Happy Birthday Little Sis!

Julia’s no ordinary girl.

She is the only girl who can wear a backwards hat, with a dress, and oversized heelies and still looks adorable.

She is the only girl I know that can watch an entire movie while standing on her head.

She is the only girl I know who doesn’t stop talking or moving from the time she wakes up until she goes to bed.

She is the only girl I know that loves anything to do with animals (clothes, books, and movies).

She is the only girl I know who snorts when she laughs.

She is the only girl I know that almost EVERYONE loves to be around.

She is the only girl who has more friends than I can count.

Julia.. You are one of a kind girl. You have been such a blessing in my life… I hope you had fun celebrating your “New York Birthday” with us. Keep being the charming girl that you are. I am excited to watch you grow up and see all the amazing things you’ll do.

Family Time!

This hasn’t been the easiest time in my life but it has been one of the most rewarding. I guess that is how life works… what you put into it, is what you get out! Trying to keep up with these workaholic New Yorkers is hard work. It has really given me a new perspective on life. I have a passion for the work I am doing but it comes with a lot of sacrifice. Sleep, watching TV, and down time is nothing but a distant memory now. All of it is worth it when I see a student smile because she finally understands it or when a beaming 3rd grader reads a story he wrote to the class without any stuttering or mistakes.

Sometimes I keep motivated by living in the moment but also by looking forward to different events. We have been trying to see the east coast on the weekends before it gets too cold. I have also been looking forward to the visit from my family.

They came last weekend and I loved every moment. I love my family so much! I am thankful they made the sacrifice to come and see us. It was hard to let them go after such a fun visit! We took them around to see what our life was like in NYC.

Robert brought them to my school on Friday to see what it was like. I think they were shocked and worried for my life but my parents keep saying how inspiring the teachers seemed and how cute the kids were… and they ARE dang cute! I couldn’t tell what Julia was thinking but see seemed very intrigued by all the kids but wouldn’t let go of my Dad’s hand.

They stayed in our little apartment with us. They loved the view and Julia loved my “cat chair” where she slept every night! We showed them around Columbia’s campus and hospitals. On Sunday they came to our ward and meet some of our friends. My parents also spoiled us with Wicked and Mary Pippins tickets!!! It was amazing.

We were sad to see them go but hope they come and visit again and we’ll see them at Christmas! Thanks again Mom, Dad, and Julia! We love you guys this (arms wide open) much! 

Time square was so crowded this weekend. It was fun to see all the stores. I bought Julia a New York sweatshirt and hat. She looked pretty ... New York! I also took her into Sephora and put makeup on her!! She looked grown up!

Waiting for the Subway! It was so much fun just to talk and catch up on life! It was fun to be with my dad.. i miss all our daddy-daughter talks!
Hanging out with my favorite girls in Central Park. Julia loved Central Park because of all the cool looking dogs.. she is an animal lover.
My parents took us to Wicked! It is my favorite Broadway next to Les Mis! Julia knew most of the words to the songs and was super excited when they sang "Popular". She loves that song! Even Robert thought is was great!!!
Robert and Julia chillin on the subway!
Julia sleeping in her "cat bed".

Its official … We love the east coast! Fall has always been my favorit time of the year but this trip sealed the deal.On Saturday Robert and I took a train to Albany where we met up with my grandparents. We stayed with them in their time share and enjoyed the ‘breathe taking New England Leaves’. I have never seen so many beautiful reds, oranges, yellows and greens. The changing leaves stretched for miles.

We also made a trip to Boston where we visited my beautiful cousin Erin. She showed us around all the historical and must see sights of Boston. We had Monday off for Columbus day so we all drove down to Cape cod. We enjoyed the beautiful beach and ate some fresh fish.
Thanks Grandma, Kendall and Erin. We loved every minute of it and can’t wait to see you guys at Christmas!

Amtrack Train


We ate the famous Red Lion Inn. It was built in the 18th centry and has lots of Norman Rockwell paintings. It was so cute.. it looked like the house right out of Anne of Green Gables!


New England Leaves!



Boston




Cape Cod

Providence, Rhode Island

A little late but I wanted to post some pictures of our weekend get-away to Providence, RI. It was our first time out to the city in 3 months. It was a well needed trip. Providence was beautiful with all the shore lines and changing leaves. I also wanted to thank David and Laverle for a beautiful and relaxing weekend. They were so generous to give us a tour of the Prov. Between David's jokes and Laverle's incredible cooking we are tempted to go back often!!

Vanderbilt Mansion

Killer view from the Vanderbilt Mansion

Having lunch with David and Laverle

The Boys.... being boys!

Making ourselves comfortable on the porch of our dream mansion!


Loving Life!!!

The inspiring view from David and Laverle's home.

Thanks again Ward family for an amazing weekend! We love you guys.