The White-rs

I used to call her Tate-r, but now she's married and white-r doesn't sound the same...Anyway, Ashley, her niece-Karlee and mom-Terri came to visit. What a fun girls trip! I will start with the fact that we survived an entire weekend with four girls and one bathroom, really didn't know it was possible. We had a blast and even better, think they officially conquered this city. Loved that they were so savvy, even when I had to work. And, that they loved on my lil man!!

Their first day they spent shopping and walking and exploring. When I got home, we headed out for dinner at Nizza. Great little Italian place on the West side. We started a fun weekend tradition that basically all of us ate all the food together. We each ordered something and it was truly communal plates. I'm lucky to have buddies that want to try new things and don't mind sharing! Plus, I realized how nice it is to have friends from home visit-people who know me, we don't miss a beat and can talk about things that matter-easily. I've been missing that!

 Cool bar and view our front window (and Karlee's head)

Next we walked from the restaurant to the Wicked theater, which consisted of less than ten blocks and had several interesting NYC experiences. First, we are all together, minding our business when a gentleman standing off to the side said, "Um, Um, Um, wanna hold my jacket?" to Karlee. I must say she was looking good with a fancy dress and heals, but let's be honest-she is a teen! We all laugh it off and keep walking. On the next block, the next interesting gentleman rides by us on his bike (pink mind you) and we yell, "hey, we want your picture". He stops and poses with ease, almost like dressing this way was his job???

So, we take the pic and walk off. He is not pleased, but he doesn't seemed to be able to communicate.  He grunts and points to the little basket on his bike (I assume he wants money and I'm not paying). So, I try to take charge in my city and say no sternly and walk off. Next thing I know, we have crossed the street and he grabs Karlee's arm and starts grunting like nobody's business. It became uncomfortable for a second, but I held fast that I wasn't paying and he stood his ground trying to get his money. This went on for probably 2 minutes, but it seemed like 30. Finally, Terri gave him a dollar and we went on about our day. I was seriously wondering if my friends were going to pack up and leave given my first NYC impression was not super awesome or safe! They actually stayed and we enjoyed Wicked for the remainder of the evening.

Show was really good, stage was amazing-probably a little long for an early to bed bird like me though...As we left the show, we attempted to get a taxi and it started to drizzle, as it does here frequently, and we had no luck. So I encourage more walking, next street there will be a taxi, 5+blocks later, no taxi-so we opt for the subway-and they are closing the doors as we watch. Finally, we walked to a hotel in midtown and got in their taxi line. It took over an hour to get home that night, in the rain nonetheless. I'm not kidding when I say, I was worried-are they staying?? UGH...