For the first time since the kids could get themselves out of bed, there was no early wake up. Everyone got up and ready before the kids opened their “stockings” and we exchanged a few gifts. Everyone was happy.
We caught an Uber to RiseNY a three-part journey that lifts and connects you to New York City’s most famous sites and moments. It starts with a small film then there are museum-style galleries that transport you through the city’s expansive pop-culture evolution (seeing things such as Oscar the Grouch, the Friends sofa and the Tonight Show set. Finally there is a soaring ride where you fly over the iconic skyline that suspends you 30 feet in the air.
We finished earlier than we had anticipated so decided we had time to head to Times Square and the M&M store which the kids wanted to go to. It was surprising how many places were open, shops, pharmacies, coffee shops etc. The kids Christmas’ all came at once when Mark told them they could fill up a bag with M&M’s!! Prob a bit of a rookie error as they are not cheap.
We then went to lunch at Boqueria, a Spanish Tapas style restaurant. The food was really good. The drink service a little slow as apparently they were short staffed behind the bar, but it was a really enjoyable meal and made a nice change from the usual Turkey. TJ and Sophia both decided to do a chili eating challenge and quickly regretted it. ?
We headed back to the hotel for a quick change before walking the few blocks to Summit One Vanderbilt, an observation deck with a difference. We had booked to go up at 3:30pm to ensure we would see the sunset. We got to the first floor which is full of mirrors, the floor and ceiling and walls. We spent a long time looking around and taking pictures and then found a spot by the window looking out at the Empire State Building and towards the Financial District and watched the sunset.
We continued around that floor where there are different rooms with balloons and displays, before heading to the second floor where you look down on the mirrored level and then stand on a glass floor over the street below. The third and final floor is outdoors. We had also booked to do Ascent which is an outdoor elevator up part of the building but due to the weather it was not operational which was disappointing. Apparently the gears had iced up and it was too windy so we queued with everyone else to get our refund.
We headed back to the hotel and then I took the girls down to Bryant Park to ice-skate. The boys stayed at the hotel and watched the football. We seemed to walk all the way around through the crowds until we finally found the entrance. Skates sorted and onto the ice- they said it felt more slippery than at home – maybe being outside makes a difference, I thought ice was ice ?????. Greer struggled with her skates in terms of sizing so didn’t spend the whole time on the ice but Sophia did and they both seemed to enjoy it.
After we had a wander around the shops at the market and went to Max Brenner for a hot chocolate. I’m not sure what was going on but for what seemed like forever they weren’t serving – it was tempting to give up as it was so cold but we were also so close to the front so we stuck it out. Greer got a corn dog from the store next door and managed to buy it, eat it and still be waiting before they opened up again. Anyway, the hot choc was good even if it did feel like hyperthermia was creeping in! Home for a shower to warm up!
