We celebrated our 5 year anniversary in May. I reminisced a bit back in May, on *this post*
We had made plans for the weekend about 9 months prior, when we had a chance to purchase tickets in a pre-sale for Hamilton on Broadway.
Yes, Hamilton.
We bought 4 tickets, and had planned on inviting Oma & Opa to join us. They are always so kind, have offered help in many ways to us, over the years (did I mention I was 6 months pregnant with twins when we moved? I didn’t lift a finger. Thank you, Oma & Opa!) so we wanted to take this chance to show our appreciation.
The plans were in motion. We would all stay at the Hilton on W57th, where Oma & Opa own property. We have stayed with them there before, and have always had a wonderful time.
The little ones would be staying at home, with the pup- and Nonie & Pops, our other set of supportive and helpful parents.
Of course, as the weekend grew closer, we realized someone (me) dropped the ball, and hadn’t ever actually discussed the plan with Nonie & Pops… So, when they were asked to babysit their other grandkids on May 5th, they happily agreed to, meaning they wouldn’t be able to also be at our house watching our kids.
After weeks of going back and forth, trying to determine the best course of action, we decided to bring the kids, and turn it into a family anniversary weekend. Ignoring our protesting, Oma & Opa decided they would stay in and babysit that night, instead of joining us at the show. We sold the tickets the day of the show, for face value- making someone very happy, I’m sure.
With the plan finally set, we welcomed Oma & Opa a few days early, and spent some time at home with them, before heading into the city for the weekend.
Every minute that the kids get to spend with their grandparents is special. I love how they have two very different- but equally special- relationships with each set. We wanted to do something fun, on this visit, so the kids and I brought Oma and Nonie to the Connecticut Science Center.
I am always excited to get to play at a Science Center, since I spent a few years working for the St. Louis Science Center’s outreach department. When the new CTSC opened up, TT Dad actually bought us memberships. This was pre-kids, and we enjoyed the membership, but didn’t get to visit as much as we would have liked to.
We hadn’t brought the kids yet, because we weren’t sure how much they would actually be able to do. Our memories were a little foggy, but we didn’t
remember much for toddlers.
Wrong.
In addition to a few exhibits which were enjoyable for the toddlers, as well as older kids- each level housed it’s own area geared for the littler bunch. The kids had a terrific time. Their favorites were, as usual, the water play area, the animals, and legos!
Second on the list of exciting events during our visit with Oma & Opa was a trip to see TT Dad at work. The kids have only been there a few times, but they always love getting to see his office. We paired this with a trip to the
kids’ favorite grocery store, and they were a happy little crew!
Finally, we were headed off on our Family Anniversary Weekend! The drive went smoothly, and before we knew it, we were enjoying a lovely dinner at BLT Steak. The food, atmosphere, service, and company were all top notch. Highly recommended.
Even with our early (5:30!) dinner reservations, we were still cutting it a bit close, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that our bums had barely hit the seats when the ligh
ts went down. What. A. Show. I don’t think there’s any w ay for me to do it justice, so we’ll just say it exceeded my (already high) expectations- and that says a lot.
Saturday was a fun day, exploring the city with our kiddos, Oma & Opa. After a delicious breakfast at The Standard Grill, we took a stroll down the High Line, which is something we make an effort to do on most visits. Not only is it beautiful, but it also helps work off some of those breakfast calories!
After that, we stopped at the hotel just long enough to grab the stroller, and then we were off to Central Park.
When we came across the Carousel, it became clear the kids wanted to take a spin. So, we obliged, our first ride on the Central Park Carousel! Another first- we bought tickets for the Big Red Bus! What a treat. These kids were thrilled to get to ride on a bus. Never mind ON TOP OF A BUS! Whoa.
TT Dad and I were treated to one more date night by Oma & Opa… We felt terrible that our intention of treating Oma & Opa to a nice and relaxing weekend turned into a weekend of babysitting for them, but they insisted they enjoyed it nonetheless. 
As we were getting ready to leave, we found a voicemail waiting for us, inviting us to return for a fantastic rate- $300 for two nights.
This was obviously a timeshare presentation, but we were intrigued, and quite certain there was no way we’d see that rate again.
But would we buy? That’s the question….