The Bradens: Our Christmas Tradition to NYC

Kyle and I have started to make going to NYC a Christmas tradition. This was our second year to go. We arrived Thursday night and Kyle was able to get us reservations at the Waldorf Astoria hotel. I had always wanted to stay there. The hotel was so beautiful...the crystal chandeliers were amazing. On Friday, Kyle was working so I got a chance to sleep in. It felt so good not to be waking up between 7 and 7:30. That's when Colsen wakes up. He's a morning person and I'm not. Sooo, sleeping a few more hours felt really good. I got a chance to walk around the city. I am now able to figure out where things are based on an address. It also helps that I have my I phone with me. I met up with Kyle later that afternoon at his office. We came back to the hotel to relax a little before getting ready for Kyle's company's Christmas party and going out to dinner. It was fun to see and meet people that Kyle works with. After the Christmas party we went to one of our favorite restaurants, Rosa Mexicano. They have the best guac! They come and make it at your table. It is amazing!! On Saturday, we woke up fairly early. We were able to get out the door around 9:30. We took a taxi down to the Union Square/Greenwich Village area we had brunch at Balthazar. They have a great brunch menu! After that we just walked around having fun just being together. Later that afternoon we came back to our hotel room to rest and get ready for our 8:00 reservation at Gramercy Tavern. All I can say was WOW!! What an amazing dinner!! Kyle and I decided to get out of our comfort zones and try the 6 course menu.

Citrus Cured Arctic Char
Lemon Confit

Pumpkin Soup
Lobster and Celery Root

Smoked Trout
Cippollini Purée and Pickled Onion Vinaigrette

Grilled Sturgeon
Brussels Sprouts and Chestnuts

Rack of Veal
Rutabaga Crab Apple Purée and Wild Mushrooms

Tasting Dessert

The food was so delicious and we were so full when we left. We went back to the hotel and got in our jammies and relaxed. On Sunday we slept in. We had lunch reservations at Serendipity 3. It is such a fun place. Kyle was a good sport for going. It is a very girlie place. Lunch was great! We spent the rest of the afternoon shopping going to some of NYC most well known shoppoing places, FAO Schwarz and Bloomingdales. We can't wait to take Colsen to FAO Schwarz someday. He is going to love it as do all kids. That night we packed our bags and went to bed early. We had an amazing time in NYC. Thank you sooo much Grami and Grandaddy for keeping Colsen.

Me and my very cute hubby!!