Metropolitan Museum of Art

We had a short and sweet visit to New York to see my grandma and visit with family. While there, we were excited to make the trek into the city a couple of times. James hasn't been to NYC since he was a wee babe, and Juliet hasn't ever visited Manhattan.

Both kids, upon entering the MET were instantly entranced. We weren't sure if they'd be interested or not (the were only marginally interested with The Intrepid the day before) but something about this museum captured them. James asked the most intelligent questions (why did the man named Jesus die? Why do so many people care about him? Why does nobody wear clothes in art?) and on and on.

Juliet was a bit slow to warm up to all the craziness and excitement, but soon was LOVING it too. We let the kids lead the way, E and I have been to the MET so many times that we didn't have a particular route we needed to stick to, or particular pieces we wanted to see.

All these photos are in no order whatsoever, but that's how our visit was. We would look around one gallery and wander to another. Nothing was seen in total (dozens of galleries for each section of the museum) but most areas were visited briefly. We let them set the flow and the pace, and they didn't let up. FIVE hours later they still didn't want to leave.

We were excited to show them the Temple of Dendur which is an entire temple the Egyptian government gifted to the United States, and then we moved it stone by stone and now sits within the museum.

Juliet kept asking for my phone to snap photos, and it was the cutest thing, I couldn't say no. The things that caught her eye were interesting and unique.

This is a photo by Juliet! She's a natural. Nice lines and reflection really makes this an interesting photo.

There is SO MUCH to see at the MET that you can't possibly see everything in a single day. We made a good effort though.

The Jesus art really intreated him. Until this day, he'd never even heard the name Jesus.

These tiny carved statues with miniature hinges that open and close have always been a favorite of mine.

This Tiffany fountain was his absolute favorite. He's talked about it half of dozen times since, saying it was his favorite part of our NYC trip.

I told you these photos are in crazy order. ;)

I had 70+ photos of blurry interiors at the end of the day, but it was worth it to see this face.

I think it's impossible to not adore Van Gogh.

If anyone reading this hasn't been to the MET make it your life purpose to go. The outside is some of the most beautiful architecture the United States has to offer, and it is absolutely magical inside. It's not what you're expecting. It's entire rooms, castles, spaces and temples from all over the world recreated inside. It's so large that you can get lost for hours wandering around, and finding true secret rooms. This museum will always be my favorite.

We left the museum and walked through the Upper East Side where some of the buildings are absolutely stunning. This may be an embassy or another important building, but it stopped me in my tracks it was so gorgeous.

Looking towards midtown from the Upper East Side. 

We hopped on a subway near The MET and rode to Union Square to meet Colette and Jen!

The weather while we were in New York was SO MILD. We spent late in the evenings exploring the city and laughing with friends. This kiddo loves loves loves my friends Colette and Jen.

Colette spent her high school years in Ukraine, and was excited to introduce us to a authentic Ukrainian restaurant. OMG. These pirogies were filled with squash and cheese and short ribs. Served with grilled onions, applesauce and sour cream. TO DIE FOR.

Next door to the Ukrainian restaurant was this old fashioned toy store with a wooden sign. NYC, one of the fastest moving cities in the world still has old fashioned gems to be found.

Look at this store! 

We've been friends for a long time, and it is excellent to see these two again. 

Since we parked at the MET (best parking place in the city!) we had to return at night and just were in awe. The air was warm and the city was buzzing around us. The MET was lit like a jewel and the fountains were spectacular. We didn't want to leave.