Memorable Birthday Moment on NBC

Jan. 3 proved to be a big day for birthdays at the Today show in New York City. While the show staff were inside the studio celebrating the birth of host Dylan Dreyer’s second son, outside, a mother and daughter were celebrating a special birthday of their own.

Buzz residents Carrie Ostrin had exciting plans for her daughter Carly’s 12th birthday: to try to get on the Today show. Carrie loves watching the Today show with sixth grader Carly every morning before school, just as she did with her own parents, so this was a special idea for both of them. Joined by their friends Evelyn Duncan and her daughter Fiona, age 10, they all made this feat look so easy. While they admit it was hard waking up at 4:45 a.m., they all say it was worth it. Standing outside 30 Rock for four hours on a cold and rainy morning paid off in the end.

Al Roker paused to take a photo with birthday-girl Carly Ostrin and Fiona Duncan. (Photo courtesy of Carrie Ostrin)

When the show finally started taping, the group shouted out “It’s Carly’s 12th birthday!” which guaranteed them a spot on TV. With birthday greetings from Al Roker, and a quick photo, Carly’s 12th birthday was off to a great start, and will forever be documented on national television.

Not much could top this foursome’s exciting first NYC activity, but they did manage to pack in a lot of new experiences on Carly’s first trip to the Big Apple. As Carly and Fiona have both performed in children’s theatre programs in Houston, they were especially thrilled to see the Rockettes dance and watch Mean Girls on Broadway. They also went ice skating in Central Park, rode a horse-drawn carriage and saw the city’s impressive skyline from Top of the Rock. One of their favorite restaurant memories was their musical meal at Ellen’s Stardust Diner and, as Carrie puts it, “we ate our way through New York.”

Carrie says, “We had the best time, and it’s a trip we will never forget!”