NY: From Snoop to the Met

Andy and I flew to NY for his 10-year reunion last week, and we had an awesome time.  This trip was also able to function as our "babymoon #2," a break we both so dearly needed (although Andy was still working through emails and phone calls the entire time...ick).

The voyage began with a couple of days in NYC, my first time there.  We stayed in Times Square and were treated to the insanity that is the nightlife of the city.  Even though Broadway smelled like a public restroom, the energy (and "freaks" - we had the pleasure of hearing a woman say to her husband ,"It is time to go home honey, this is the time the freaks come out!") made for a welcome change from small-town America.  Joining us in the hubbub were Snoop Dogg and Ricky Martin, and I wasn't sure if I should shake my bon bon or roll a dooby (I went with the former).  We also had the honor of visiting the 9/11 Memorial, which was very moving.

The South Pool, surrounded by names of those who perished

1 World Trade Center, part of the new WTC redevelopment area.  It is nearing completion at 1,776 ft, and will be the tallest building in the U.S.

The Survivor Tree, not something you hear about much.  This tree was planted in the original WTC plaza in the 70s.  It was found in the Ground Zero wreckage as an 8ft. tall stump.  After being moved to a NYC park for rehab, it was uprooted by a storm in March of 2010, but again survived.  It was returned to the WTC site in December of 2010, and is now being supported by wires to help it take root once again.  Pretty incredible.

After a fantastic afternoon at the Met seeing many famous paintings (we both felt a bit more cultured walking out), we took a stroll through Central Park.  It was much as I had imagined, and very peaceful...although some of that may have been ruined by me constantly pointing out areas that looked like scenes from Law & Order, be it a playground where a child was undoubtedly soon to be offered poisoned candy, a rock where a stalker was certain to be hiding, or bushes from where a small dog would surely soon run up to us with a bloody shoe in its mouth.

Peaceful sailboats in the park, not involved in any criminal acts

Leaving behind the hustle and bustle, we then drove through the mountains to West Point, and I was finally able to see where Andy spent his college years.  Situated on the Hudson River, it is a very picturesque setting.  So rich in beauty and history that it is in fact a tourist attraction, something that seemed rather odd to me.  I couldn't imagine walking around campus and having people taking pictures of me like a show dog, but Andy said it happened all the time.  Yeesh.  Maybe that is why he occasionally asks me to take a photograph of him when he walks in the yard...

It is interesting to note that prior to our trip, I had a little anxiety about the rules of West Point.  Of course I have been on many military bases in my life, but for some reason my view of WP was similar to that of a convent or monastery.  They were foolish fears, but not so foolish that I didn't feel the need to confirm with Andy beforehand that I would not be scolded for innocent acts (I kept having nightmares of walking on the grass and being yelled at by a drill sergeant).  No no no, he assured me it was not like that, and I would be fine.  When we arrived on campus and began walking around, I felt more at ease and relaxed.  Walking through the main arch that overlooks the parade ground, I headed toward a path that was to lead us to our first luncheon.  As we were walking, I remarked that it was not as scary as I had thought it would be, and Andy said, "Yeah, see, no worries Joy.  Whatever you do, though, do not step on the grass."  I figured my man was playing a joke on me, and so I laughed it off, only to almost walk head-first into a sign that said "Do Not Walk on the Field."  The moral of the story: trust your pregnancy dreams, because the spawn in your belly gives you spidey sense.

The mess hall, where all 4,000-some students eat together for every meal.  It was like Hogwarts, x10.  This photo shows them setting up for lunch, and you can only see part of two of the eight wings of the building.  Unreal.

Andy's class watching as the cadets conducted a full parade review, a rare occasion.  Marching gives me such a dorky sense of contentment - the organization, the precision, the beat.  I'm getting flustered just thinking about it.

One of six parachuting cadets at the closure of the ceremony (not a patriotic giant walking on top of a nearby mountain)

Cadets' belongings outside one of the classrooms; more order = more excitement for Joy.

Morning on the Hudson

West Point's Bicentennial Class of 2002 - over 400 alumni showed up!  Andy is on the far left - don't even try to pick him out.

Whit had a vacation of his own at Nana and Papa's.  He was a perfect angel, a treat which he apparently saves for anyone other than his parents.  There is something amazing about returning home to lots of cuddles though.