A Big Surprise in the Big Apple!

This weekend was SO much fun. For the past 6 months or so, my brother in law, Jason, had been planning a surprise trip to NYC for his wife, Melissa. It was her 30th birthday, and he wanted to do something special(those of you that are familiar know how those Verdigets' boys are when it comes to surprises). Felix and I were lucky enough to get asked to tag along, and it was all I could do the past 6 months to not let it slip. Thursday night, Jason brings home two gift boxes to Melissa each containing a dress for the upcoming weekend. In one of the boxes he has included boarding passes for their flight that is the NEXT MORNING. She was so surprised, and little did she know, that the surprise wasn't over. The next morning, Felix and I arrived at JFK about 45 minutes before Jason and Mel and made it to baggage claim just in time. We decided to hide behind the door and as soon as we saw them come out, we ran up beside Melissa and screamed "We're in New York, we're in New York!". She was so happy, but scared at the same time. I thought she would fall out from the commotion !!

So, the first day Felix and I played tour guide and showed the two of them all around midtown. We started off with lunch at the Hello Deli. Even got to do some chatting with Rupert for those of you who are familiar. We had our "nice" dinner on Friday night and celebrated Mel's 30th birthday at the 21 Club. It was truly a wonderful meal and a night to remember.

Dinner at 21 Club

On Saturday morning, we started the day off with a bang at Tavern on the Green for brunch. We all got our share of eggs in honor of Paw Paw (who can't survive without his AAYYGGS -as he calls them) and then decided to burn off the calories in the park. Now, let me go into some detail here. The stroll through the park was beautiful, but warm. Being the pregnant woman I am, I constantly felt like I was about 10 degrees warmer than everyone else. So we pass one of those little stands in the park selling refreshments. I was so tickled to see the large bottles of water and can't wait to down one. So, Melissa tells me she is thirsty too. So, we head over to the stand to buy our "waters", and what does Melissa walk away with?? A Sunkist. Enough said. So, after our luxurious walk through the park, we head to 5th avenue to get in some shopping. I decided to extend my shopping experience while the rest of my group went to see the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, and the trade center site.

Central Park

A favorite of mine ;)

Saturday evening, the guys were all pumped up to head to Little Italy. Being raised in an Italian family, they have always heard stories about Italy from their grandparents. They have also always had nothing but the best when it comes to Italian food. We dined at Angelo's on Mulberry Street and both brothers will admit it was some of the best Italian food they have ever had. It went quite nice with my cranberry spritzer if I do say so myself :) Afterwards, we headed over to Ferrara's for some old fashioned cannolis. I made the statement that I thought they were better than Brocato's in New Orleans and I got told really quick to hush with such blasphemy.

Little Italy

Sunday came too soon, and it was time to go home. We ended the trip on a wonderful note at a fine little place called Sarabeth's for breakfast. I highly recommend it if you are ever staying near Central Park. After breakfast we all jumped in the limo and headed back to the airport. It was such a fun trip, and we look forward to many more birthday celebrations to come. Felix and I are enjoying all the fun things we have gotten to do so far this year, and we are treasuring ALL of them because we know our life will change (totally for the better) come January! We can't wait to tell Baby V that he/she has already been to Chicago, NYC, and on two beach trips. Stay tuned, because there are more travel plans in the works!