Miracles on 34th street and other blessings of our family reunion in NYC

After much preparation we met in NYC March 31 for our family reunion. Jim and I left early Thursday, aiming to be at Mt Olivet by noon to look for my grandma Aagot Marie Lund's birth mom. Val, Jason, plus 4, left Wednesday from Michigan and would meet us at 1:30, Well,,,No one really explained really how difficult it is the drive in NYC. After circling, one way streets we noticed that we were close to the Empire state building and our hotel right in front of us.Soon Val, Victoria, Karissa, Austin, and Erik came with Jason following with cots, coolers, stuffed animals and lots of snacks. ALL necessities for happy children. 

Derek, Missy plus 4  and Karina plus oldest 5 flew in later. After sleeping with 5 in a room (cots between full? size beds) and a great Marriott

breakfast we started our adventure and  our miracles continued. We traveled by plane, car, ferry, bus, subway, rented van and shuttle, but most of all feet. Karina estimated 16 plus miles each day.
Above is the memorial for 9/11

Derek's back started hurting. so of course yoga was necessary ( with Layla for morale support ) Later on Derek continued to carry Izaak on his back, but this turned out to be one of the miracles yet again. We were looking for a place to eat in China Town and being the naturally outgoing person I am, I stopped a lady to inquire a good place to eat. She walked with us about 10 blocks, turning and crossing and chatting all the time. She said that she knew we were good people because in her country the men never carry the children! What a joy it is to have family together ! And we really enjoyed our Chinese meal right in the heart of it all.

Of course,

the men had to go see the financial district with the bull and gold.
The day started out with a little rain, but, NO one rained on our parade

It fills me with great joy to share my love of freedom and America with my children and grandchildren.