Anniversary Trip in NYC

Two weekends ago, Matt and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary in New York City. We had a GREAT time getting to know the city and playing tourists covering as actual New Yorkers. At the beginning of the weekend I hid the map of the Manhattan in my purse so no one would see the me looking at it...I lost that pride after the first half of the first day. Who cares? I realized I'd never see these people again. The map was a permanent fixture in my hand. Actually, by the end of the weekend (combined with my previous knowledge of the last 8 trips to NYC I've taken) we were practically map-free while walking. We took on the subway, and had it mastered by sunday as well. Here are some highlights of the trip:

• Running. Matt and I, in preparation for our marathon had to run 10 miles on saturday. So, we woked up and walked toward Central Park. On our way there, we crossed Park Ave only to discover that on saturdays during the month of August, they city closes a 7 mile stretch of Park Ave to traffic so that runners, walkers, bikers, and rollerbladers could take advantage of the open road. What a blast! We were able to run almost to the Brooklyn Bridge, then all through central park. We completed our run with various water/drink breaks courtesy of various vendors on the streets.
  
  
  
  
  

• Worship. On Sunday morning, Matt and I boarded the subway to Brooklyn and attended the Brooklyn Tabernacle. I grew up listening to the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir so to be there worshiping along with about 2500 other people was amazing! I didn't get any pictures but I did pull out my camera during worship so those who know of this awesome place could hear what I heard. All you see in the video is the ceiling so just close your eyes and listen...
  

Here are some other pictures from the weekend.

Driving into the city via crowded 42nd street.

The HUGE buildings

Times Square

Matt & I on the subway

Ground Zero - still under construction

It was hard to believe that there used to be two HUGE buildings here.

Watching a random street (spray)painter

Matt waiting for the subway, counting the change he had left after this trip (j/k)

Visiting the Guggenheim Museum

I got in trouble for taking this picture (and a few others). I figured it was worth it.

On the steps in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Walking alongside Central Park, back to our hotel for a much needed NAP!

We saw 'Wicked' during our trip there. It was an amazing show.
Below is the old lady who was taking tickets and handing out playbills.
After I took this picture (also illegal) she shined her flashlight in my eyes.
Also, worth it :)

View of the city as we were leaving.

And look who we ran into in a rest area on the New Jersey turnpike! This is our friend Jay, and his son Drew. We haven't seen Jay and his wife, Christine since Drew was born in June! What a fun surprise!