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The time has finally arrived. In less than a week, the Bombardier clan will be heading to the Big Apple in celebration of Amanda's 15th birthday, a huge deal for our Cuban family!

We can't wait to get there! From the little ones who are completely adamant about meeting Alex (you do know Alex , don't you? Yeah....Alex the lion from Madagascar who lives in the Central Park Zoo when he's not in Africa or San Diego!), to sweet hubby who is thrilled, after many visits to NYC, to get to go to the Intrepid Museum, to Amanda who's Beatle-mania thirst will be quenched visiting Strawberry Fields and seeing the famous Dakota Apartments where John Lennon resided. Not to mention our excitement to see Mamma Mia! Oh yes, I have a very happy and excited family surrounding me.

As for me? I love NY! (sounds like a commercial, huh?) I can't wait to eat visit China Town and Little Italy,eat take the little ones to see the Statue of Liberty,eat and of course, pray down every sidewalk I hit that I run into "the man"! If you know me, you know who "the man" is. (Actually, it's kind of fun to see if you do know me. So, I won't say "the man's" name on here and you could leave a comment with your guess.) But, after stalking researching where "the man" lives, works and plays, I may have a good idea of where I could possibly run into him, not literally of course!

Being in NYC just would not be being in NYC if we didn't eat! I am such a tourist! Oh yes, I am drooling thinking about it could taste it now. hot pretzels from those stands in Times Square, Katz deli, french food, pizza, knishes, egg creams (double yum!) and Schickhaus hot dogs from the Coney Island boardwalk (Nathan's is a bit overrated in my book). I was in Coney Island last when I was 4. That was ummm....25 years ago!

But do you want to know what I am sure will be one of my favorite moments? Meeting up with YOU! Those of you that have emailed and are coming to join our little crew for a small get-together in Central Park! I'm giddy with excitement!!! Some of you are old friends that I can't wait to hug again. Some are new friends that have journeyed into my life through the blog world and have been brave enough to de-lurk, and some of you I feel like I've known forever since you've been pillars of support during some really rough times. Each and every one of you are so very special and I can't wait to see you (and of course your treasures) in person!!! Thank you for making the effort to get out there. I really am so, so excited!

I love this sign. Notice it says "A Quiet Zone". This is hard to do with the Bombardier Triple Terrors running loose.

Here's the Central Park scoop:

WHEN: Sunday, August 16 at 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: Sheep Meadow in Central Park. West side, mid-Park from 66th to 69th Streets. We will stay closer to 66th Street by Tavern On The Green.

WHAT TO BRING: B.Y.O. E. (bring your own everything!) Anything and everything you want or will need. Staying in a hotel makes it difficult to 'pot luck', therefore we will probably just grab some drinks, sandwiches and a blanket borrowed from the hotel.

The plan is to spend a couple of hours letting the kids do their thing with their new friends while we chit-chat, mingle, and better get to know each other and our families. Then around 1:30 walk over to the Central Park Zoo (on the SE corner of the park -64 St.) We'd love for your family to join us! So, if you're up to it, we can make an afternoon of it together! I know the kids would have a blast and it's supposed to be a beautiful, sunny day!

If you haven't decided if you can or want to come, it's not too late! Please join us.

I will have my cell phone* with me if anyone wants to call, or if you can't find us on Sunday.


* if you don't have my cell phone, please EMAIL ME and I will give it to you.