Gamma Cinney Visits!

Grandma Cindy got the best gift from Santa that the Monsen family could ever think of....A plane ticket across the country! We anticipated her visit with much excitement and it is crazy to think the trip has come and gone (even if we did get her for 2 extra days because of yet another blizzard). You won't hear us complaining about the snow anymore...especially if it can produce the same results for Grandma Teresa in 2 weeks!

Brian made it safely to the airport Friday morning (because he left at 3:45 a.m. and went 35 mph on the unplowed roads) to pick Grandma Cindy up from her red-eye flight into JFK. She arrived safe and sound and we spent most of the day letting her catch up on some much needed sleep and lounging around playing with her handsome grandson.

We went back and forth about going into the city (mostly because of the frigid temperatures) and ultimately decided it would be fun and wonderful no matter what. The city never lets you down.

So Saturday we bundled up and headed into NYC-

We parked near Chinatown and found lots of wonderful treasures in the great little stores that line Canal Street. Don't worry, no illegal stuff for us.

After our "shopping spree" (2 pairs of ear muffs, 1 beanie, 2 pairs of earrings, 3 bracelets and a scarf) we headed towards Ground Zero, but stopped to warm up and get some food in our bellies.

We stopped at Variety Cafe (Brian was a bit skeptical) and it was a DELICIOUS lunch! Thad loved stretching his legs and not being bogged down by all his layers.

Ground Zero was where my mom wanted to visit most. She hasn't been to NYC since the 9/11 and she wanted to pay respect to all those involved in the tragedy. Brian and I didn't think there was much to see because the gates surround the grounds, but I saw the banner that said there is a Preview Memorial Site around the corner...

And it ended up being my Mom's favorite place of the day. It was so neat to see what they are planning to do for the memorial and I can't wait until it's finished and we can go read the names of all those involved and walk on the grounds. 

After that we hopped on the subway and headed to Midtown:

Riding the subway is always an adventure and always so interesting to see how we end up getting our huge, suburban stroller up and down the stairs and through all the turnstiles. Next baby, I'm asking for a compact, city slicker stroller. (Take note, Bri)

Rockefellar Center was our first stop.

It was fun to see the ice skaters because at Christmas there was no way we were getting to the edge to get a glimpse. My mom enjoyed seeing it all and hopefully when she comes next it will be warmer and we'll drag ourselves out of bed and be there for the Today Show.

Again, Thad loved getting out of his stroller to stretch his legs and work up some body heat to keep himself warm. 

Afterwards we headed to Central Park:

If you can believe it, it was colder than it looks!

But Thad put on a happy face,

And we hung out for a bit...but it just became a little to much for our little man and he had a minor melt down. I don't blame him. I wanted to start crying because I was so cold, but I held it together for him.

Yes, we finally made it to the subway, Starbucks (for some watered down hot chocolate), and our car for a warm, restful ride home.

We had a blast and my mom said she will want to visit the city every time she comes. There is so much to do and it is such a different experience every time you go. Yay for NYC!

That night, Gamma Cinney (as Thad calls her) was awesome and watched our little man while we attended our Strengthening Marriage class with a few other couples from our ward. We have had the wonderful opportunity to attend this 6-week course, especially so early in our marriage. I feel we have learned so much from the course material, but also from the other couples in the class. The Lord definitely knows what we need and when we need it.

The rest of her visit consisted of:

Delicious Food

We hit up Stew Leonard's a few more times than we should of and ate at too many awesome local restaurants. I also whipped up my (well Teresa Jensen's) White Chicken Chili that is to die for. It's got some kick, but we all devoured  happily, even if we did have little sweat beads forming on our noses. We also brewed up some other great homemade desserts and figured out how my manual wheat grinder works...so we ate some healthy stuff too...

Crafting

The first night my momma arrived we headed to Michael's in Stamford to stock up on some crafting supplies. Over the weekend my mom made a lima bean wreath because she liked mine so much. We also made an awesome Valentine door hanger for my door. My mom packed all the materials home to make hers because we didn't think it would travel too well in a suitcase. On Wednesday (the day she was supposed to leave) we headed to Wal-mart to pick up some fabric to keep us entertained while being snowed in.

I have to say they turned out pretty great. My house is getting cuter with every inch of snow we get!

Playing

Thad loved having the extra attention! Although he was kinda weird about my mom carrying him and reading to him if I was there, he was totally fine if I was gone and loved playing with her at arm's length if I was there. 2-year olds can be so quirky sometimes!

Thad loved to kick the ball to Gamma Cinney. He's already so coordinated!

I can hardly believe sometimes that my baby boy is already kicking a ball...time sure does fly!

So to sum it up, it was totally awesome to have my mom in town for 8 whole days! There was a lot of nothing done, and the day after she was supposed to leave we didn't even leave the house, but sometimes those are the best times. We love our wonderful Gamma Cinney so much and are so grateful for the sacrifice she made to come out here. It was such a bonus to have her for 2 extra days! Thank you for everything Mom, we love you and can't wait until you come again.