So, I have missed a couple other trips/adventures in the past few weeks. I went to see Pat, Jen, Jonas, and Mimi a few weeks ago. It was exactly how I imagined life would be as an airline employee. Morning of I woke up a few minutes early, threw a bag together, went to work. As soon as work was done I listed for the first flight to them. Called up Jen and told her that I'd be there in a few hours and was this okay? Yes! I was on my way. As Pat and I drove up to the house we were met in the driveway with a very heart warming welcome. All foot and a half of Jonas was out in the driveway putting everything he had into waving us home. The biggest smile he has and the best wave I've ever seen. I've never felt such excitement for me to arrive anywhere. I know it was really all for his dad, but I'll take some of it for me also. Well, we spent the next few days playing with cars, trucks, and cartrucks. Also playing soccer. And, eating ice cream. Jonas melted my heart all weekend. One night he and I were sitting sharing a bowl of ice cream and either P or J asked him a question about bed. He looked at me and gave me the "are they crazy" look then turned to them and replied, "I happy." 
We had a lot of fun that weekend bonding. Mimi is a beautiful little girl. I'm lucky to have her in the family. She is already quite the addiction. (I meant to type addition, but when it came out addiction I decided to let it stay because that is the truth as well.) When the weekend ended and it was time for me to go Jen and the kidlins took me to the airport. Well, both of them had fallen asleep on the way there so I didn't want to wake either to say goodbye. I got on the plane and flew home. When I arrived though, I was met with a voicemail from Jen telling me that when they got home Jonas went into the room where I was staying, saw that neither me or my things were there any longer, sat down on the floor and cried. Not that I usually take pleasure in making children cry, but I'm happy about this one. Means he loves me! Anyway, a very fun and awesome weekend spent with the family. I can't wait to see them all again. Who would have known growing up that Pat and I would enjoy each other's company?Okay, next weekend played out a little similar with planning. But, I went a little further East. I decided I'd fly out and see Michael in CT before he left the place. The original plan was for Jen and I to fly out and see him, and the especially to see the place he hates so much. Well, Jen and Mimi couldn't make it due to a terrible no good Thursday that had long lasting effects. Well, Michael picked me up and away we went. We went to an awesome little Chinese restaurant. I felt like I was in a movie or something... the whole place was run by "the family" I'm pretty sure it was the Chinese Mafia. But, hey, good food and good service. I won't turn them in. The next day we met up with some of Michael's friends and went to Lake Compounce. The place for family fun in Connecticut. 
Well, with rides that meet and exceed the limits and expectations of Trafalga it was a wet and wild day. So, most of the rides were a miniature version of other rides I've been on. However, Lake Compounce does have a sweet wooden roller coaster called Boulder Dash. Now, Boulder Dash was voted as the #1 wood roller coaster in the nation. And, I would have to agree. It was a sweet ride. Next day Michael took me to New York City. I had never been so he was kind enough to take me all around the city and see all the sites he has seen a million and a half times. Of course we saw all the usual....but, left a few for the next time I'm there. (the Met, a Broadway show, museums, coney island, dodger stadium, the infamous Lincoln tunnel that you have to walk through in order to get to the North Pole, etc.)
Well, with rides that meet and exceed the limits and expectations of Trafalga it was a wet and wild day. So, most of the rides were a miniature version of other rides I've been on. However, Lake Compounce does have a sweet wooden roller coaster called Boulder Dash. Now, Boulder Dash was voted as the #1 wood roller coaster in the nation. And, I would have to agree. It was a sweet ride. Next day Michael took me to New York City. I had never been so he was kind enough to take me all around the city and see all the sites he has seen a million and a half times. Of course we saw all the usual....but, left a few for the next time I'm there. (the Met, a Broadway show, museums, coney island, dodger stadium, the infamous Lincoln tunnel that you have to walk through in order to get to the North Pole, etc.)We took the Staten Island Ferry, walked the Brooklyn Bridge (I know a guy whose family owns that bridge), saw the Empire state, Walked around Central Park, Climbed to the top of the Rock, rode the subway everywhere, ate street vendor food, saw Ground Zero, shopped at Century 21, played the 
BIG piano, and all sorts of other fun. Now, I mentioned that Michael has played tour guide to all of his friends that come out to the area. So, he did all this again for my benefit. I felt a little bad that he had to go on the SIF for the 30th time. So, I decided to give him an experience that he had never had before. It was a first for both of us, but we ate at White Castle. 
It was amazing. Harold and Kumar could not have captured the essence of the place any better. We also spent an hour or so on the Top of the Rock. We were able to watch the sunset from on top of the world... almost. It was awesome, we had a great view of central park, the empire state, all the bridges (I had no idea there were so many) Jersey, and all the millions of people that live in that city that goes on and on and on and on. The pic here is actually after the sun had set. 
BIG piano, and all sorts of other fun. Now, I mentioned that Michael has played tour guide to all of his friends that come out to the area. So, he did all this again for my benefit. I felt a little bad that he had to go on the SIF for the 30th time. So, I decided to give him an experience that he had never had before. It was a first for both of us, but we ate at White Castle. It was amazing. Harold and Kumar could not have captured the essence of the place any better. We also spent an hour or so on the Top of the Rock. We were able to watch the sunset from on top of the world... almost. It was awesome, we had a great view of central park, the empire state, all the bridges (I had no idea there were so many) Jersey, and all the millions of people that live in that city that goes on and on and on and on. The pic here is actually after the sun had set. All in all, I had two very fun and successful weekend adventures with a few of my favorite people. I'm lucky to have the ability to do all that I do, and I'm even more lucky and blessed to have siblings and that are so awesome, gracious, and generous, and who still like me even after all these years. Thanks Pat, Jen, Jonas, Mimi, and Michael for the awesome weekends! Maybe one day I'll live someplace cool and you can come and I'll be tour guide for you guys!
