Happy Fourth of July, America!

Like I mentioned in the previous post, on Friday, July 4th, we took the subway out to the end of the line to Coney Island, Brooklyn. Definitely a hot spot on Independence Day with the hot dog eating contest being the major draw. It was a fun, memorable experience but I feel confident in crossing Coney Island off my NY-to-do list.


Daddy and MJ seconds before the hot dog eating contest kicks off.


"Happy 4th of July!" (patriotic outfit courtesy of Auntie B)


It was an exciting contest this year: Six-time champion Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi and defending champion Joey "Jaws" Chestnut, were tied with 59 hot dogs eaten after the new ten-minute time limit, but Chestnut prevailed by winning a five-dog "eat off" held immediately after the contest. (Details via Wikipedia.) The announcer was hilarious and definitely kept our attention for the ten-minute competition.


Joey Chestnut and his mustard champion belt, pictured here with some of New York's Finest.


Right after the contest was over they reset the countdown clock for next year... t-minus 364 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes, 39.9 seconds and counting...


Proud sponsor of the IFOCE hot dog eating contest.


While she's not old enough to eat a Nathan's dog she did thoroughly enjoy playing with her Nathan's napkin.


Sacked out.


Coney Island family photo.


Tyler and Andy enjoying the colorful Coney Island boardwalk - those smiles don't lie.


I "heart" the USA (and the remote control!).