Christmas Round 2 - New York

We spent Christmas this year with Jim's family in New York City. We were excited to see Jim's family and also experience some snow and cold weather. This was Ben's first big trip and first plane ride. We weren't sure how he would do on a plane for 5 hours since he is so mobile and active these days, but we were pleasantly surprised that he did great both ways! He took naps, ate some food, met all of the flight attendants and played in our seats. He got a bit restless at times, but overall was a great traveler - we even got compliments from the passengers around us at how great he did. I was bummed they didn't give out wings or anything for his first plane ride (they said it was the first to go with budget cuts), but we'll always remember Ben's first trip as an enjoyable one.

At the San Diego airport, going through security (not so easy anymore!)

On the plane, looking out the window
Playing in his seat with Dad

We made it to New York!

We arrived Tuesday evening and everyone came over to Jim's parent's house to see us. We had a great dinner, some wine and shared some laughs. Ben had fun exploring around the apartment.

Catching up with everyone in the family room

Watching Mary's "Elf yourself" video of Rick!
Ben and Nana - he loved playing with her spoon!

The next day Jim, Ben and I ventured out into Manhattan to see some sights and meet Meg for some lunch. It wasn't snowing, but snow was piled up all along the roads from the big storm they had the week before and that was good enough for me! We saw the tree in Rockefellar Center and it was a nice big tree this year - some years we have seen it and been a bit dissapointed.

Ben all bundled up to brave the cold weather!

Rockefellar Center
Having fun with Aunt Meg at the Pub we went to for lunch

Nice and warm inside - time to bundle up again...

Ben's first time seeing snow!

Taking the subway to Mary's place for drinks that night

Mary, Meg, Ben and I at Mary's new apartment

Ben helping us wrap everyone's presents for Christmas

All bundled up for day #2 outside

Playing piano with Dad

My tired little guy

Christmas day everyone came over to Jim's parents house for a wonderful brunch before opening gifts. We opened presents before Meg and Stephen left to spend the evening with his family. Then everyone went to church while I stayed home so Ben could nap and we were off to Ma Mere's annual Christmas Day get together at her house. She had 12 children and many of the family gets together to sing carols and wish each other a Merry Christmas. I had never been in New York for this party so I was excited to meet some more members of the family and see all the newest additions as well. Ben did pretty well there - he got to see the Meier children for the first time this trip and loved playing with them and his new tractor toy from Ma Mere.

The Frisbee's beautiful Christmas tree

Ben's new Red Sox gear from Aunt Meg and Uncle Stephen

Family picture before heading to Ma Mere's

Ben all dressed up to meet his great Grandmother

Corbin giving Ben some love

Caroline, Ralph and new baby Reese

Ben playing with his new tractor

Ben loving his time with his cousins

Avery, Ben, Corbin and Will

Jim and Ben with Courtenay and Chase (Chase is only 3 months older!)

Chase and Ben had a little wrestling match - Ben actually made him cry! Oops.

All the kids at Ma Mere's

The next day Jim, Ben and I ran some errands in the city. It was pouring rain but we still had a great time.

Jim playing with Ben at FAO Schwartz

FAO Schwartz

Ben passed out in the NBA store

Ben helping Nana with the dishes

Ben making a cake

Taking a walk through Central Park - the rain melted all the snow

The Meier's come into NYC to celebrate Christmas with us

Family Photo

Elmo #3 from the Meier's

Avery, Ben, Corbin and Will

Ben playing with his new Curious George

Aunt Kirsten enjoying some time with Ben

Mary and Meg

Ben's awesome one-piece outfit for the cold - my favorite

LOVE IT

Flying back to San Diego - time for a cold one!

We had such a wonderful time in New York. It was great to see everyone again and to spend Christmas with Jims's family this time around. Thank you to the Frisbee's for letting us stay in your home all week and for the delicious meals and gratious hospitality. Thank you to everyone for your wonderful gifts and generosity towards Ben as he enjoyed his first Christmas. Hope everyone had a great Christmas!