...This could really be a good life, good life!
Sam's dream of being part of the ESPN family has never been so close. To put a face to the infamous name and solidify a stellar network , Sam decided to drive up to the northeast so that he could meet the big wigs himself. After 3 days of driving, we finally arrived at our 1st destination, Bristol, CT (ESPN headquarters).
The northeast was enduring a week long heat wave and we arrived just in time to experience it first hand. After dropping off Sam at ESPN for a day of many meet and greets, Lillicans and I raced to the park to cool off.
ESPN North Campus
ESPN Headquaters
The ESPN studios where all the shows are taped LIVE. Sam got to sit in and watch a Sports Center session being filmed.
More LIVE tapings......
His future home......ESPN!
Louis Lunch Box
Just a few blocks from Yale University, was the birth place of the hamburger.
We follow Man Vs. Food closely and love to try places featured on the show.
The burgers were cooked medium to taste on two slices of white bread. The only toppings offered for their burgers were tomatoes and onions, and be sure NEVER to ask for ketchup! Absolutely fabulous and tasty!
Essex Steam Train and River Boat
My sweet babies
Frank Pepe Pizzeria
Nothing like a fabulous birthday dinner with the loves of my life at famous Pepe's Pizzeria. This is supposedly the oldest pizza joint in the US.
This is their version of a large pizza....lol.
Our next stop...
The Big Apple
I Heart NY!
Yum in my tum tum
This is what a real NY Deli sandwich looks like.....
"Nobody's jugs are bigger than their neck!"
Circle Line Tour
3 hour tour that circle Manhattan, NY
As Sam would say.....we have an "Empire State of Mind".......from the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys song
The Statue of Liberty
Brooklyn Bridge from the Hudson River
Financial District
A great trip down to Lower Manhattan and Wall Street...
NYSE
Down on Wall Street
Ground Zero
We couldn't help but feel the impact and emotion still at Ground Zero....it was so powerful. This is one of the two new towers 3/4 complete. They are calling it 1 World Trade Center
Ground Zero site.....
Times Square by night
Times Square is sooo alive and energetic 24/7. No wonder they call it the city that never sleeps. We caught part of the Express runway show that took place right in the middle of Times Square.
Even Lilly loved the the amazing lights and buildings everywhere....
Disney store
Being the Disney fanatics we are, we had to stop and shop at the Disney store! Its 3 stories tall and actually has more stuff to buy than the WDW World of Disney store.
pure Disney bliss
Just like her Mama......nothing but shopping when she's in NY
The funniest part of all the attractions NY had to offer...
...The Naked Cowboy was the cherry on top. Hilarious! The day previous we saw the Naked Cowgirl in action.
Central Park
Amongst all the noise, hustle, and bustle of the city life, one can find peace and serenity in Central Park- my favorite place! Central Park was gorgeous and massive. It has the biggest playground I have ever seen!
The house below was filmed in the movie Enchanted!
Sam and I couldn't stop with the Home Alone 2 quotes here...."credit card, you got it."
Serendipity
Upon Jessica's request, Sam marched 6 blocks to track down Serendipity. This photo is for you Jessica!!! It even had the bridal shop above just like in the movie! :)
Yankee's Stadium
You can't go to NY and not watch a Yankees game. This was one of Sam's bucket list stadiums he finally got to see. It was sooo big!!!
Yes, even in NY he still had is Giants stuff on. The good thing is that Yankees fans gave him thumbs up and high fives instead of boos...lol.
Library
Being the Sex In the City fanatic, I HAD to see the library where Carrie was to be married to Big. And yes, it was beautiful. Thanks KahriAnne for taking me
All dressed up!
Up at 6am for all day meetings again with ESPN.
Manhattan, NY Temple
The Manhattan Temple is right across the street from the ESPN NY offices and beautiful Central Park...
Next stop, PHILADELPHIA!! The City of Brotherly Love
During the day on our short trip in Philly, we toured the grounds of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Tons of history that we hope to go back and see again.
I thought the bell would be bigger.
Reading Terminal Market
Reading Terminal Market was our favorite. Tons of places to eat and every cuisine of food that you can imagine. And real Amish peeps! We made 3 trips there in 24 hours...lol. Still 2nd place in our hearts to Faneuil Hall in Boston, but amazing nonetheless.
Phillies Stadium
And finally, the Grand Finale for Sam. The Phillies game to see the Giants play against the team they beat last year to go to the World Series. One of Sam's clients is the Phillies team so his contact gave us great seats for the game, FREE!
We love our Giants!!!
Everybody from Philly said its a must to get a Philly Cheesesteak.
But not just any cheesesteak, it has to be a famous Tony Luke's cheesesteak. So we got 2!!!
Even the hagglers at the game couldn't resist but say Lilly is the cutest Giants fan they had ever seen. She loves her Orange and Black and Timmy Lincecum...lol.
Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
To break up the 22 hour drive home from Philly to Orlando, we couldn't help but stop at the Disney Hilton Head Resort in South Carolina.
I think Lilly now believes that Mickey follows her everywhere......
She loves her Mickey!!!!
The beautiful sunset looking out from the resort to the Hilton Head Island bay. Simply breathtaking.
We had a great trip and look forward to the next chapter. Whatever the future brings we are ready and excited for! This really has been a good life!
