I know this is supposed to be Reagan's blog, but I am going to borrow it to tell about our trip to the Big Apple. It was really the first time Andrew and I had been to the Big Apple on a non-work related venture where we actually had some time to enjoy the city so we left Reagan with Grandma Vicki and Grandpa Rick and met the Notre Dame crew - Jen, April, Mike and Dave - there.
We arrived on Thursday morning at Newark and took the NJ Transit to Penn Station. We then walked about 20 blocks from Penn Station to the Grand Hyatt where we were staying. I totally looked like a tourist on that walk as my head was constantly in the air looking at the big buildings. When it wasn't looking up, it was spinning round and round seeing all the people. They were everywhere. And then the shopping that was available - it was amazing! I think Andrew was just praying that we would get to the hotel so I wouldn't get any crazy ideas.
Once everyone arrived we hopped a bus for the US Open. It was the first time any of us had ever gone to the Open and it was truly awesome. We started the day by walking the grounds before my friend Jon played in the wheelchair event. The grounds were not as big as I thought they would be as the courts were right next to each other and the stores were only kiosks for the most part. We then watched Jon as he upset this player from Poland 6-4, 7-5 and advanced to the semifinals. It was pretty impressive watching these wheelchair players. They are truly incredible athletes.
It was then on to Arthur Ashe Stadium where we watched the quarterfinals between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Moya. Djokovic was clearly the better player and won in three sets. He then did these great impressions of Maria Sharapova and Rafael Nadal after the match which were hilarious. He is going to be a fan favorite in the future. Then Martina Navratilova played in the Champions tournament - she was out of shape, but it was still awesome watching a legend. Z
Probably the most noteable thing from the night (besides our great seats which were in the first row right above the suites) was how much everything cost. It was $20 for a burger and fries and $10 for a beer. I just remember April saying as we got on the bus, "I spent over $100 tonight." I bet a lot of people were saying that!
On Friday, Andrew and I went to the NTC early so we could take a good look around and shop. We were able to see the men's doubles final, as well as the women's semifinals. Justine and Venus had an awesome match. They hit the ball so hard and every fan was on the edge of their seat. Everytime Venus was down, she somehow managed to get back in the match. Justine was the better player, though, in the end. It was great tennis - an honor to watch these two great athletes.
After getting up at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday (you know Reagan and Corby must not have been there - I can't remember the last time I did that), we walked the city - 10 miles by the end of the day. We saw all the sites - Battery Park, Ground Zero, Wall Street, SoHo, Times Square, Rockefeller Center. I also found a "Gucci" and "Kate Spade" purse along the way. I was in heaven. It was really awesome. I just cannot believe that it is so busy and there are so many people in such a small area.
We got back to the hotel in time, sadly, to see the Notre Dame game. I should have walked a few more miles. I would have felt better. It is going to be a long season.
After church at St. Patrick's Cathedral (where mass took only 40 minutes and I shook the hand of his holiness - the Cardinal - and I am not talking about Albert Pujols), Sunday was more sports as Andrew and I went to see the Mets and Astros play at Shea. It knocked another ballpark off of our list and we were able to see Pedro Martinez's first start at Shea this year. He pitched five shutout innings and they won 4-1. We then returned to the tennis center where we watched the men's final on the big screen. Federer is the greatest player in the history of tennis.
It was an awesome trip! Now it is back to real life for everyone. I think Reagan enjoyed being spoiled by her grandparents and Corby will be excited to get to eat again. Grandma and Grandpa thought Corby was a little overweight (he is a lot overweight) so they cut back on his food - maybe that is why he jumped on the counter and ate a dozen jelly donuts when we were gone.
Life at the Mushett's - it is never dull.
Gotta "go, go, go,"
Reagan's mom
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