Today was an amazing day! We kicked off this morning with a yummy breakfast at the Hotel Novotel enjoying the view of Times Square as we munched on french toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, muffins and fruit. The Elliott boys were particularly thrilled at the large steaming mugs of hot cocoa delivered to their table. Following breakfast we had our morning session together. The children had a blast with some very creative activities involving a lot of exploding water and a messy swamp…I will leave it at that to keep the surprise in tact for future Legacy Retreat families.
After the morning session we were all excited to embark on a lunch cruise around the island of Manhattan. The weather was fantastic and the families were very excited to see New York City from all sides. We were able to see the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Ground Zero, the Intrepid, and so many other New York Landmarks from the water. “It was so great to see New York without any cars.” (Donna) The kids enjoyed the view while also playing some fun games and interacting with the volunteers. We also got a special invitation from the Captain for the Inheritance of Hope kids to join him at the helm to drive the boat!!! They took turns as Captain of the Circle Line Cruise and really enjoyed the responsibility and power.
I got my chance to captain the ship as well. If I can lead these families through a Retreat in New York City cruising them through the Hudson River should be a piece of cake!
Following the cruise, the families were able to spend about 3 hours wandering around the City taking in the
sites and attractions. A hot spot for dinner was Ellen’s Stardust Diner where the wait staff of aspiring Broadway stars sing and dance while serving your meal. The Shaws and Elliots particularly enjoyed this restaurant and Kyla even got a chance to sing with the staff!!
Other families visited FAO Swartz, the Museum of Natural History, and Central Park.
Already the day has been packed with some amazing events and we have seen the City from all sides but we are still missing one view of New York…from the top!!! So at 7pm tonight we all went to the Top of the Rock which is a 67 story elevator ride to the top of Rockefellar Center for a view that takes your breath away. It was a wonderful way to close out our day together in this magnificent, beautiful, busy city.
Off to bed….
Tomorrow: Radio City Christmas Spectacular Show featuring the Rockettes
“Every Family Deserves a Legacy”®
Wow, sounds like an amazing day and experience, an experience of a lifetime. What a blessing from God.
Enjoy the Rockettes tomorrow.
Regards,
Lori Grohs
Wow! Shari sure knows how to enjoy life and truly keeps everything in a great perspective…life is a gift. We need to embrace all days and just take it all in! I hope you are all doing well and we continue to pray for you Shari and Rob…and the kids! We know you are truly enjoying every minute. Love you dear friends…Just take a moment to Thank the Good Lord and just embrace the moment! Life is GRAND!
I’M LOVING THIS BLOG IDEA!!! LOVE READING ABOUT EVERYONE HAVING FUN AND ENJOYING EACH OTHER. WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FROM OUR END -ESPECIALLY GOOD WEATHER AND GOOD HEALTH.
KEEP BLOGGING-KEEP TWITTERING 🙂
LOVE TO ALL-THE STENSRUDS
Sounds like a blast!! Can’t wait for the next update. May God continue to bless you!!
You aRE amazing Jill! Thanks for the blogs…sounds like you are having LOTS of fun!!!! Praying for a wonderful time in NYC!!!
What a fun way to share the events and I love seeing all the smiling faces on the kids- Gage at the helm and this is a kid who was really concerened about riding on a boat- this is the most fun I’ve had for years just watching them- thanks