Dining with Elmo at Sesame Place

On Tuesday, we made our way to Sesame Street Place, for breakfast with Elmo and friends! We scheduled it in advance, and although the food was mediocre the event was awesome! We weren't really there for the food anyway!

As soon as we entered the park, we met Oscar the Grouch! Because it was so early in the morning, we had an unobstructed view of the park ~ it was magnificent! Perfect for little ones.

When we entered the breakfast, we were immediately met by the Sesame Street characters, and Nathan made instant friends! We ate breakfast and hung out with his Homies from the Street, for about an hour. I'd have to say, his favorites were Zoe and Ernie.

Here's a slide show with more pictures from our breakfast.

During breakfast, I spoke to one of the employees, who happen to be standing with Big Bird, about the other characters that weren't present at the breakfast. I wasn't sure if they were joining us or not. She said Cookie Monster would be available at 11:40am on Sesame Street and the others would appear periodically throughout the day. We'd just have to wait in line to take a picture. She instantly noticed my hesitation, and by this time, also knew I was Nathan's mom. She asked if it was just "the three of us?" And, I replied "yes, it was." To that she said, "I'm working the VIP area at 1:45pm," she pointed it out and said, "come at that time and he can meet all the characters, and won't have to wait in any lines." OH YEAH!!! We'll be there, and we were!

After breakfast we took Nathan on some rides and watched a couple of shows. Our family secured convenience passes so we didn't have to wait in any lines, which was nice because it was a hot day. The first show was Elmo Live and the second was Elmo Rocks. As you may suspect, Nathan loved them both! There was also another show, featuring Abby, but he fell asleep before we were able to watch it.

This slide show is from Elmo Rocks, which Nathan loved because there was lots of singing and dancing!

After lunch, and playing at the Count's Splash Castle (there are lots of different water park attractions), we ventured over to the VIP area to meet some of the other characters.

The VIP area is where Sesame Street and the gang, get ready for their big daily parade, which was amazing! There's a slide show below of the floats.

We were so thankful to be able to bring Nathan into the VIP area to meet some of the other characters, and to the employee that made it possible. She ROCKS!

This is one of my favorite pictures. The Sesame Street characters all took it upon themselves to do this group shot with Nathan. It wasn't my idea ~ a few just lined up next to us, and then they all came to take the picture. It was really touching. Thanks Sesame Street! Nathan will really appreciate your kindness one day.

Nathan ~ Daddy was taking the picture, so he wasn't able to be in it with us!

Parade Slide show ~~

We left after the parade ~ someone was very tired. We'll definitely be taking Nathan back there again ~ probably next year.

A Mad Greek, The Cake Boss, Elmo & Lady Liberty!

We have just returned from a 4-day family vacation! We did so much, and had such an incredible time, that it felt like we were away longer than four days! There's no possible way I could blog about all our adventures in one post; it's going to take some time.

Normally, I'd begin the day we left and go from there, but a few of the pictures need correction, so I might jump around a bit.

We began our vacation on Sunday, the day Danny and I celebrated our 7th Wedding Anniversary. We left in the afternoon, and headed to visit friends who live on the New Jersey shore. My friend Kathy has a little boy, who is only a few weeks younger than Nathan, and they always have fun together. They recently opened up a new Greek restaurant, named the MadGreek, which is where we met for dinner.

Nathan and Paulie had fun throwing coins into the Poseidon statute, and playing with their Thomas the Trains'. I wish we lived closer, but I'm glad that we're not that far away!

After dinner, we headed down to the docks and checked out the boats. It was a beautiful night and a wonderful way to end our special day.

I'm always looking for opportunities to introduce Nathan to new things, and when a fisherman walked by with his net full, I asked if he would show Nathan what he had. Crabs!

Nathan was not a fan! Can you blame him?

On tap ~ meeting Buddy, the Cake Boss, hanging with Elmo and the Sesame Street gang, and our trip to the Statute of Liberty and Ellis Island.