Macy's Day Parade!

I don't know where I should start...it seems so long ago!  We had a VERY early wake up and we were on the bus by 1:45 a.m.  Students had to be in full uniform.  I was in charge of hand warmers, plumes, extra hats, gloves, and black socks.  I had them stored under my bus.  Off to New York City where we started our first part of the journey.  We had an early morning practice...in the dark...until we turned the corner and BOOM...lights, camera and action!  Off the the famous red line where we practiced our entrance for the star performance, the kids nailed it!  All that practice at home really paid off.  We did it twice just to make sure it wasn't an accident.  Then back to the bus for a cat nap!  After snoozing for an hour our driver took us to Hard Rock Cafe where we enjoyed a HUGE breakfast and then hiked back to the busses.  Again...more of a wait and snooze.  And then the fun began...we hiked to the waiting line where we passed hundreds...seemed like it...of floats, clowns, kids, big balloons and then I saw it...Sesame Street Float!!!  All of my favorite characters right behind us again!  And Kermit was right in front of us!!!  I was in heaven.  We stood there watching Jessica Simpson drive by twice and other famous people.  It was amazing.  Then the famous whistle...we were off!  We actually had to JOG that march but I made it to the end!  What an amazing and proud moment for the kids but they were ready to head back to the hotel for a mandatory nap!  No one complained!!!  We then enjoyed a Thanksgiving Turkey Feast and dance for the kids.  They dressed up and looked fantastic...I didn't even recognize a few of them.  Even though I didn't have my immediate family I knew I was surrounded by my second family...all my children...and it was a FANTASTIC Thanksgiving!  :)

New York - Day3

Day 3 started off with WORK!  Yes...we actually had to work on this relaxing vacation.  Our security guard at the hotel heard us practicing the second night in the parking lot of the hotel.  He was a percussion teacher for the high school down the street.  He offered his practice field at the high school Wednesday morning.  It was WONDERFUL.   This was the first day that it was actually a little cold but it felt good.  The kids had a great practice and what a wonderful sight to see them marching around the track with New York City in the background!  I get goosebumps just thinking about it again. 
After practice we went back to the hotel and changed for the day.  We then arrived at Rockefeller Center where we went to the top for viewing.  Breathtaking!!!  That is all I can say!  My camera really did not do it justice at all.  Then back downstairs for lunch and yes...more shopping!  I enjoyed picture taking!  For dinner we ate at Dallas BBQ...I do NOT know why but it was a hot meal.  I still love Kansas City BBQ better!  Then down to Central Park for ice skating!  Yes...we actually took the students ice skating the night before our BIG performance.  Glad to report only one person in first aid.  She marched the parade though the next day (she has a bad knee).  I of course stayed off the ice and enjoyed a hot chocolate!  Would have liked a carriage ride but duty called at the ice rink!  :) 
THEN...off to the hotel early for an early bed time.  We taped the kids in around ten thirty and pulled their tape at 1:15 A.M.  Yes...we had to be on the bus by 2 A.M.  for our early rehearsal! 

Thanks for tuning in and will continue later with the BIG DAY!  :)

New York - Day 2

If I don't keep up with this I am going to forget the trip!  (It seems so long ago!)  Day 2 actually started out at the famous American Museum of National  History...and yes we did all the pictures from the movie.  The first stop was Rexi...this was a picture for my Daughter!  Then for the remainder of the time we covered the entire museum at a quick pace...always on a time schedule.  Then off to 5th avenue to shop and eat! Enjoyed some great cheesecake!  After meeting up with ALL the students and parents, we walked to Planet Hollywood for dinner.  At this time the Directors went to a special Macy's meeting where we were treated like royalty.  It was interesting to meet all the other directors and talk with our guide for the parade.  These are store employees that live for the moment!  Then we raced to what I think is the highlight of my trip...Wicked on Broadway.  I have always wanted to see it and I certainly was NOT disappointed.  The performance was FLAWLESS including the orchestra...best one I have ever heard.  Of course I will never be able to watch the Wizard of Oz again.  Can't say more because I don't want to give anything away!  Then we walked to Times Square where we had a group photo taken.  Forgot to mention...the weather was very warm!  I didn't even need a coat!  (This makes me want to go back!)  Enjoy the pictures and will continue with day 3 later! 

Day 1 - New York City

I finally downloaded my pictures and have really enjoyed reliving my trip!  My dad bought me a brand new camera (early Christmas present) and drove it to me the day before I left!  I know...I am spoiled!  I thought I would try and share some of my favorite memories by days.  I won't count the travel day...I had been up since 1 a.m. and finally got to bed the next night at midnight.  So...day 1 started out with a city tour on a bus and I actually stayed awake!  We had a fantastic tour guide with several stops.  Of course my favorite and most memorable was revisiting ground zero.  There are many changes from 5 years ago but it was still moving to me as well as the kids.  The picture shows one of the memorials created  in memory of 11 co-workers who lost their lives that day.  The artist wrote a little about each victim and then created this beautiful fountain which had droplets of water hitting randomly representing a continuous stream of tears.  I was so proud of the respect that our students showed during our visit. 

Next stop...the Rockettes!  I of course took a little cat nap out of exhaustion but enjoyed the music!  We finished the evening at Bubba Gump...in 2 different shifts with 302 travelers...and a little time in Times Square.  The kids had a blast!  It was a little terrifying trying to move all those travelers down the sidewalk from the Rockettes to Times Square but happy to report we didn't lose a single person!  Hope you enjoy the pictures and will continue later with day 2!