Connecticut/New York Trip - Part II

Brian and family had an earlier flight than we did on Wednesday, so after a late brunch eating everything we had bought/collected, we said our goodbyes and both made our way to different parts of the city. 

We were thrilled to discover the Mets had an afternoon baseball game scheduled on Wednesday, July 2nd (technically a double header that day) against the Milwaukee Brewers. Even though we couldn't stay for the entire game, gates open an hour early, which gave us plenty of time to enjoy some baseball!

Parking was amazingly close to the stadium and we were in line only 10 minutes before the gates opened!

It's baseball time!

Our first stop was the Mets team store where he picked out a brand new Mets shirt, which he promptly changed into. 

We took Brock to many Mariners games while in Seattle, but I forget he was so young - he most definitely does not remember it. He was amazed at the size of the stadium!

We headed up to our seats after picking up some lunch - Section 404 for $22 per ticket - not bad! It was really so empty in the stadium, the seats were just fine being so far up. 

We were definitely entertained! A huge jumbotron to watch and lots of entertainment between every inning! 

Brock was so happy watching everything and commenting on the baseball, the players, the field, the stadium, the seats..... he was really enjoying everything! 

Very focused on watching the game - and keeping an eye out for any foul balls that come our way!

People were trickling in, but even at the third inning it was pretty sparse. So glad we were there for the Third Inning so we could see the "5 Borough Mascot Race" featuring mascots representing each of the five boroughs of New York! The mascots include a pizza slice for Brooklyn, a skyscraper for Manhattan, a ferry for Staten Island, a giraffe for the Bronx, and a subway car for Queens. 

We made it to the start of the fourth inning before it was time to head to the airport. 

And then on our way down the stairs to the main level, we got the notification that our flight was delayed 40 minutes. We had time to explore the stadium a bit more so watched one batter from the concourse level. We got to see the runner on first steal a base! 

Safe!

Brock is such a salesman. He talked me into dessert - preferring the Dippin' Dots over the soft serve ice cream in a souvenir cup (aka his shirt). All good - I got a souvenir cap with my kids meal chicken tenders. :) 

Slowly making our way towards the exit, but stopped to check out the Memorabilia shop. There were some expensive items in here!

The main entrance of the stadium is filled with Jackie Robinson pictures - learning when I came home that this area is called the Jackie Robinson Rotunda and honors Robinson in all sorts of ways! 

These big numbers are under the main staircase..... 

.....where you can actually stand in his footprints! Even Brock's extra-large feet have some growing to do! 

Dropped off our rental car and took the tram to our Terminal and received another delay notification. We popped in a few stores checking things out. Brock standing in front of a LEGO Empire State Building. 

So nice that Brent ordered us dinner at Starbucks from the comfort of North Carolina. He thoroughly enjoyed the NY sandwich prices!! Thank you hunny! (See his name under "In Progress")

We finally did fly out - thankfully - bad storms all over the south delayed many flights. Our flight ended up departing 90 minutes later than it was supposed to. We were tired from our trip, but so happy to be home! 

Meanwhile, back in North Carolina, Brent was teaching Kade the true art of grilling meat. 

Enjoying the fruits of their labor - steak cooked to rare perfection! Look at that smile!

Connecticut/New York Trip - Part I

My Aunt Beverly passed away on June 20th. She was the oldest sister and the last remaining sibling of my mother. It feels surreal and a bit lost that all these incredible matriarchs are simply gone. :( 

 

Our family decided that the best plan was for Brock and me to travel to Connecticut for the celebration of life, while Brent and Kade would stay home.

We landed at JFK early Monday morning and headed straight to White Plains to visit with Katherin and Claire. She welcomed us with a huge brunch spread - quiche, sausages, bagels, rolls, fruit, and macaroons - Aunt Beverly would have thoroughly enjoyed. 

We made it a family affair and rented an Airbnb with Brian, Nancy & Maddox. After dropping off our suitcases at the house, we convinced Nancy to head to Stew Leonard's to explore and find something to make for dinner.

Checking out "how they carton the milk"!

I think Maddox remembered a few of these things from his trip two years ago with Kade! Brock was sweet and let him push the buttons (he would not have done that for his brother!).

Stopping for produce.... 

...and to listen to another melody! (they were above the mushroom display)

My Tuesday morning bagel breakfast - thanks to Katherin with sending us off with bagels so we could have breakfast the next morning!

Brock looks really nice for the day's events. 

Church service was followed by a trip to the cemetery. 

All the foot-stones and markers were sinking again, so my cousin, Christine, had them raised for the service (why there is dirt all around). 

I think we all were looking forward to the luncheon - it was a bit warm out there all dressed up - men in jackets and long-sleeves! Brock and Brian rolled up their sleeves as soon as we were done. 

It was also an excellent opportunity to talk to family we haven't seen in a long time. 

The luncheon was very close to the very FIRST house my family lived in Fairfield, so we had to drive by and see. (1982-1989) When we lived there, a beautiful multi-trunk birch tree stood in the front yard. 

After decompressing, relaxing, and changing into comfy clothes, we headed out to a seafood restaurant right on the water in Norwalk. 

It was pretty nice to sit outside - and we timed it perfectly leaving right when the storms rolled in. 

The first picture of the luncheon included JulieAnn - First Cousin to my mother, who knit these baby blankets for all the babies in the family. We told her that Brock loves his so much - it even made the trip to CT. Here is Brock later that night taking a picture with his blanket so I could text it to her. :) 

Here are a few gems of my Aunt Beverly I came across while searching for pictures for the slideshow. 

Marsha, Victor (My Grandfather), and Beverly

Aunt Beverly & Uncle Sam (her husband) - in New Orleans