NYC

Are we crazy enough to take all the YW to New York City again? Apparently the answer is yes. Since we had a change in presidency in December, this time I had to be the fearless leader instead of Julia. No pressure. Thankfully I had lots of great support! We had eight adults go with us this trip. Last time it was three. Definitely made my life a little easier.

We also made the girls take charge of planning our itinerary, including planning the maps and the budget. Did they love it? No. But they were able to recognize all the work and the costs that go into this trip instead of just assuming it was free fun. 

 

All the YW at the Staten Island Ferry

Catherine taking pictures off the ferry

Cate gives awesome historical background information

Near Ground Zero

Stair selfie!

Lunch from the most AMAZING hole in the wall Chinese place.

I was really nervous when I saw the sketchy digs, but it was totally delicious. 

Most stressful part of the trip?

Making sure we didn't leave anyone behind on the subway:

Montano pretending she isn't with our group:

(Montano and Cate both served their missions in the city, so they were great help!)

We all made it on!!

Taking a breather in Central Park:

Catherine thinks she's dying:

Breaking all the rules and going outside the fence at the castle:

Girls at Belvedere Castle:

Half-dead girls at the NYC temple:

We always stop here to rest, refresh, and give great spiritual thoughts on how the temple brings rest.

Mostly the girls just wanted to sit and eat snacks. 

Group shot in the entry of the temple

Pizza in Times Square for dinner!

Special Catherine scowl, just for me.

One of the other leaders snapped this picture of Catherine at Catherine street.

The girls cracked us up on this trip. Their one request was that we do less walking than last time (we walked about 10 miles on our last NYC adventure). We let them plan the route, and it was going to be like 8-9 miles instead. But then...the girls hit Times Square and just HAD to go shopping! But not to fancy NYC shops. We went to Target. And Bath & Body Works. Stores we have at home. But they were happy! Catherine was thrilled to discover that BBW existed. I'm afraid my house will soon be filled with all the smelly things...

And so, despite their desires to walk less, we ended up walking a total of TWELVE MILES. But we had no complaints, and everyone came home happy. This is one of their very favorite activities and I'm so glad it went well, even without the amazing Sister Mattson!