Dominick's Baptism and my very first trip to NY

This is my first nephew Dominick Batelic, doesn't he look handsome up in this tree? Dominick lives with his mom, dad, brother and two sisters in the very far away state of New York. Dominick was born on September 11th, THE September 11th. Which means he is 8 years old, in our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 8 years old means you have reached the age of accountability and can make the choice to be baptized and become a member. Dominick made that choice and I know he will be blessed for it!
I don't get to see Dominick very often at all, and when I have seen him it is always with ALL of the cousins together and bunches of adults all around. So when I told Ryan I really wanted to take a plane flight across country, for the baptism, and he said, "Yes, I think you should go." I was beyond excited!! It was so fun to go by MYSELF and spend time with my sister and her family!

Dominick and Grandpa Gary, the day of the baptism.

The baptism was wonderful, the spirit was strong. Grandma Karla and Jack(Dominick's dad) gave the talks at the baptism and I got to sing with my sister! I am so glad I was there and got to hug Dominick on his special day!

New York in one word- WOW! It is not like any place I have seen or been to. Admittedly I did not have much time there. I landed at JFK airport about 2:00 in the afternoon on Friday. My sister lives about and hour and a half from the city so Friday was our only chance for seeing the city. I know it wasn't long enough to do it justice, however, and I am firm on this, my reason for wanting to go to NY was for the baptism. I counted it a total bonus to be able to see New York City. Most of what I saw was from the car- not ideal- but it did allow me to see more things. Some of what we saw are pictured below. The pictures are taken from the car- so that's as good as you're going to get here.

THE museum from NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM.

TRUMP TOWER- I had to get a picture, I am not ashamed to say that Ryan and I loved the Apprentice, at first. The season that they made the losing team camp in the backyard the show suddenly lost it's charm.

The Angel Moroni, atop the Temple.

The Temple, right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of it all.

Columbus Circle.

Times Square- close up.

Times Square- the one where you can actually tell we are in Times Square.

Riding in a Pedi-bike. I think that is what they are called.

Friday night was so fun. The last time I remember Heather and I going anywhere, just the two of us, I was 13, we went to some outlet, somewhere, and got matching shorts. She was a pretty scary driver as a teenager, and I admit I was frightened at times on that drive. This however was pure fun. It was wonderful to just be able to talk to her and visit we also saw WICKED, on BROADWAY. It was amazing, to say the very least! I accidentally deleted that picture which, of course, was right in the middle of this post. So I will be able to say more as I have to post about WICKED, how could I not? We didn't make it to my sisters house until 3a.m.- it was so FUN!

Apple Picking.

Saturday morning Heather took us to an Orchard to pick apples. Apples are kind of one of my favorites, so this was a real treat. You are allowed to eat as you pick- so we did! Heather introduced us to the Macoon apple- my new favorite. Unfortunately here in AZ I am pretty sure I won't be seeing any of those. Heather has four children and I must say I fell in love with them! Thank you Heather for a wonderful time, and thank you Ryan holding down our fort while I was off having fun! I love you, both!

The Apple Picking Gang: Me, Grandma Karla, Grandpa Gary, Heather, Penelope, Devon, Eden and Dominick.