Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Piggy Tails
I had to do it. Lucy's hair is finally getting long enough to do something with (other then put on an adorable headband, of course) and I jumped at the first thought of it!
Oh my lanta, my heart about died. I sent some pictures to Mr. McKee and he thought it was pretty goofy. But he will warm up to the undeniable cuteness of having a little blondie with her hair all fun. I mean seriously, how did I get a blondie? I don't know. But I'm obsessed.
I think I'll keep her.
Oh my lanta, my heart about died. I sent some pictures to Mr. McKee and he thought it was pretty goofy. But he will warm up to the undeniable cuteness of having a little blondie with her hair all fun. I mean seriously, how did I get a blondie? I don't know. But I'm obsessed.
I think I'll keep her.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
New York 2015
We were lucky enough to have the shortest of flights from Boston to New York and we didn't feel like we had an entire day of traveling like we usually do when we go somewhere awesome! From the airport we caught our first Uber ride, which was the coolest thing ever. On our way we got a call from Talmage asking us where we were and if we had crossed the bridge yet. He is seriously so smart! Lucy had a rough go in the taxi ride only because she was utterly exhausted and WILL NOT take a nap in our arms. We finally arrived at the Wiggintons apartment, we're given lots of hugs, and we loaded up and headed out to tour the city!!
'
We started the tour off by seeing the John Lennon memorial and by taking a walk through Central Park. Heather's apartment is only a hop, skip, and a jump away from the park-- which is incredible. Then we spent a little time in the MET and met Jim after for our first experience of Shake Shack.
That night Heather let me tag along with her to a girls night out of favorite things. It was such a fun night and it was delightful getting to know some of the women in Heathers ward.
The next morning we got in our swimsuits and took the subway down to Brooklyn. Heather brought us to the most amazing little swimming pool under the Brooklyn bridge. The day before we were roasting, but of course today (the day we decide we should take a dip in some cool swimming pool water) was the day we all kindof wished we had a jacket. We still had a blast and enjoyed ourselves playing in the sand. While the littles-- Quinn and Lucy just ate the sand. We walked across the Brooklyn bridge, grabbed ourselves some seriously yummy pizza at Grimaldi's and took a ride on the most gorgeous Jane's Carousel. Even the tickets were so darling I kept all of them!
Notice that I only went ankle deep in the water. It was so cold!
That night Jord and I went and saw Matilda. James taught us how to get there using the subway and then left us in the Big City on our own. Really-- on our own. They even watched our baby! To say that we enjoyed ourselves would be an absolute understatement. It was my Mr's first ever Broadway play and we couldn't have chosen a better one! The play made me laugh and cry and left me with one of those warm toasty feelings that I wish would never go away. As we walked out of the play we were met with POURING rain! Jord grabbed my hand and ran me across the street to grab ourselves a piece of delectable cheesecake. I'm a sucker for a good dessert! We then started working our way back to the Wig's apartment. The two of us were so excited to be out by ourselves... especially in one of the most incredibly cities in the world that we took our good ol' time! And may have even stopped to grab ourselves some shake shack burgers on the way too.
Day 3 we walked Wall Street, ate lunch in Chinatown, and rode the Staten Island Ferry to see Lady Liberty. Later that afternoon Heath got us all tickets to go inside the new World Trade Center building. The experience was amazing and something I recommend to anyone I hear that may be traveling to New York. We felt extra special doing something with Heather she hadn't already done herself!
Ew, chicken feet!
Day 4 we ran ourselves all over the city trying to fit in as much as we could before we grumpily hopped on a plane! We went to the granite slide that Talmage kept telling us about and he was right, it was awesome! We made our way over to FAO Schwarz getting to visit it on one of the last days it would be open. It was so fun to walk around and Jordan found himself commiting to making Heather and I a beautiful dollhouse for our babies. I'm holding him to that, I promise!
She's the little pearl in the giant clam!
This picture cracks me up!
That night we got a babysitter and went on a double date! Seriously, I kept wishing that we could be closer to these two, because we just loved our time we got to spend with them. James and Heather took us to Katz Deli and we got some seriously yummy pastrami sandwiches. Then we were treated to Rice to Riches-- which was an absolutely treat since I'm still kind of mourning the loss of Pudding on the Rice in Provo. I love rice pudding and don't understand why I have never learned to make it. And of course, we made a visit to Times Square.
Date night selfies in Heather's apartments HUGE mirror!
Jordan becoming a pro at hailing a cab.
The next morning we were able to join the Wigginton's in their ward. Shortly after we were packed up and on a bus to the airport.. again, escorted by Jim. We would have been lost in that city by ourselves!
Our trip was nothing short of amazing and wouldn't have even come CLOSE if it weren't for our fabulous hosts. THANK YOU!
'That night Heather let me tag along with her to a girls night out of favorite things. It was such a fun night and it was delightful getting to know some of the women in Heathers ward.
This was the view from Heather's friends apartment. Holy moly!
That night Jord and I went and saw Matilda. James taught us how to get there using the subway and then left us in the Big City on our own. Really-- on our own. They even watched our baby! To say that we enjoyed ourselves would be an absolute understatement. It was my Mr's first ever Broadway play and we couldn't have chosen a better one! The play made me laugh and cry and left me with one of those warm toasty feelings that I wish would never go away. As we walked out of the play we were met with POURING rain! Jord grabbed my hand and ran me across the street to grab ourselves a piece of delectable cheesecake. I'm a sucker for a good dessert! We then started working our way back to the Wig's apartment. The two of us were so excited to be out by ourselves... especially in one of the most incredibly cities in the world that we took our good ol' time! And may have even stopped to grab ourselves some shake shack burgers on the way too.
Day 3 we walked Wall Street, ate lunch in Chinatown, and rode the Staten Island Ferry to see Lady Liberty. Later that afternoon Heath got us all tickets to go inside the new World Trade Center building. The experience was amazing and something I recommend to anyone I hear that may be traveling to New York. We felt extra special doing something with Heather she hadn't already done herself!
Day 4 we ran ourselves all over the city trying to fit in as much as we could before we grumpily hopped on a plane! We went to the granite slide that Talmage kept telling us about and he was right, it was awesome! We made our way over to FAO Schwarz getting to visit it on one of the last days it would be open. It was so fun to walk around and Jordan found himself commiting to making Heather and I a beautiful dollhouse for our babies. I'm holding him to that, I promise!
That night we got a babysitter and went on a double date! Seriously, I kept wishing that we could be closer to these two, because we just loved our time we got to spend with them. James and Heather took us to Katz Deli and we got some seriously yummy pastrami sandwiches. Then we were treated to Rice to Riches-- which was an absolutely treat since I'm still kind of mourning the loss of Pudding on the Rice in Provo. I love rice pudding and don't understand why I have never learned to make it. And of course, we made a visit to Times Square.
The next morning we were able to join the Wigginton's in their ward. Shortly after we were packed up and on a bus to the airport.. again, escorted by Jim. We would have been lost in that city by ourselves!
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Boston 2015
About a year ago both Jordan's older sister, Heather, and my older sister, Chelsie, started making threats (okay, morel like hints) that we should all scurry our little butts up to New York and Boston to visit them before they moved. Jordan and I were worried that we wouldn't be able to pull it off. We had been having major leaking inside the house because our roof was so old. Nobody tells you that replacing a roof is so darn expensive and it cost more than either of us had imagined. So, wanting desperately to visit our sisters, and two of the neatest cities in the country, we buckled down to make it work. It was worth every last penny to go, especially since Jordan had never been to Boston or New York, and lets be real-- it was as cheap to go as it was ever going to be. Lucy was a free lap infant and all three of us had free housing!
I'll start with BOSTON! Well, maybe how we got there first. It was a bit of a fiasco. Our flight left from Salt Lake to Denver at 4:00 p.m. There we were supposed to have a short layover and arrive in Boston at 12:20 a.m. Right when we were checking in at the Salt Lake airport we learned that our flight from Denver to Boston was delayed. It ended up being delayed a few hours and we got into Boston at 2:45 a.m. Considering the next day was the 4th of July we weren't about to sleep in and miss any festivites!
On our way... with a very surprised little Lu.
We walked in late that night and Chelsie was up with the babies. Apparently they woke up just a few minutes before we arrived at their apartment, so we were greeted in the sweetest of ways! The next morning we were up and at em for the fourth!
Chelsie drove us downtown and we were able to listen to the Declaration of Independence read from the balcony of the Old State House. It was a totally neat expereience! We walked from there to Quincy Market and Fenueil hall and got ourselves some yummy calamari and clam chowder; or should I say "Chowdah!"? It was delicious. We did a quick freedom trail tour, but ditched part way through because we got a teeny tiny bit bored (best part about traveling/touring with family!) we all giggled and ran away. The rest of the day Chelsie taught us how to speed walk our way around Boston and we had a blast. She took us to Mike's pastry where I had my first Canooli? Is that what those delectable things are called? Holy Moly! Jordan could only have about one bite (he's not much of a sweet tooth, unfortuantely) but I had much more, and enjoyed every little bite. We went to Paul Reveres house, Old North Church, Haymarket, North End, and the Government Center.
Red, white, and blue confetti was dropped on everyone after the Declaration of Independence was read and the Start Spangled Banner was sung. Everyone pulled out their phones to capture the moment.
Riding in style, I tell you. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to climb in to that chair with Lucy. My legs weren't used to so much walking!
After ALL of that we ran home, ate, and then made our way back outside to watch fireworks by a beautitful lake and ate movie theater candy. Lucy screamed bloody murder for a bit, she really isn't so great at falling asleep anywhere other than her own crib (good thing Chels has the same crib and we could trick her!), so Jordan had to walk around a very unhappy baby. Meanwhile, I enjoyed some fourth of July fireworks and spending it with my favorite family in the world!
The next day after church we took a drive up to Rockport and wandered our way around all of the beautiful cities. What a gorgeous place to live! That night we did a "Chopped" dinner. Jordan and I have gone through a "Chopped" obbession and find ourselves explaining what we are eating in the most fanciest of ways because of that show. Chels thought it would be fun to do our own "Chopped" dinner and she was absolutely right! One of the funnest dinners I have ever experienced. Jordan and I competed against Chelsie and Jordan. We were in charge of an appetiser and main dish that had to include 3 random ingredients of the other couples choosing. Chelsie and Jordan were in charge of a second main dish and dessert that each included 3 ingredients of OUR choosing. We were not easy in our ingredient picking, but it was incredible what was whipped up! Before each dish was served a detailed (overly fancified) explanation was given and, of course, the dish was judged. I'm pretty sure we should always cook this way because all of the food was incredible! That night we did a game night and sang at the piano. I sure love that Troxel family.
So much for, "act natural."
While Jordan was at school the next day the rest of us made our way to Ralph Emerson's home and Walden Pond. When I heard "pond" I imagined a delighful little puddle. No, I was wrong. It was a huge pond! And delightful still the same. Lucy ate herself a bunch of handfuls of sand and looked dreamy sitting on the beach. (Wait, ponds have beaches?) We had packed lunches and ate them there. Later, we went to Louisa May Alcotts ome, Old North Bridge, and Authors Ridge at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. That evening we went to Not Your Average Joe's for dinner... umm... yum! Then we went to Kimball Farms for ice cream. We walked around while snacking on our yumminess and let the kids run around. It was wonderful!
A wrong toss of the keys and they were stuck up in a tree. We all buckled over in laughter and then seriously had to buckle down to figure out how to get them out!
Our last full day in Boston we went to the Public Gardens and Chelsie and I took the littles on the swan boat ride. It was so darling and I was so glad we did it! We visiting Newbury street, Charles St, Copley Square, the Marathon Finish Line, and the Boston Library. We had a picnic in copley square and Chelsie found us some delcious apple cider donuts. That night we found ourselves some yummy Lobster rolls for dinner and chowed them down in record time.
Cute boy trying to get some work done while we are out and about.
Random, quick wind storm!
The next morning we packed up, said our goodbyes, and headed to the airport for New York. (Post to come soon!)
I'll start with BOSTON! Well, maybe how we got there first. It was a bit of a fiasco. Our flight left from Salt Lake to Denver at 4:00 p.m. There we were supposed to have a short layover and arrive in Boston at 12:20 a.m. Right when we were checking in at the Salt Lake airport we learned that our flight from Denver to Boston was delayed. It ended up being delayed a few hours and we got into Boston at 2:45 a.m. Considering the next day was the 4th of July we weren't about to sleep in and miss any festivites!
We walked in late that night and Chelsie was up with the babies. Apparently they woke up just a few minutes before we arrived at their apartment, so we were greeted in the sweetest of ways! The next morning we were up and at em for the fourth!
Chelsie drove us downtown and we were able to listen to the Declaration of Independence read from the balcony of the Old State House. It was a totally neat expereience! We walked from there to Quincy Market and Fenueil hall and got ourselves some yummy calamari and clam chowder; or should I say "Chowdah!"? It was delicious. We did a quick freedom trail tour, but ditched part way through because we got a teeny tiny bit bored (best part about traveling/touring with family!) we all giggled and ran away. The rest of the day Chelsie taught us how to speed walk our way around Boston and we had a blast. She took us to Mike's pastry where I had my first Canooli? Is that what those delectable things are called? Holy Moly! Jordan could only have about one bite (he's not much of a sweet tooth, unfortuantely) but I had much more, and enjoyed every little bite. We went to Paul Reveres house, Old North Church, Haymarket, North End, and the Government Center.
After ALL of that we ran home, ate, and then made our way back outside to watch fireworks by a beautitful lake and ate movie theater candy. Lucy screamed bloody murder for a bit, she really isn't so great at falling asleep anywhere other than her own crib (good thing Chels has the same crib and we could trick her!), so Jordan had to walk around a very unhappy baby. Meanwhile, I enjoyed some fourth of July fireworks and spending it with my favorite family in the world!
The next day after church we took a drive up to Rockport and wandered our way around all of the beautiful cities. What a gorgeous place to live! That night we did a "Chopped" dinner. Jordan and I have gone through a "Chopped" obbession and find ourselves explaining what we are eating in the most fanciest of ways because of that show. Chels thought it would be fun to do our own "Chopped" dinner and she was absolutely right! One of the funnest dinners I have ever experienced. Jordan and I competed against Chelsie and Jordan. We were in charge of an appetiser and main dish that had to include 3 random ingredients of the other couples choosing. Chelsie and Jordan were in charge of a second main dish and dessert that each included 3 ingredients of OUR choosing. We were not easy in our ingredient picking, but it was incredible what was whipped up! Before each dish was served a detailed (overly fancified) explanation was given and, of course, the dish was judged. I'm pretty sure we should always cook this way because all of the food was incredible! That night we did a game night and sang at the piano. I sure love that Troxel family.
James was constantly looking out for Lucy and it was so sweet.
While Jordan was at school the next day the rest of us made our way to Ralph Emerson's home and Walden Pond. When I heard "pond" I imagined a delighful little puddle. No, I was wrong. It was a huge pond! And delightful still the same. Lucy ate herself a bunch of handfuls of sand and looked dreamy sitting on the beach. (Wait, ponds have beaches?) We had packed lunches and ate them there. Later, we went to Louisa May Alcotts ome, Old North Bridge, and Authors Ridge at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. That evening we went to Not Your Average Joe's for dinner... umm... yum! Then we went to Kimball Farms for ice cream. We walked around while snacking on our yumminess and let the kids run around. It was wonderful!
Sweet little Emmie.
Our last full day in Boston we went to the Public Gardens and Chelsie and I took the littles on the swan boat ride. It was so darling and I was so glad we did it! We visiting Newbury street, Charles St, Copley Square, the Marathon Finish Line, and the Boston Library. We had a picnic in copley square and Chelsie found us some delcious apple cider donuts. That night we found ourselves some yummy Lobster rolls for dinner and chowed them down in record time.
The next morning we packed up, said our goodbyes, and headed to the airport for New York. (Post to come soon!)
Our trip to Boston was nothing short of delightful, and wouldn't have been anything close to as wonderful as it was without Chelsie, Jordan, and her sweet babes hosting us. James was so sweet to Lucy and us. We feel so lucky to have the family we do. Thank you, Chelsie!!!
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