Autumn in NYC!

The MR and I just recently took a trip to NYC to visit friends and see the city...and we couldn't have picked a more beautiful time of year.

We hit the ground running the moment our plane landed at 5:30am. We went straight from the airport to breakfast with our NYC friends and my brother and his wife who got there around the same time from AZ. We were all so excited to be there that we couldn't wait to go explore. After breakfast we visited the 9/11 memorial. Although i didn't lose anyone on that tragic day, the memorial left me speechless, teary-eyed and completely heart- broken. It was a beautiful way to pay tribute everyone affected by that day.

As the day progressed we saw more and more; the Statue of Liberty, rode Staten Island Ferry, saw Times Square, and rode the Subway all over! Until 4pm...zZZZzzzZzZZZZzz.

We slept for an hour or two then were back at it again. No more time to sleep!

Our friends took us all over the city and were amazing hosts!

Here is a list of everything we did / saw:

Statue of Liberty, 9/11 memorial, Staten Island Ferry, Top of the Rock (amazing!), Serendipity (Can't say no sundae, to die for!), Battery Park, Ate water dogs, Times Square, Ice Skating in Central Park (so fun!), Grand Central Station, Brooklyn pizza, Shopping (a little), ate super delicious food, and randomly connected with an old Navy buddy of the MR's (love when that happens!) I'm sure there's more but I can always make changes later on.

We had an amazing time and are so grateful that our friends opened their door for us.

Xo - CW

The MR and I at Rockefeller Center

9/11 Memorial

My beautiful sister-in-law

Dinner at Pinto, an amazing Thai restaurant in So ho

One of our great "Navy" friends that just so happened to be in NYC at the same time.

The MR looking handsome as always :)

In case you didn't know...

Yes, I had the "Can't Say No Sundae" and it was TDF! (TDF = To Die For)

Thank you to my sister-in-law for getting this amazing shot of the MR and me at the Top of the Rock. <3

Cartwheels in Central Park...no big deal.

The guys waiting for us ladies to get off the ice rink in Central Park. 

A little 12 o'clock booze to get us started for the day.

Ground Zero

Subway entrance.

Just hanging out under this magical tree in Central Park.

Autumn in NYC!!

HAD to visit the Apple store :)

The Statue of Liberty.

The guys at the Top of the Rock.

Hold me tight because we're goin' to Grand Central Station.

Saw it with my own eyes.

View from the Top of the Rock.

Grand Central Station (Choo Chooo)

9/11 Memorial Reflection

My brother being his funny self.

9/11 Memorial - In case you haven't been, this waterfall is a huge square with a square hole in the center that you can't see down. My interpretation was that it represents infinity. Really neat. A bitter sweet moment.

Flags in Rockefeller Center

Ice Skating in Rockefeller Center. Where's Al?!

My sister-in-law, her beautiful sister and me.

Times Square - Lit up as always :)

NYC Church

View from the back of the Staten Island Ferry. Did you notice the bird?

Photo shoot in Central Park, irresistible.

Two loves just being loves.

The Top of the Rock -- Rockefeller Building

Not So Cut and Dry.

Have you ever needed to have such an important conversation with someone you love dearly, but know just how fine that line is between pushing them away and actually being able to help them? I have one question that has been looping through my head all afternoon, "what is the best way to approach this conversation?" If I knew the one thing to say that would fix it all, I would be one happy, thankful sister. If there really was one cut and dry answer that would fix it all, all the problems in the world would be non-existent. I guess that's what makes the world go round but makes life so complicated at times. Sometimes no matter how much you want the best for someone, they've got to want the best for them self. And sometimes, we have to learn the hard way. The word of the day: helpless.

On the flip-side, it's Friday and I am so thankful for that! A weekend of rest and relaxation. Just what the doctor ordered.

Have a wonderful weekend!

CW

5 YEARS!

The MR and I are celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary this weekend. We rented a boat this morning and are keeping it until tomorrow. We love the "boat" life and have dreams of someday owning one and possibly living aboard.

Of course today has been filled with lots of love, sweet surprises and romance. We sailed for several hours then anchored to have snacks and sun time. Snacks: cheese, crackers, chips, fresh strawberries w/ whipped cream and champagne to toast our 5th. Don't worry, we are documenting every moment...obviously.

After dinner we set sail again to finally pull into our home port. We've been listening to sweet tunes, playing cards, eating/drinking rootbeer floats, telling stories and learning even more about each other. I always learn something new from the MR about his life, and I fall even more in love with him with every story.

A moment came when I thought I was sooo clever and made up a card game where we would flip a card and talk about what ever thoughts spiraled from the suit or number. At first I got a sarcastic answer and eye-roll from the MR but then guess who was sharing allll of his life stories by the 3rd card?? Yep, you know it.

All jokes aside, I am truly thankful for my life, family, marriage, friends and job...especially when I'm out on the water, peacefully reflecting on life and loving every minute of it.

I believe in being who you are deep down inside no matter what anyone thinks of you. I know sometimes it's hard but, rid the negativity in your life. It's all nonsense and not worth your energy. I get so tired of all the judgement and what certain people or groups think is right or wrong. All that matters is that you love, laugh, smile, follow your heart, think for yourself, be active and think of others often.

Until next time...

Yours truly,
CW