TheFirstChild is working in an internship this summer and he takes great delight in calling me frequently, crying into the phone, and bemoaning the fact that, oh, boohoo, the Dr. let him go early so he HAD to go play golf. Sort of a “You’re working and I’m Not.” (The first time he did this, his wailing was so convincing, I thought something was wrong. And btw, I’m very happy that he’s getting this little break, as I know that when school starts in the fall, he’ll be so busy he won’t even be able to spell G-O-L-F.) His most recent phone call came just as I sat down in my plane seat on my way to Newark last Monday.
So, Monday night, I was sitting in my hotel room, on the fence about whether I would go into NYC on this trip. On a whim, I decided to check the Good Morning America website and see who would be the featured artists for their Summer Concert Series in Bryant Park. Now, I’m not much of a music buff, so normally, I have no idea who the featured artist is. (Remember my trip last year when I happened upon Hannah Montana Who???)
But, this time — oh, how I knew the featured artists! Boyz II Men are the all-time favorite group of TheFirstChild, so that did it. I HAD to go into NYC and take pictures for my little cherub. But first, I HAD to call him, wailing into the phone of course, about how oh darn, my return flight on Friday wouldn’t be until the afternoon, and oh, boohoo, I guess I’ll just have to go see Boyz II Men in the park! That one phone call was SO worth all of TheFirstChild’s “You’re Working and I’m Not” phone calls. Boy, was he ever jealous!
Before this concert, I had no idea what Boyz II Men even looked like. I just knew that they were an R&B group, so it was fun for me to see them in person. And I must admit, I was a bit misty eyed, standing there in the crowd, remembering how TheFirstChild had played so much of their music in high school. It was also fun to see Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts up close. They’re both so thin and pretty!
Boyz II Men have a very impressive music record. Their hit “End of the Road” (which they had the whole audience singing acapella!) spent 13 weeks as #1 on the pop charts, breaking Elvis’s record of 11 weeks for “Don’t Be Cruel”/”Hound Dog” (sorry Gurney!) Then, their hit “On Bended Knee” replaced their “I’ll Make Love to You” for a 6 week run on top of the charts. Only Elvis and the Beatles had ever replaced themselves on the pop charts.
The concert was way too short (what do you expect for free LOL!) They sang a Motown medley from their new album of old Motown Hits. That was fun as they were dancing too. Then they/we sang “End of the Road” which was very cool. When they were done, I went to the area where I thought they would leave the park.
First Robin Roberts came out. There were very few people hanging around and she stopped to talk with a few women. What a nice woman. She’s recovering from chemotherapy treatments and her hair is coming back in — isn’t she beautiful?
Then Boyz II Men came by. There were maybe 10 of us standing there (not counting security and people walking down the sidewalk.) They stopped and gave autographs, so now TheFirstChild has illegible scribbles on a piece of paper LOL. I have no idea who these kids are, but the Boyz were SO nice to their adoring fans — they took the time to chat with them, autographed a poster that these kids had, and posed for a picture with them. I was very, very impressed with their kindness.
All that excitement was over by 9:15 a.m., so I decided to head south and check out this beauty:
The Brooklyn Bridge. The day was just beautiful as I walked across it (I took the Statue of Liberty picture above from the bridge.) And now, Ms. Charmed, I won’t get lost if I need to go there again!
XOXO,
Anna
What incredibly wonderful pictures…what a very fun day you had!
You are indeed a wicked mother…and I LOVE it! Good for you! Robin Roberts is a beautiful person – inside and out. I’m glad to see her hair coming back in. What great pictures too. You go girl!
I have heard my share of Boyz II Men over the years…my two listened to them. What a great shot of the Brooklyn Bridge!!!
What a fun morning you had! I feel so sorry for First Child!
How cool are you! What a great opportunity and you took it! Good for you. Those pictures are good enough to be from paparazzi!
My girlfriends and I use to just think those guys were soooo cool. We were freshmen in high school. What a fun trip you had and look at the nice weather you had! Cool shot of the bridge, btw.
Maybe you oughta tell TheFirstChild that sometimes “working” has its perks! What a great opportunity!
Jody
I’m glad you found the Brocklyn Bridge, U’m still hoping we will be able to connect there in Sept. btw those are great pictures. Does your son still admit he was/is a Boyz fan? I’m glad you had a fun and memorable day especially considering the “one up” on you son.
Wow! What a wonderful story!!!! You’re fortunate to be able to experience all of the stuff you see on your trips. I don’t think I would have been as brave to do all of that on my own. Kudos!
xxoo
Jean
What a fun concert! I love the Boyz! I first discovered them through a Christmas album if I remember correctly. I’m cracking up at your phone call exchange with TheFirstChild lol!
Wow, you’ve got some really good pics there!
Looks like it was a beautiful day to be in NYC. And I always think it’s great when stars are good to their fans!!
ps. i don’t think i’d know a song of theirs if it bit me, lol
Anna – that was so funny to get back at your FirstChild that way! I would’ve too! But…in all honesty, you did get some great photos and autographs to boot! Kudos to you! I’ve heard BOYZ II MEN sing the Motown Medley…it is great! I really want to get that CD but don’t know what it’s called.
THAT is a wonderful story! Sounds like a fun morning. Glad you got to rub it in a little ;-)
How funny to make thefirstchild jealous for once! Lucy x
Ohhhh your firstchild and I MUST be the same age. Cause I remember Boyz to Men!!! ROFLOL!!! LOVE THEM!!!! I watched Good Morning America that day and saw them. Dang it I would have been scanning the crowd looking for you. You got great photos and I love Diane and Robin too.
Hey my Mom used to say “anything for the kids” even if it’s to go “na na na boo boo” which we used to say when we were pulling a funny on someone. Now isn’t that being a grown up, LOL. That picture of the bridge – AMAZING
Hugs – Karen
I love, love, LURVE NYC.
Great pictures, Anna.
Are you home now?
Glad you got even with your son! Will you be spending the rest of the summer “on the road” now I wonder?
Kimx
Great photos Anna – and such a bonus to get your own back on FirstChild!!!
Boyz II Men seem like really lovely guys. I love it when famous folk are so nice to their fans – just as they should be :)
xxxx
Wonderful photos! Wonderful post. Thanks for sharing your day.
Wow I am so jealous. What a wonderful day you had. Thank you so much for sharing.
I had no idea Boyz II Men were so talented. (I’ve been out of the pop music scene since about ’89 or so…). Thanks for sharing, Anna.
I always love hearing about your adventures in NYC! And seeing your pictures, too.
XO
flipping ‘eck Anna!! You are such a lovely Mummy! I love the way you are teasing each other! I sort of feel like having a bit of a weep now, so moved by this, I love the music of Boyz2Men so I guess you had a great time! Look at the weather too, just beautiful…and then you go and show me that fantastically arty shot of Brooklyn Bridge, you are amazing!! What exactly is your job?
What a fabulous day Anna! You are such a sweet mamma to do this for your FirstChild *wink, wink*!
Oh the sacrifices!
we so aspire to be you when we grow up.
way to make your own zinger of a phone call to TheFirstChild. :)
Way to go on the payback, you smart girl! Such a funny story! I am so super jealous that you were in NYC. That is one of my top 3 favorite places, and I’ve been dying to go back for the past few years. Glad you had such a great time!
Well, TheFirstChild best enjoy it now because those sort of days are few and far between.
I’m so glad you decided to go ahead with your plans. What fun to see this in action as opposed to just on the TV.
I’m glad you got to make your trip to NYC. I’m going soon to visit my brother and wife, who live on Madison Ave, in Manhattan. I want to go and see The Morning show also. Thanks too for your comment on my pitiful blog. Tracey
Oh, I hope your oldest appreciated your “sacrifice”. :)
My oldest is getting married January 1 of all days!
I’ve enjoyed seeing your wedding pics.
What beautiful photos! That bridge is amazing! What is it with Dr’s and golf??? I wish we could go to NY too! :(
My son used to LOVE Boyz II Men! How great you had a chance to see them, and Robin and Diane, too! Robin does look wonderful, doesn’t she?
I adore your photo of the Brooklyn Bridge. For some reason, my hubby and I have a great fondness for that girl! I have a photo above my piano of her taken in 1938, which I never get tired of looking at. We read the book about her by David McCullough, too. It’s a great read all about the building of this remarkable bridge. Love the photo of the Statue of Liberty, too. Thanks so much for sharing it all, Anna!