NJ and NY Visit

We just got back from 10 days in NJ and NY. The trip was amazing and much needed. It was the perfect mix of visiting with family and friends, exploring the city, relaxing and eating.

Here are some pics from our adventures...


My cousin, Julie and her new hubby Rob. This was the main reason for our trip and it was a gorgeous wedding. Every detail was thought of, everyone looked beautiful and it was such a fun night. Probably the best band I've ever seen at a wedding.


The whole fam. We have a huge extended family on my Mom's side, which is always so fun to experience when we are back. I miss them so much when we are gone.


Aunt Yvonne is one of the kindest, most thoughtful women I know. She is always thinking of Roman and sending us special, meaningful gifts.




Roman came with us to the church, then headed to the babysitters for the night.


My Uncle Rich and his family. This is my Grandma Ruth's brother. Whenever I am with him, I feel so connected to her. They hosted a wonderful dinner for us the last night we were in NJ. They are so special to us.


Roman loved meeting all his cousins.


Chicks for Easter.


Taylor loved taking care of Roman.


While we were in NJ, we stayed at my cousin Cindy's house. This is her son Harry and Jason playing the Wii. He races motorcycles and is such a sweet, cool kid.


Dinner with some of the fam.


We headed to a park/zoo in NJ that my mom used to go to as a child. Roman loved seeing all the animals up close, but it was so cold.


My cousin also has a black lab. Roman loved him. We couldn't figure out if he thought this was Marley or knew the difference.


After NJ, we headed to Long Island to visit my Aunt Rita. She is such a special person in my life and is my Godmother. We had a wonderful visit with her.


Aunt Rita always has the best stories and we are always laughing.

NOW...on to NYC
The place that my parents rented cannot even be put into words. It was a 2 bed/2 bath apartment in the Upper West Side. We felt so lucky to be spending the week in luxury. We were on 74th and Central Park West. Loved this neighborhood and it was just a few blocks from Hillary. I have been to NYC many times and Jason and I also went a few years ago, so we didn't feel the pressure to do all the touristy things. We just wanted to explore the city and enjoy it all.


We went on a 2 hour boat that circled Manhattan. It gave us such a great perspective of the city and Roman loved it.


Getting ready for the boat.






Nothing beats going to FAO Schwartz with your baby. Luckily he isn't quite at the age where he wants anything. I'm sure it is a totally different experience then. He loved all the big stuffed animals.




Here is the block that we were staying on. This neighborhood was the best. So many restaurants, shops and one block from Central Park. Couldn't beat the location. We walked a lot.


We spent a lot of time in Central Park. While we were in NYC it was 70 degrees. So much to do in this park, we loved it.


The Central Park Carousel.




A true highlight of the trip was visiting Hillary and Shawn and their new baby, Nolan Arthur. I was so thrilled to meet him and look how handsome he is. Loved all his hair!


He is perfect. Nothing beats holding a newborn.
Roman showed Hillary and Shawn how much changes in just one year. He made sure to get into everything in their apartment.


We had so much fun with them. We went out for Hillary's Birthday, hung out at their place and went to a basketball game. They are such relaxed, wonderful new parents. I look forward to hearing about all the adventures with Nolan in the city.


One night we headed out with my cousins. It was so much fun and I think Jason had a little too much fun. He spent the next day in recovery.


Roman's 1st Subway ride.


A day of exploring SoHo, Greenich Village and Little Italy. Such cute neighborhoods and so many adorable restaurants. Here is a little park we found to play at.


We had the best trip and I can't wait to go back again. Until next time NY.