2011 Thanksgiving in NYC

We enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving week with Leeann and John in New York City. Here are some highlights...

Sunday (Nov. 20th - Happy Birthday to Lee!) morning started with church in the Manhattan 2nd Ward, at Leeann and Johns chapel. It is a large building 10 blocks north of their apartment. It is a diverse and happy ward, full of darling families and talented individuals. -- We decided with the price of real estate in Manhattan this building must be one of the most expensive the church owns.

After our meetings we drove to meet Sam at West Point Military Academy. It was a beautiful drive with the woods being in the last of their autumn splendor. Sam looked so good and was gracious and kind to walk us all around the post, and tell us about the life of a WPMA Cadet. We learned that West Point was established in 1802 and is the oldest military academy in the nation. West Point sets on a hill above the Hudson River-it is an impressive site. The area is full of history - many revolutionary war sites.

Thayer Hall is one of the main classroom buildings, and one of the original buildings of the site.

This next photo is taken on the top floor of the library looking out over the grounds and the river.

By the river look-out...

The Cadet and the Birthday Boy ---Looking back toward campus. The Library is the large building just behind them

We celebrated with a birthday dinner for Lee. We really enjoyed the day... It was great to catch up with Sam. He is an outstanding man, well spoken and a gentleman. He was headed to Minnesota with friends for Thanksgiving. I'm glad we were able to connect and see him.

Here are a couple of photos from the week...

Window shopping at "Tiffany's" on 5th Avenue.

Columbia University Campus. The buildings behind include the one that Grandfather Shumway dormed in while staying here for the Navy Midshipman's Training, and the practice field for marching.
The tall tower in the back is the Riverside Church near Columbia University. This is where Grandfather Shumway would attend church services. Jessica and Miriam have also performed here with the EHS Choraliers.

Thanksgiving Day! Macy's Parade is 85 years old...And we joined the celebration out in the streets. This is 7th Ave. and 54th St.

Later in the day Lee ran his "Turkey Trot" in Central Park. It was a warm beautiful day and the park was full of New Yorkers and tourists. This is him in the bright yellow T-shirt straight back in the photo. --- Remember last year when he and Heather ran the Turkey Trot here in Elko? It was -3 degrees....Ice on their eyebrows and eye lashes!

Central Park - Thanksgiving Day...


We went to Madison Square Garden for the NIT Season Tip-off. John and Lee lasted longer than the girls did --- We could here the "Black Friday" sales calling to us!

That evening we attended the opening night of the New York City Ballet's "Nutcracker" in the Lincoln Center. It was amazing to be there...And fun to start off the holiday season this way!

It was an amazing week...We learned so much. New York is a great place to see! Thank you to Leeann and John for being such great tour guides and sharing your week with us!