October 24, 2012

Total Nerds

We have sort of a thing in my family...making lists.
My dad, especially, likes to make all kinds of lists. One that was started for me as
a little girl was a list of states I had been to. By the age of 17, I had been to all 50! It's really something I'm proud of and I hope to achieve with my kids too.
 
Well, now that Kyle is a part of our family, he's gotten into the whole list thing too. States and presidential gravesites are his top 2 and this trip really added to each of those.
 





 
Grand Total:
States visited: 47
Presidential gravesites visited: 23

Not too shabby if you ask me.

October 22, 2012

Fall Getaway: Part 2

There are always a few things you really remember from each trip. For us, other
than the leaves, it was the covered bridges and some of the tasty treats we enjoyed.
 
To me, nothing saying Vermont and New Hampshire like a covered bridge. They're just so adorable! They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and they're still used! We went on a few tiny side roads
to find a handful of these gems, but if it was up to me we would have visited every single one.
 
 
 

 
And oh, those maple candies. They just melt in your mouth. Worth every canker sore.
 
Mmmmm. The deliciousness of fresh apple cider.
 
 A stop at the Ben & Jerry's Factory in Vermont was fun.
 
and tasty! 
 

The fall atmosphere was pretty great, but really, any time I get to spend with this guys is the best.
 


October 18, 2012

Fall Getaway: Part 1

Fall is in full swing in our neck of the woods and I'm in love with all of it. The air is definitely
crisp, the leaves are just starting to change, and our dinners are becoming a little warmer and cozier.
In order to get a full grasp of this whole fall thing, a totally new concept to us, we thought
we needed to get out of the city and head north to New England. (We did have an ulterior
motive for heading north to other states, but that's another story for another day.)
 
Let me just say that New England is like "Fall Wonderland". No wonder there are actual
fall foliage tours that take place here. Trust me, we saw some!
 
I'll try not to bore you with picture after picture of yellow, orange, and red leaves (I hate to rub
it in to family and friends in AZ still battling 90+ degrees), but I may not be able to
control myself. It's just too beautiful! Anyway, here's a glimpse, part 1, at our weekend favorites.

A breathtaking waterfall just off the road in Connecticut
 
 Oh, and a quick kiss by that very same waterfall
 
Playing in the leaves like a child...and loving it!
 
The Mr., watching fly fisherman below, and wishing he was by their side
 
Eating lunch at adorable little cafes like this. Great food with a small town feel.

Visiting the Norman Rockwell Museum. We love his paintings of classic American life.

Strolling through quintessential New England towns like this.
Burlington, Vermont and its farmer's market were basically picture perfect.

And of course, looking at hills of golden leaves.
 
 Stay tuned for part 2 and more pictures.

October 17, 2012

High Rollers?

So Forbes just came out with a list of the most expensive zip codes in America and guess which
one made the top...OURS!!! 10065 is apparently home to some pretty pricey pads. I'm not too sure how to feel about this. Impressed? Depressed? Honored? Either way I'm pretty sure we're at the bottom of any sort of number compiling they did. Don't get me wrong, we love our tiny little place, but we are a far cry from the maids (yes, in uniform), chefs, and full on staff I see out and about at
some of our neighboring apartments. It's truly unbelievable the difference in lifestyle, or bank account balances, between us and them. I mean, I actually make my own bed. Crazy?!?!?

read the article
 
(our little bungalow is pointed out below amidst the blue area that is 10065)


October 10, 2012

When Family Comes to Town

We've been known to be pretty adventurous in the city. This includes both the standard spots and hidden gems alike. When family comes to town, especially with a newbie, it gives us all the more reason to don a camera, a map, and become full on tourists. Let the siteseeing begin!
 
Here are some highlights of my mom and grandma's visit to The Big Apple...
 
a walk on the High Line and Chelsea Market
 delicious soup dumplings at Joe's Shanghai in Chinatown 
a double-decker bus tour, so touristy!
John's pizza, it's good every time
looking for rats in the subway tracks
a ride on a quadricyle around Governor's Island
 


  
We shared stories, adventures, and great memories. Thanks for coming to
 
New York City Mom and Grandma. You're welcome back anytime!