Coney Island and the Big Pink Dog

There is a burger joint literally right across the street from our apartment, and we JUST went there to eat on Friday. For a burger lover I am slacking big time. I'm kind of disappointed in myself for taking so long, but I was NOT disappointed by BareBurger. It was delish. They serve only the freshest organic ingredients and you can tell. The burgers were super good and the sweet potato croqs we had on the side divine. We will be going there again. 

Saturday we decided to hit up Coney Island. I was excited to hang out on the beach and ride some rides on the boardwalk. Um...the day didn't turn out exactly as planned. The beach was SO CROWDED and they didn't have any rental chairs/umbrellas. So our hanging out on the beach consisted of walking down to the water, dipping our toes in, then walking right back up to the boardwalk. Turns out wearing our swimsuits wasn't quite necessary. 

Ok, so the beach didn't exactly thrill us so we headed to our next stop, the amusement park on the board walk. Turns out Dan HATES rides. I always thought he was just saying that and I could bully him into riding anything with me, but turns out I was wrong. Which actually works out to my advantage b/c it appeases a lifelong fear I have had. 

SIDE BAR: 

I have always said that I HAVE to have an even number of children because I had an irrational fear that on family trips to Disney World or any amusement park really, that I, as the mom, would be stuck hanging out with everyone's crap while they rode rides with Dad and I was the odd person out with no ride partner. PROBLEM SOLVED. Dan is officially the bag holder on those future trips with our hypothetical children. I can rest easy now. 

END SIDE BAR. 

AND the rides were SIX DOLLARS PER PERSON PER RIDE. Holy cow. I did talk Dan in to riding the ferris wheel (pictured above) with me and I took a jaunt on the swings with a little boy stranger as my partner. 

I patted myself on the bag for this cool pic of Brooklyn, the Q train, and the Manhattan skyline in the background.

After our rides I asked Dan to pretty please win me something on one of the carnival games. Well imagine my surprise when he did and I got to walk around for the rest of the day with a HUGE PINK DOG. It's actually rather gratifying walking around with a huge pink dog because it really means, "My man's manlier than your man." You should have seen the jealous looks from girls whose husbands/boyfriends weren't manly enough to win them a big pink dog. 

Next on the agenda was to hit up the Original Nathan's Hot Dog Stand. I was stoked for this as I love hot dogs. Um...disappointed. It was gross. I now have an even deeper appreciation for those hot dog eating contest winners b/c not only do they eat a bajillion hot dogs, they eat a bajillion gross ones. Luckily for us, they had just opened a Grimaldi's Pizza joint across the street (think our fave place with hour lines in Brooklyn), so all was not lost on the food front. 

We were just a couple days too early to witness a true classic american tradition...

I thought this was going to be my tasting glory pic...fail

All in all it was a great day at the very odd Coney Island. Dan and I had a lot of fun just being together and being silly. 

Remember how I mentioned that the beach was crowded? Ok, compared to the old days in Coney Island, there was barely a soul on the beach. 

See what I mean?

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!

A Heritage of Hard Work

On Friday night Dan and I went to a fireside at his Finance Professor's house. Kim Smith has been more than a professor to Dan, he has been a kind of mentor. He worked for Goldman Sachs in Sales and Trading for over 20 years and had tremendous success. When he retired he came back to BYU to teach and help prepare students for a career on Wall Street. 

Kim helped Dan throughout his interview process with Goldman and was his inspiration to get into Sales and Trading at a school where Investment Banking is the thing to do. 

I am one hundred percent supportive of Dan's career aspirations and crazy proud that he scored the Sales and  Trading Goldman internship this summer, but I have had some fears about the life we will have with this career. It is a lot of hard work, meaning lots of hours at the office and probably some travel. Dan is so passionate about it so I know he will love it and of course wouldn't want him to do anything else. I still worried about the work/life balance and if we can pull it off.

Friday night, Kim and his wife Julie, hosted us in their home for dinner and a fireside about just that, work/life balance. They shared with us their personal experiences and told us how they made it work. They recognize that it was not always the conventional family lifestyle, but they made changes and made it work. They raised four children who Julie pointed out, think their Dad was at everything they did. They have nothing but amazing memories of their Dad, even though he worked a lot. 

They pointed out to us that the LDS church has a heritage of hard work. It's not like the pioneers were working 9-5. They worked HARD sunrise to sunset everyday but the Sabbath. President Hinckley was known to work extremely hard and very long hours in his role for the church, before he became a general authority.They told us not be afraid of hard work. I had not thought of it in that perspective before. 

Julie also shared her tips and experiences about being a stay at home mom to four kids, while having a husband that worked long and hard. She never stopped exploring her own interests, while supporting her husband's, and helping her children foster theirs. It was extremely motivating to me and I think she is just incredible.

I left their home feeling amazing. My fears have subsided and I am actually feeling genuine excitement for our adventures in the future! I know that we can make a wonderful life for ourselves, even if it may be a bit different than what I had imagined. I am thankful for the tender mercies of the Lord. That evening in their home was exactly what I needed to help prepare myself and to get the feeling of calm that only the Lord can provide. I am so grateful. Bring on the Future!

Care Bear Comes to Town!

I have been missing my family something awful lately. So it was extra special that my little sister Caroline came to visit Dan and I last weekend during her Spring Break. I was so glad to see her and it was simply amazing having her here. 

She actually came to see us last year in Miami as well, and both visits have fallen on Easter. I guess that makes it a tradition, the Morris sisters spend Easter together. 

We had a blast going to dinner with friends, eating delicious cinnamon rolls from Marley's, shopping till we dropped at the brand new City Creek Mall in Salt Lake City (fabulous by the way!), built a mountain, watched some strange movies, went to Dan's cousin's baby's blessing in West Jordan, had an Easter lunch with some Wheeler's and Sutton's, ate lots of Easter candy, cooked an Easter dinner of ham, mac and cheese, carrots, and rolls, toured BYU!, bowled, and used our leftover ham to make some dinner for family and friends. 

Notice the ! after toured BYU. I remember touring BYU when I was in High School with my parents and the Ferrao's like it was yesterday, so I was SO excited to be able to go with Caroline on her tour. I was even more thrilled as I saw that she was loving it as well! BYU is an amazing place and I know that there is no greater place for Caroline to spend her college years. I can't wait for her to have the BYU experiences and grow and learn and just have a blast. 

Caroline is an extremely talented and special young woman. I am so blessed to call her my sister! 

Love you Care Bear!