We were excited to spend the 4th of July in NYC and spent some time sight seeing in Manhattan before the firework shows. Everyone was tired and sore from our late night, so we had a massage train while waiting for the subway!

Our first stop was FAO Schwarz, the famed toy store. The kids loved browsing the awesome [overpriced] assortment of toys! Kate spent some of her birthday money and the boys couldn’t resist buying some ugly toys called “Fugglers.” (Great name, I know).

We explored Rockefeller Center for a while and took a stroll to Central Park.

Next, we made our way to the World Trade Center area. The Freedom Tower and the 9/11 Memorials were good reminders of the ongoing battles in the world and how blessed we are to enjoy peaceful times in our country.

I’m so grateful for first responders and members of the military like these young men in the WTC train station, part of “Joint Task Force Empire Shield” willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect others ❤️