Cross 1 off the Bucket List!

For my birthday (in February) Rob had an "I heart Andy" t-shirt made for me. He had reserved tickets to the US Open, in New York. ( I have a small crush on Andy Roddick.) I have been a huge tennis fan for over 10 years, and going to the US Open was on my bucket list! On August 31st we headed to the east coast, leaving our munchkin home with my Mom.

Our 1st night in, we met up w/ Rob's friend, Spencer and had some dinner. It was this tiny burger joint tucked into a a corner of this swanky hotel, and it was hoppin'! (People write all over the tables and the walls.)

(at the Burger Joint w/ Spencer)

We went to the Broadway show 'Wicked', and loved it!

(Our 1st night at the US Open)

(waiting in line to get in)

(Arthur Ashe Stadium behind me)

(Australian, Sam Stosur walked right in front of us, heading out to her match. I had to be quick w/ the camera.)

(In Arthur Ashe Stadium, waiting for our night match.)

(There he is...Andy Roddick, who lost that night. :( )

(a full stadium at night)

(a view of some of the other courts)

(Here I am in my shirt, too bad it didn't bring him good luck.)

(Roger Federer is amazing to watch! He really is that awesome!)

(Our 2nd day at the Open. No, that is not a scarf, it's a wet towel from our hotel room, because it was deathly hot out there.)

(Maria Sharipova, entering the court.)

(being cheezy)

(We watched this amazing match with 18 year-old American, Ryan Harrison, who lost in a 5th set tie-break. This was on the court called the Grandstand.)

(Taking my picture w/ Todd Martin. He almost doesn't look real, but he is.)

(Rob & I in front of Arthur Ashe Stadium.)

(We watched #1 in the world, Caroline Wozniaki, playing doubles. and we really were standing this close.)

(The titles of the smoothies made me smile!)

(So, of course we had to have one!)

(Out to dinner with Spencer and his wife, Allie. After dinner, Spencer had rented a convertible to drive us around, giving us a tour of New York.)

(My favorite spot, having Serendipity's Frozen Hot Chocolate.)

(Our hotel was only 2 blocks from Central Park. Just taking a stroll...)

(On Sunday, we attended church on the 3rd floor of the Temple.)

(a view of Times Square)

(An amazing costume from 'The Lion King', my new favorite Broadway show!)

(amazing show!)

(Carnegie Deli was right next door to our hotel. It's famous for being a place where all the stars eat. I met Celine Dion (my idol) here in 1997. So I had to take my picture next to hers. :))

(Look, Celine & Taylor in the same row!)

(I think we were eating at midnight. This town really never sleeps!)

(We visitied the "Ground Zero" museum and site. This was a Statue of Liberty that someone had made and put outside the 1st responding Fire Station from 9/11. Over time people started adding stuff to it, little remembrances and mementos. You can't see it in this picture, but there was even a weeding ring left on it. It was really moving.)

("Ground Zero")

(We had a late lunch on the Harbor.)

(just getting my Andy fill, waiting for the subway...)

(Taking the ferry out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.)

(a view from the Statue of Liberty)

(those little brown buildings are Ellis Island, where all immigrants were detained for a period of time in the late 1800's and early 1900's.)

(my honey & a view of the city)

(The Statue of Liberty was fascinating!)

(We didn't get to climb all the way up to her crown. You have to reserve that 3 months in advance. Who knew?! We just climbed to the top of her pedastal.)

(leaving on the ferry boat)

(The main hall of Ellis Island was beautiful and probably very overwhelming for those who had been traveling on boats for weeks, to come here.)

(We had to make it to a Yankee's game, of course. Spencer joined us.)

(Enjoying an American pasttime.)

We had such a great time, and were exhausted when we came home. Even though our little guy missed us, it seemed he had a great time with Memaw. Thanks Mom, for taking care of Kade and the pets! And thank you Rob, for taking me on a fabulous "bucket list" trip!

xoxoxo