Kate Gosselin arrived in New York City Monday morning flanked by her trusty bodyguard Steve Nield, and RadarOnline.com has all the photos of the radiant mother of eight.

The 36-year-old Kate Plus 8 star looked stunning in a knee-length bright blue dress as she signed autographs for waiting fans after her interview.

PHOTOS: Kate Lights Up The Big Apple

Gosselin admitted to The Today Show co-host Ann Curry that her kids are constantly "begging for me to get married again!" saying, "They bring it up all the time."

Kate Gosselin allowed her ex-husband Jon to speak with their eight kids recently during their action packed trip to Australia and New Zealand, RadarOnline.com can reveal.

That part of the world was hit with some freakish floods during the adventurous expedition which Jon did not want his family to take, leaving the infamous former reality dad on tender-hooks.

PHOTOS: Kate Gosselin Takes The Kids To The Museum

So far, 16 people have been killed in the floods with a reported 43 people missing in Brisbane - which Kate and her family visited recently.

Jon Gosselin made a desperate attempt to stop his ex-wife Kate's trip to Australia with their eight kids -- and even went to court over it -- but a judge ruled that she could make the excursion because it was work related, RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned.

The decision to allow the trip was made following a secret closed door hearing at Berks County Court in Pennsylvania earlier this month by the same judge that allowed Kate to film her spin-off reality TV show Kate Plus 8 on the TLC network, despite objections by Jon.

A source told RadarOnline.com: “It was another slap in the face for Jon because he did not want the kids to go to Australia.

Kate Gosselin is following in Oprah Winfrey's footsteps by jetting down-under to Australia with her eight kids to bring in the New Year, RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned.

The reality television mom will also pay a visit to New Zealand during the whistle-stop tour where she will be accompanied by her bodyguard Steve Nield.

PHOTOS: Kate Gosselin Takes The Kids To The Museum

What's more, we've learned Kate is doing it in style: the 35-year-old and her brood are flying first class!

It's understood TLC is picking-up the tab for the expensive tour, as the family will be filming upcoming episodes of their hit show Kate Plus 8.

PHOTOS: Kate Gosselin Out Running Errands

However, neither Jon Gosselin or his girlfriend, Ellen Ross, are traveling with the group and will be staying Stateside to see in 2011.

"Kate and the kids flew-out just before midnight last night in what will be a staggered trip to Australia and New Zealand," a source said.

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Jon Gosselin Christmas Tree Shopping

"Obviously, Jon was informed of the excursion and the kids will not see their father again until mid-January when they return to America with their mom.

"They will be filming for Kate Plus 8 and the kids are excited about visiting both Australia and New Zealand.

PHOTOS: Jon Gosselin and Girlfriend Spend Time With His Kids

"Steve Nield - who is from New Zealand - will also be traveling with them while they tour both countries."

As we previously reported, Gosselin tried to prevent Kate from doing her own reality show after the couple divorced once their original series, Jon & Kate Plus 8, ended.

PHOTOS: Hollywood's Hottest Divorcees Bare All In Their Bikinis

But the courts in Pennsylvania allowed the controversial mom to keep filming with her kids.

PHOTOS: Kate Shows Off Her Bikini Body In Mexico

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In a move that's sure to make some people uncomfortable, Jon Gosselin's girlfriend jokingly referred to herself as stepmom of his eight children, RadarOnline.com has learned.

PHOTOS: Gosselin Kids Get Dramatic Hand-Over From Kate To Jon

Ellen Ross made the reference on her Facebook page,and her friends also jokingly call her "stepmom of the year."

And while it's a joke, some people close to the Gosselins are wondering, "Will Kate find it funny?"