NYC Thanksgiving Traditions

Nick's back has been really sore, so he and Dan had massages this afternoon.

Courtney and I ran errands, and had lunch at Patsy's Pizzeria.

It was a favorite back in the day, and guess what? Even though now we know so many other restaurants and pizza shops, it's still delicious! I'm adding it to my New York restaurant list.

Our plan was to meet everyone at 2:30 for balloons. 

We discovered that getting in line only two hours later makes a huge difference!

The line ended just around the corner at 70th at 2:30, and an hour later, the end of the line had extended to around the block!

And that was in addition to the already very long line that had accumulated by 2:30.

From 70th, up Columbus to 72nd (or thereabouts). Down the block and back again all the way up to 78th.

Then back down to 72nd where you pass security and are free!

(Actually you're corralled in gates all the way to the balloons, but the line is non-existent.

I can only imagine how long the line is by night! 

Ha! I actually don't have to imagine. 😅😜#iykyk #2017)

We had a great idea to make our line waiting more fun. We'd turn it into a food stroll.

(It was already pretty fun because we were with Bob & Rhonda, Michael, Dad & Nick, in addition to me and Courtney.)

Nuts, free ice cream at Van Leeuwens, Crumbl cookie (the cinammon roll cookie was amazing!),

Afterward we went to the Union Square Christmas Market

where I bought 80(!) No Chewing Allowed chocolates.

The lady talked me into the really great deal. 

And tbh, everyone was really excited about having as much as they wanted!

The hot chocolate was delicious as well.

We split up and then would run into each other for a bit then split up again.

Other shopping fun included jewelry for Courtney's Christmas party dress,

the coolest garlic/ginger mincer plate, wooden puzzles and games

We ate dinner at Rosa Mexicana then did a little more shopping...

Warby Parker for Nick.

And I thought these were super cute but only me and the sales lady thought so.

Dan said they looked like "that lady from The Incredibles"

and the sales lady said, "Edna?! NO! Not at all." Ha.

And Aritzia for a new coat for Courtney!

The boys were delighted to find couches so they could sit and surf while we shopped.

Marty, Lizzie and Emi got in about 11:00 and Christopher about midnight.

So glad to all be here!