into parts--- the worship/skit time all together and then stations made up of the message/story, crafts, rec time and snack time before the closing worship time back all together.  The kids were split up into 4 age groups 2-4, early elementary, ages ages 9-12, and then 12 and up.  Unlike most VBS programs they allow kids of all ages, which I love!  Kids after 5th grade need to know of Jesus' love!

Large group time was led by Mrs. Bethany who narrated the skits while her lovely sisters and fellow members acted.  Then Mrs KK led the singing while Mr Todd and Miss Brittany played the instruments.

Large group time

Miss Brittany and Mr Lee led rec with lots of water fun and outdoor games!

2-4 y/o at Rec

Early elementary at Rec

9-12y/o at Rec

12 and up at Rec

Craft time was led by Mrs. Holly and Mrs. Roc-Roc

Snack time of course was a hit--- and I can't mention how many time I heard preschool and early elementay kiddos ask "How much longer until snack!!" But just giving the kids gold fish and grapes wasn't good enough--- they too had a western theme.  Too bad I didn't manage a nightly photo, but check out the cowboy boot rice krispy treats and the cowboy hat cupcakes

Then to top it off there was a Sunday Service geared around VBS complete with a delish meal together.  This may seem like no big deal but almost all the kids I brought are unchurched-- and low income.  This VBS took place the last week of the month-- know what that means to a low income family?  Minimal food in the house and snacks aren't an option.  The church prob didn't think about that, but they were filling bellies and souls.

Over the course of the week, they had 52 kids at VBS.  The biggest single night had 43 kids.
Preschool hadd 11 kids, 6 with perfect attendance
Junior class had 12 kids, 6 with perfect attendance.
Pre-teen had 19 kids, 9 with perfect attendance
Teen had 10 kids, 4 with perfect attendance
12 decisions for salvation were made!

Brittany, thanks for the invite and we can't wait to meet again!

Final Leg of NYC Trip

Sunday started at 7am-- and I was ready for the double decker bus tour by 9.  I think this may have been my least favorite thing.  I guess I'm anti-structure :-)  The tour started via headphones... blah-blah-blah listen to this blah blah pre-recorded blahness.  Or something about iron vs brick vs steel and the structures and how tall they could stand.  Yes it was super interesting.  Not sure what I expected but this wasn't it.  In addition it's 8:30am now and fuh-reeeeezing!  And then I misunderstood the Brooklyn tour was just once a day at 10, where as I thought it was like all the other tours- multiple a day, so I missed it.

One person can only tolerate so much boredom so I hopped off the bus and started my foot tour and my check list of to-dos!

Final day in NYC's to-do list

My first mission was to find Fluffy's Bakery as my beloved former customer recommended!  Besides I was ready for breakfast.  But first I found a friend... A pig in NYC

Then I walked by Hell's Kitchen restaurant-- of course it was closed as they don't serve breakfast.  I also checked out the Amish Market.

In true Beth form I got lost finding Fluffy's.  But that was ok, more sights to see that way.  But then there it was in all it's glory.

I ate potatoes, banana nut muffin and hot chocolate

Next was Trump Tower.  Everyone needs to go to the overly fancy over-priced Trump building!
  They have a 6 story fountain in the lobby!  They have two outside patios on the 5th floor.  Only over-priced shops are in the Trump Tower.... don't worry I didn't use my Discover card there!

Next was also a NYC staple--- the FAO Schwarz toy store! 

It was huge and I easily liked it better than Toys R Us.  It wasn't so cramped for walking space.  Best of all it had the beloved cabbage patch doll's 30th Anniversary doll--- yes Dolly and I are both 30 this year.  I was a huge doll fan FAR longer than the average girl and cabbage patch dolls were my first love.  The also had a doll nursery and a doll factory where you can make a doll.  They had a Muppet Puppet creator area.  They had stuffed animals gallore from bean baby sized to $2,000 monstrous sized bears and horses.  There was a story telling room and a candy store area, legos in every variety, giant soccer balls and so much more.  I couldn't leave there without a souvenir so I bought a $30 FAO brand doll on sale for $6 and a $15 card game for $3 I figured the kids would like.

It was time to tackle an important task---- NYC Bagels.  I love bagels so that's an extra perk!  If I picked between donuts and a good cini raisin bagel, the bagel would always win.  They were even a decent price for bagels--- and comparable to the price of Panera here.  But the selection way out-did Panera or local anything.  My cini raisin bagel was delicious!  I ate it while on the double decker tour bus in a delay.... details on that soon...

There were so many fruit stands in the morn into early afternoon.  I did buy 3 mangos after tasting them on the Brooklyn Bridge.  Unfortunately they aren't easy to cut, but still delicious.

 I actually wasn't planning to go to this next spot--- becaus I'd watched enough episodes of The Cake Boss on TLC to know Carlo's Bakery  was in New Jersey.  But as I was walking towards the next bus hop on/off stop I saw the Cake Boss Cafe.  Without a doubt I needed to stop there!!  The line and crowd was insane.  When you went inside you had to grab a number from the ticket counter in order to eventually get served.  When I went in they were serving #26, I was #53.  I got one over-priced chocolate cupcake.  It wasn't that delicious actually.  It tasted rather dry to me.  I know my Betty crocker skills at home taste yummier-- even if theirs look prettier.

That being said, it was still cool!  Yet another of those rare experiences- that was worth the $3 and time waiting.

 

Then, I really did hop back on that double decker bus.  Again, I was not impressed.  An older dude about 55-60 was our "tour guide".  I learned more about him and his opinions and life than I did on the history or culture or excitement of NYC.  It would be like ME leading a NYC tour--- well a very not shy me-- but still same idea- under qualified obviously.  I hopped off not to long into the tour of "uptown" to go check out the "Harlem" tour with a better tour guide. We were two blocks into this tour when a furious slightly crazy motorist claimed the bus had crossed the line and tapped their vehicle.  So in the lovely unshaded top of the double decker in the warmest part of the day, we waited as they argued back and forth.  The motorist was on the verge of violent--- and yet no police were called and no visible damage seen.  It makes me wonder if these types of occurrences are typical.

This tour was much more thorough and the guide was from Harlem and clearly knew what she was doing and talking about.  But the language barrier between her and some foreign passengers was a bit NYer like and rough...

I was amused how close our heads were to bridges and red lights.  At times flimsy tree branches would hit us as we drove by.

Next was the Firefighter Store.

Then more people watching... More naked cowpeople... and a Subway to Magnolia's Bakery, Another place on my to-do list, recommended by a friend.

They were better than the Cake Boss cupcakes and the same price.  I chose a more unique flavor: blueberry lemon.
Next I hit the street flea market type setup.  It went on for like 10 blocks.  All sorts of booths of food , hand mades, souvenirs, and merchandise were set up for sale.  I got there near the tail end as the Police make them start packing up at 6pm.  Here I had my discounted Thai supper with a lemonade.

At 6pm, all the food carts put their "left overs" on sale to get it sold.  Of course that meant I needed a Mango smoothie for just $1.  It was a pinch watered down, but still good.  I bought 3 t-shirts.  Mom and dad each got one-- it would be their anniversary gifts.  The other was Anthony's souvenir, a tiger shirt of course!  I also got Marko a nutella donut.

Then, I had to jump on my final chance at buying my street art, that I mentioned already on Friday's blog.  I bought my spray paint master piece from this street artist.

I then took the subway back to my hotel, as my hands were beyond full from all the souvenirs and goodies I'd gotten all day long.  To my surprise, Marko was in the hotel room when I got back.  So we shared some of the goodies.  I stayed there for about an hour, but then it was time for my NYC at night double decker bus tour.  I took the subway to the bus stop.  Then waited in line for about an hour until it was finally my turn.  I expected a somewhat quick 30min, maybe an hour tour of NYC lights.... instead, we had a two hour tour!  It started by going through Time Square.  Although by the time our tour started it was dark, it practically looks like daylight in Time Square with all the lights.

We went all over Manhattan, up and down town, Little Italy, China Town, into Brooklyn over the Brooklyn Bridge, over the Manhattan Bridge.  It was thorough and such a unique view--- NYC in lights... like driving around to see Christmas lights, but VERY magnified.

My camera certainly couldn't do justice to the looks, but a slight taste of what it truly looked like.  We got back to our original pick-up/drop-off location.  And that meant I needed to find my final to-do of the night, just 2 blocks away, an Italian restaurant suggested by a friend.  I ordered Tortelini and waited for it to cook and then took it with me on the subway back to my hotel.  I ate it there.  And it was then I realized yet again that I don't appreciate authentic tastes... I think my store bought frozen version I boil and add sauce to is tastier.  What I got I felt was too firm, so apparently I over boil mine, but I guess this is also good that I like the $3 a bag version that lasts multiple meals as opposed to this $10 version ;-)

On the walk back from the subway to our hotel, just a few blocks I was amused by the H&M store--- their mannequins were dressing so they had up "privacy" curtains. 

I made it back to our room after midnight.  I was greeted by snoring.  I ate my supper and also went to sleep.

Silly boys--- Marko is sleeping inbetween the bed and wall while Gary is sleeping 1/2 way down the bed and using the chair as a footrest

Monday morning I was going to go to the Today Show, but Gary asked if I wanted to go to breakfast one last time, and I of course loved spending time with both the guys this week, so I took him up on breakfast!

Gary and I went walking to Time Square stopping at open shops so he could buy his souvenirs.  We headed back to the hotel about 8am.

A great souvenir for sure!

We were walking past the Good Morning America plaza at 8:30, the perfect timing to see Robin Roberts!

I quickly packed my stuff and then found an excuse to wonder the close-by streets while the guys got their stuff ready.  I brought Marko back lunch and we headed to the train station.

Using those muscles to carry our stuff all the way across the street--- and pouting that I didn't carry a heavier bag hahah

It was neat yet odd seeing our hometown listed on the signs for train departures in NYC.  Our train was 45 minutes late. 

When it came it was a mad dash of a trillion people filing through the ticket check line.  We ended up with the most crammed seats on the train-- 100% opposite of our ride to NYC.  It got even more cramped at Baltimore and then DC when our train became filled to compacity filling those few previously spare seats.

We finally made it back to Lynchburg about 9:20pm.  Joyce was there to pick us up and even she seemed excited to have seen the train come in. 

After we dropped Joyce off at her house, us three went to Zaxby's for a late supper.  We were starving!  We took it to go.  Then we dropped Gary off at his house before picking Jayna up at Grandma and Poppy's.  We stayed for a while chatting.  And when we got home we were greeted by being locked out of the house as our batteries to our door lock had died.  So, Marko got to test out his new lock picking skills.