i'm back!

It's true. I'm back in Utah. I'll be here for almost three weeks, working and wrapping up loose ends and soaking up time with family. Everyone thought we were crazy when we'd tell them I was going home randomly for three weeks. Just believe us, it makes sense and there are good reasons. Although, I am really missing Klane and starting to wonder what in the world I was thinking. Who cares that we were burning up our savings, living unemployed for months in NYC?! I want my husband! I wouldn't have thought I would feel like I was leaving home when I flew out of New York, but I really did.

I will post our pics from Saturday when I have a second.

wicked

I honestly got emotional during the opening song when we went to see Wicked on Friday night. It is just that amazing. Kind of nerdy I know, but I really love that play. Especially in contrast to the one we saw on Wednesday, Wicked is just unbelievable. The music, the acting, the story, the sets... Everything was so well done. Our Glinda was especially hilarious too. I'm so grateful to our parents for taking us to experience such an awesome performance!

central park bike ride

The weather was beautiful Friday, so we were able to enjoy a ride through Central Park. We really loved the beautiful scenery and in two hours we saw almost the whole thing. At least we went from the bottom all the way to the top and back. Central Park is pretty big, about 2.6 miles North-South and half a mile East-West. We really loved seeing the different parts and visiting places we recognized from movies. We even saw a movie being filmed while we were there! I should've taken more pictures but we were busy riding.

Afterward we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Kitchenette. I really should have taken a picture because we thought my dad's gigantic burger could possibly be one of the best in New York. Both experiences I've had with Kitchenette so far have been fantastic. Although it takes a while to get your food, the waiters are really nice and the food is amazing. It's quickly becoming a favorite. Can't get enough of that homemade mac and cheese. :)

I really wanted to see Belvedere Castle, so we made sure to make a stop. I should've brought a camera to the top, the view was pretty good!

peter luger: best steak in new york

We tried to make reservations for Peter Luger and were told they were booked two months in advance. Dad called on the off chance that there was a cancellation and we were in! We made the trek to Brooklyn for the "best steak in New York". I'm so glad we went because the food was amazing and we had a really fun time. Good thing it was the kind of place where you could take pictures of yourselves eating steak right off the bone. Haha we are crazy.

Their wall of Zagat awards as the best steakhouse in NYC. They've won twenty something years in a row!

This one made me laugh. I don't know if I'd swim to Brooklyn, but it was pretty good.

My parents are hilarious. Yes, we are silly.

eating our way through the city

Vacationing with my parents is the best. One of the many reasons is that they like to experience what tastes that place has to offer. New York is a great place for doing that!! I have compiled a 9 page list of restaurants to try from recommendations of others, and we're attempting to check some off. This morning we went for brunch at Norma's. Kathryn wasn't kidding when she said it was the best brunch ever. It was amazing and we were so full afterward. However that didn't stop us from trying a deli sandwich in the afternoon, the "best chocolate chip cookie in the city" at Levain (we agree), and we have reservations for the best steak in the city at Peter Luger in Brooklyn this evening.

We also went and saw The Frick Collection this morning (per Annie's recommendation), and loved it. They didn't allow photos, unfortunately. But the Frick house was amazing and the original artwork and furniture was beautiful. I would definitely recommend doing the audio tour, I wouldn't have enjoyed it without that. Knowing the history behind the house and the art pieces made it so interesting.

We had really virtuous plans of going for a bike ride afterward to see all of Central Park and burn off some of Norma's sinful chocolate french toast and banana mac nut pancakes, but unfortunately it rained much of the day. So we stayed inside. And ate. Hopefully the weather cooperates for our bike ride before Sunday when we have to leave.

And now, photos of our gluttony at Norma's. Photos from dinner to come.

Oh my. We are kind of crazy. Maybe I should live on water and lemons and run five miles a day for the next two weeks.

billy elliot

Last night my parents kindly took us to John's Pizzeria (recommended by our friends Kelsey and Robby, very delicious), and then to see Billy Elliot on Broadway. It had great dancing, but unfortunately we can't recommend it. There was a lot of really bad language. We're excited to see Wicked on Friday night since we already know that one's a winner. It was fun to go to the theater though! The kid that played Billy was extremely talented. Klane's first Broadway play, how fun!

After the play, we walked outside to find a huge rainstorm!
There were hardly any people on the street,
and since we didn't have jackets or umbrellas
we ran through Times Square in the rain.
We were quickly soaked, so we just enjoyed the moment and walked.
It was quite fun and a little romantic, actually.

My favorite part was coming home to snuggle up in bed with Klane.
I love being married to this guy.
Oh, husband. I love you so much.

running in the park

One of the things on my mom's to do list was running in Central Park. So we did! And also took breaks for pictures. Excuse the sweaty shine on my face.

midtown madness

My parents and I met Klane for lunch, then spent the afternoon in Midtown. We went to the American Girl store since I used to be obsessed with those when I was little and found out the one I have is now retired and is probably a collector's item. (So... if I'm ever short on cash at least I can sell Samantha.) We went to Rockefeller Center, to the Top of the Rock, bought delicious Swiss chocolate, and visited the MoMA. It was such a fun afternoon!

i love my parents

My parents are here! I'm so happy. They flew in this afternoon and I met them at their hotel. We wasted no time and visited Magnolia Bakery on the way back to my apartment for some cupcakes and hot chocolate. (For the record, the oreo cupcake Klane and I shared from Crumbs was probably better than these ones from Magnolia. Just sayin.) Then it was off to the Redsox/Yankees game to see our Sox pull out the second win in the series! It was good to be a Boston fan last night. We had so much fun with my parents talking and eating lots of "game food". I'm so excited for the rest of the week with them!