NY: Spidey, Parks, and Peeps

 We had a fantastic time in New York over Memorial Day weekend! After a night camping in Cheesequake State Park, New Jersey . . .

 we pulled in bright and early to Times Square . . .

where I got in line for Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark tickets. After a two-hour wait, I realized I didn't have enough cash for the cash-only $30 rush tickets. Luckily, the gal next to me spotted me the cash literally as I was walking up to the box office, and as we walked to an ATM afterward so I could pay her back, I discovered she was a Cougar! Go Cougs. The show was awesome. We were on the front row, and our seats ($300 value each for $30...sweet) literally looked like this (taken from the online trailer):

Yeah, that guy's head in the corner of the picture? Exact spot where Ariel and I were sitting. Lots of cool stunts, a story we love with just the right twists, some really good (and some not-so-good) music, and terrific acting. If you love the webhead, you gotta see it. It was a lot of fun cheering him on while in the action. Spider-man and musical theater combine to make a happy Andrew.

We had a great time with our friends Joe and Whitney Hardie. They are an easy-going, fun, engaging, powerhouse of a couple who we're grateful to call close friends. It's amazing how connecting in reality as opposed to virtual reality brings so much more meaning to a relationship. We had many thought-provoking, funny, and edifying conversations over the days. They're awesome. Oh, and doubly awesome is them taking Abe and Ben (and their daughter Ellie) around Central Park, through the Museum of Natural History, and back home on the subway while we went to Spider-man.

 

Abe became attached to Ellie, which is understandable considering she's the cutest twod (pre-toddler) he's ever seen.

All it takes is Ariel's magic touch for Ben to fall peacefully asleep, no matter where they are.

We also caught up with some other old friends, Megan and Elijah Milne. We had a good time at Riverside Park with them after a stop at Zabar's to pick up lunch. A good time in the fountains and streams. 

One of the best pictures ever of B-Jam.

Benjamin and little, little Abigail.

After going to Chicago and New York in the last month, Washington seems small, but of the three, it's still the favorite.

Two bonuses for those who made it all the way down here. One: Hammer, Jammer, and me enjoying donuts at the National Zoo last Friday to celebrate National Donut Day. Two: Ariel, Abe and Ben jumping in the water for our first swim of the summer.

Have a great week!