New York - new beginnings

Another steamy, hot day in the Big Apple.
I have realised that New York, in summer, with little kids...isn't the best time to be here. It is just SO hot (although the locals say that this is unusually hot for this time of year) and SO crowded!! When I come back to New York (and I say 'when' not 'if' because I know there will be so many things that I won't get to see) it will definitely NOT be in the middle of summer and middle of school holidays!
We took the kids to Central Park this morning for a turn in the playground - the girls fell in love with a tyre swing that spun around and around.....although with so much spinning and so much heat, poor Eloise's stomach didn't cope so well.
We have a 'squirrel spotting' competition in Central Park - I am ahead 3 to 0. They are cute little creatures.

There IS a squirrel running up the side of the tree.























Today we went to the 9/11 memorial site. We were VERY lucky that we had tickets for a time that obviously wasn't too busy (it's a christmas miracle!) so we got through the 4 security checkpoints really quickly!
The memorial itself is very beautiful. It is strange to think of these massive structures just collapsing. Walking in the streets surrounding the site it is impossible to imagine the terror and chaos that must have been so overwhelming at the time. The building works are going along at the buildings that will replace the world trade centre will be pretty impressive.

The two pools or waterfalls that are in the footprints of the twin towers are amazing. Just the size of each one is astounding but when you see the names of the 2,977 people killed (including those on the other flights that came down that day) it brings home what this is all about.

 The 9/11 museum is still not open yet but I can imagine it will make the whole experience even more memorable.

Moving on from there we stopped by Times Square. I don't think I have ever seen more people in one spot in my whole life! It is pretty amazing with the lights and the colours and action - but not the best place to be with two tired and hungry kids. Glad I saw it though.

I think the weather is supposed to cool down tomorrow which will be good - we might try and go to the Central Park zoo.
The girls have been FANTASTIC so far this trip - Neve has walked miles without much complaint - although she has not stopped talking since we left Newcastle - it is getting beyond ridiculous! Eloise is getting into the travelling groove and is coping really well with the heat and crowds. I am very proud of both of them!