June 27, 2014 (Connecticut, New York)

Well, Mr Bullington and I have a little surprise up our sleeves. Unbeknownst to the kids, we are ending this party train in New York City.  Our plan was to get on the early train to Grand Central Station. Isn't making plans just hilarious? Mr. B. headed out for one final spin in the sweet Maxima en route to return  it and wouldn't you just know it, his return taxi was in a wreck!  Fortunately, no one was hurt! It just knocked us off schedule a bit.

A good game of "COW" helps pass the time in the train station

2/3 of Bullington offspring thinks New York sounds like a great idea!

We hopped the late morning train and headed into the big apple.

Full-Head-Throw-Back Grand Central Station Amazement

Daddy Sherpa with one large suitcase, one pillow pet, one feather, one backpack

Daddy Sherpa walking 13 blocks from Grand Central Station with one backpack, one pillow pet, one feather,  one medium sized suitcase, one large suitcase.

Not a bad view.  Hello, Empire State Building!

Mile 2395
While my goal has always been that this trip be educational, the kids weren't the only ones who got an education today! I was schooled in the fact that I have somewhat successfully shielded them from life. Walking down the streets of Marietta,  I rarely have to explain why that guitar-playing cowboy is only wearing boots and undies. "You mean I can earn a living wearing underwear and boots? That's my best outfit. I'd do that for free!", exclaimed Master Thomas. Or, why body paint can double as clothes in some circles, or why you should avoid costumed characters at all costs unless you are at Disney world.  And why, oh why did we bring the kids here AFTER they learned to read? The running commentary from our early readers is quite entertaining when they read every written word they see.  And even if you can't read, Thomas proclaimed at top volume that the Victoria's Secret billboard was "INAPPROPRIATE!"

We quickly ushered them out of the mayhem and into Toys r us which introduced a new level of mayhem. Legos, Hot Wheels, Barbies, Candy, Squirrel! 

Ferris Wheel in a Toy Store because you can.

Lego Hulk demands that you don't act like a fool!

Finally, we ended our evening as we caught a modern dance performance in Bryant Park (Mr. Bullington do love him some modern dance). At dinner, Charlotte dumped a full glass of lemonade in her lap and performed her own version of modern dance. I think I will call it, I hate my life and everyone in New York thinks I wet my pants.

Dance in Bryant Park

We topped off the night at the Duane Reade (NYC Walgreens). Here is the crucial difference, at MRTA Walgreens, you can purchase a reasonably priced bottle of mediocre wine with your milk and cereal. At Duane Reade, you can purchase one bottle of "wine product" that tastes like liquid awful but is labeled Cabernet.  After dragging three kids through the streets of New York, mama needed a glass of wine! You would think that I wouldn't be picky. I wasn't until now. It was that awful.

Empire State Building in Rainbow Lights! Beautiful!