After a few days in the City, my two small gems and I headed through the Holland Tunnel to our cousins Alaine (Laney) and Liz. Cousin Alaine was one of my first blog posts back in 2012. Laney had moved to Georgia eight years ago and just recently moved back to New Jersey. It had been a long time since we got to see her. I had seen Liz a few times during some solo trips to NY, so a visit with the girls and our cousins was long overdue.
We just happened to be there on the tail end of hurricane, so the weather was wet. I didn't mind but that impeded some plans. We decided we would headed over to the American Dream mall, a beyond massive, shopping magnet. I think we got 5000 steps in the short time we were there. Stores, a place to ski, a ferris wheel, and more. It was quite the mall. We did not opt into any of those things. We were on a mission. The girls did needed back to school sneakers and with there being no sales tax in Jersey, it was a good way to spend a very rainy evening. Oh, and there were Sonny Angels in the mall so it was really a no brainer.
The next day Laney, the girls and I took advantage of a break in the weather and headed back into the City. There was more the girls wanted to see so we parked near Washington Square Park and walked a bit. The girls loved seeing the park. They hit up some thrift stores (and scored a few things) and we got take away from a vegan Asian spot. That was a highlight. Life long vegetarians, it is always a treat to find yummy veggie places.
Prior to the Village, we drove downtown to see the Freedom Tower. I had no desire to get out and get up close. I have controversial thoughts about 9/11 and how so many people died because of that day. Circling the area was enough for us all. We did make some stops to take photos closer the river. Amara brought her camera and enjoyed taking photos in places that called to her. After we were done with the Village, we did a drive by through Central Park and around that area. We were tired, it was raining on and off and seeing the sites from the air conditioned vehicle was perfect for all. We did not see much up close but we saw enough. Being from New York, it was good enough and the girls, they were not as interested in things not related to shopping and the usual people walking the streets.
Back at Laneys, we hung out, ate good good and spend quality time together. Her two cats were a hit, even if shy. It was quality family time, which was exactly what we had hoped for.
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