We bought something on 5th Ave!

We live for the weekends here in NYC and this past weekend did not disappoint. 

On Friday night I made Dan take me to Johnny Rockets...because I'm classy like that. I'm a cheap date, I really am, nothing pleases me more than a greasy cheeseburger and fries. Once I saw that Johnny Rockets just a few blocks down from us, I started craving it 24/7.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself and my meal. Dan says its just a glorified Burger King and of all the places in NYC he was shocked I picked Johnny Rockets, but that just shows his taste level is not up to par with mine.  

Saturday we explored the streets of NYC, a very famous street, or avenue to be exact. We roamed 5th Ave and I am very proud to say we bought something! Ok so maybe it was at Banana Republic and maybe it was because they were having an additional 25 percent off sale items, but nevertheless, Dan got a brand new outfit from 5th Ave. He's fancy. 

Then we went to Rockefeller Center. We had a blast checking out all the tv show apparel at the NBC experience store. Dan was LOVING the Seinfeld section and we were both thoroughly entertained by the Parks and Rec stuff. We considered eating at the Summer Cafe there, but then saw the prices and promptly walked away. Its so cool though, it is located where the ice skating rink is in the Winter. 

The restaurant is under all those umbrellas...so cute!

Then we were off to rent bikes and ride in Central Park. Unfortunately there was a heat wave currently invading New York, so it was a bit hot, but we had a blast riding around once we got used to it. We stopped and just sat in the park for an hour relaxing and enjoying the people watching spectacle that a hot summer day in Central Park has to offer. 

After our bike riding in the heat we were exhausted to we went home and ordered Italian delivery (love NYC take out), and called it a night. Back to another work week, yuck. 

Liberty and Brooklyn...all in one day

This week's adventure in NYC made for one packed Saturday. 

We started our day off with a tour of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. We boarded a ferry that took us to both islands and back again to Battery Park. It was a beautiful day, perfect for cruising around the Hudson. We did audio tours around both islands and we were fascinated the whole time. We absolutely got chills as we listened to some immigrants accounts of sailing from a foreign land and catching their first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. It was a symbol of the life of freedom that awaited them. 

It was very humbling and made us reflect on all the liberties we enjoy here in America. 

Ellis Island was just as humbling. So many people came through there, our own ancestors no doubt, in search of a better life for themselves and their posterity. 

Ellis Island

Miss Liberty herself...

Dan and I with the NYC skyline !

I love the flag next to the new WTC

After our tour we headed off to walk the Brooklyn Bridge. That was quite the experience, it was PACKED and there were food vendors in the middle of the bridge, very New York. It was pretty cool though and offered some fab views of the city. We ate dinner at a famous pizza joint in Brooklyn called Grimaldi's. You have to stand in line and you should see this line. I can't believe I didn't get a picture. It's unreal. Dan had eaten there before and kept reassuring me it was worth it, but I must say I was having my doubts that any pizza in the world was worth the pain in my feet standing in that line. But...I was wrong. It was delish. I will never doubt my Dan again. 

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge...with the rest of NYC

After dinner we got some ice cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream factory at the pier. This couple loves us some ice cream. 

Then came time to go home so we headed off to the subway stop. After some wandering and wandering and directions and more wandering...we ended up walking back across the bridge to Manhattan. Haha, I wish I could say this was because we wanted the exercise but it wasn't. We may or may not have gotten lost. 

We are SO NOT tourists. 

Walking around New York...and walking...and walking...

During my people watching here in the city I have noticed something...skinny people..and lots of them. Now I know why. To get around this city you walk....a lot. My feet are so confused with all this walking. I have also noticed all the sweet tennis shoes...they aren't just for looks people. 

This simple truth became very clear to me during my Momma's visit to NYC this weekend! It was so fun and our feet are paying the price (we didn't have the fab tennis shoes...guess I'll have to fix that...I never frown upon shoe shopping). 

We picked up my mom Friday night from the airport. She came straight from Girl's Camp so we kept our first night simple. Pizza from our favorite little pizza place next door to us (we've already had their pizza more times than I care to divulge)  and a quick tour around our little ole neighborhood. 

Saturday, we were treated to a little visit from my bestie Stephanie and her hubby Chad. They were driving through and stopped by. We had a great time chatting, catching up, and getting some breakfast! It was so good to see them!

Every weekend during the summer in the city you can find a street festival somewhere. I just happen to ADORE festivals of the sort, so imagine my surprise when this weekend's festival was right in front of our apartment! There were vendors selling all kinds of fun stuff and food galore. My mom and I wondered around and looked at every item for sale. I picked up a sweet hat and my mom got some cute little purses. We indulged on kettle corn (one of my favorite things in life and probably why I love festivals so much), chicken kabobs and corn on the cob. 

Our vendor lined street. 

After the festival my mom, Dan, and I headed off to Chinatown so I could make everyone feel uncomfortable while seeking out knock off purses. I was following people down all kinds of side streets, picking out pictures of what I was interested in, rushed behind vans when people walked by, had people walkie talkie to some unknown source, and finally got a trash bag delivered to me with my knock off purse. Dan was NOT impressed with the whole situation (fearing I would follow the wrong person down the wrong side street), but I am thrilled with my knock off. I don't think I'll be doing it again...I must admit it was a bit sketchier than I remember...but I can check it off the list!

After I traumatized everyone we headed to Little Italy for some yummy Italian and Gelato. I think this got me back in their good graces. 

And to cap off our Saturday we went to see Memphis, the broadway musical. It was FABULOUS. Even Dan was caught singing one of the songs as we left. 

I LOVED having my mom in town. She spoiled us rotten and we had a blast! I succeeded in sharing my love of black and white cookies with her as well which is a total win. 

We're New Yorkers!

Well, we have finally made it here to NYC! Dan is in the midst of his internship and I am back to work from our apartment. 

May was a long month. It brought some trials, but some incredible blessings as well. 

Dan finished his finals towards the end of April and we headed off to Arizona to spend some time with his family. We wound up staying about 6 weeks and had a great time. Dan golfed till he dropped, I was spoiled with TONS of pampering, and we spent quality time with our family. 

Dan's youngest brother Jake was with us for two weeks before he took off for his mission to Budapest, Hungary. While he was there we helped him (it was SUCH a sacrifice) check off all his favorite restaurants from his MUST eat at before mish list, caught some Diamondbacks baseball, and celebrated his birthday with some Z Tajas and chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes! He has been out now about three weeks and is doing great!

Kendall and I were treated to a couple of broadway shows, American Idiot and La Cage Aus Folles. It definitely got me excited to head to NYC and catch all the shows I can muster! Dan, Nick, Kendall and I also got to go the Cirque de Symphonie in Phoenix. It was a combination of the Phoenix Symphony and Cirque de Soleil type performers. It was AMAZING, such a great night. 

I am grateful for the time we spent in AZ with the Gould's. We were blessed to really build our relationships and rely on one another.

So then Dan and I took off for New York City! We haven't been able to do a lot of exploring yet but this weekend we are taking off running!

We are living in the Upper East Side and our apartment is...in a word...tiny. It is an adjustment getting used to such a small space. We love our neighborhood though, there are tons of little shops and restaurants. 

Our living space, that's the corner of the kitchen on the left and the table that I work from on the right...I am literally standing in our bedroom doorway taking this pic

Our Kitchen...take out is going to be a major part of our lives

Our bedroom, excuse the cruddy picture, my cell camera wasn't having it

 Dan did take me downtown to see where he works. It's a very impressive building. He is really enjoying his internship. He is happy with the desk he was put on and is learning a TON. It's a TON of hours as well, but such a great experience for him. 

Goldman Sachs Building...where Dan will be spending most of his time this summer

The new World Trade Center building. It's right across from Dan's building. 

My mom is heading into town tonight and I'm so excited because I haven't seen her since before Christmas! I can't wait to start our explorations of the city!