New York City Day 2

New York City again! This time we decided to get to the LDS NY temple, so we wore dress clothes all day long. Kudos to Jared for wearing his long pants and tie as we roamed the streets and pushed the stroller around. Now that we had the transit figured out (shuttle, train, subway) we hit up Yankee Stadium first. We could only see it from the outside b/c it was closed to the public unless you bought a tour. Bummer! We enjoyed shake shack where the cement shakes were delish and I really liked the flavor of the buns and meat (so many people were there, we knew it was popular! I changed a diaper on a bench next to a man eat his lunch from there, that was a bit awkward). We loved Central Park, and it was ginormous! We walked around to see what we could; a castle building, Strawberry Fields of John Lennon, couples riding bikes and plenty of green grass and trees. What a spot to go read a book or enjoy the views!

We entered the LDS temple down town. We mapped it out, didn't know where it was, looked up... and saw Moroni! It was another sky scraper, on top of a church bldg! Jared entered and did some initiatories while I did some family history work in the office downstairs. I explored upstairs, finding that the mothers lounge had the same rocking chairs as we have in Provo. Funny. I was fortunate to meet my former SUU president, who is now the Temple Pres (Bennion). What a tender mercy to see a familiar face from back home. He felt the same way and was really impressed with our determination to make it to the temple while at the ww games. He even went downstairs from the temple floor to meet Jared in the lobby and shake his hand. Another testimony; be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there.

We walked plenty more in the evening; times square, Rockefeller plaza,  "Late Show" building,  Broadway theatre and Empire State Building. We stayed late, but with enough time to make the last shuttle to the hotel (which is a 2 hour process riding back). The subway system is a bit crazy, but the local were helpful and nice. I loved eating the slices of pizza in Times Square on a Friday night with Jared. What a fun date night!

Wounded Warrior Day 3

We had a mini crisis the morning of Gavin's big bike race. Because our hotel is an hour away, they rented a big bus for all of the family members. Usually it was a very smooth process, but today they had a mix up in times and the next bus for us was another two hour wait. That meant we would miss Gavin's race!I was asking the front desk if they had a back up plan for all of us, but they didn't! Fortunately, we had become friends with one of the Navy administrators over the games, and he was just leaving for the games...so we hitched a ride. Rex didn't get in his carseat one time in NYC, we just held him and prayed for safety. We arrived just in time as the race was beginning. One we spotted where Gavin was, we cheered him on like crazy! He did a great job, actually even doing an extra lap on accident and over exerted himself. Jared had to leave back to the hotel for a sherpa conference call, and so I stayed there during the day with Rex.  I enjoyed being on campus with Gavin and checking out the wheelchair basketball and seated volleyball. What amazing athletes I saw!

We went to church at West Point, where they met inside one of the academy halls. It was tricky to get there and figure out where on campus it was (they said it didn't exist, only non denominational) But, we found it (thanks to our faith) and found the bishop in the parking lot as he was arriving early to prepare the sacrament, etc. We stayed for sac mtg and headed back afterwards to attend more events for Gavin. He placed 2 bronze medals and we enjoyed supporting him in the medal ceremony.  Very proud of my brother for his efforts and I am amazed at how strong he is!

Wounded Warrior day 2

It was great supporting Gavin! My heart was swelling as I saw him compete with such passion, strength and courage. It was equally amazing to see the men and women with amputations, blindness and other physical limitations NOT hold them back as they went through each race. Gavin ran a 5 minute mile! Way to go! Jared is still studying for finals and we are doing the "river dance" with baby Rex to get him to sleep during the night.