So, how did I end up traveling around the country the week before Christmas while my husband stayed behind? Well, it's a pretty simple story, and has a typical plot for a girl like me who is married to the best guy in the world:
One day (back in June) I was on the phone with my oldest sister Krystal who lives in Virginia. I mentioned that our Christmas break was extra long this year and that perhaps a trip could be worked out to see her and her family. Then I started getting ideas of grandeur about traveling up to New York as well where I have another sister. I carefully looked at flights and proposed the idea to my husband. After looking at the initial fees, we determined that we could probably scrounge up the money to send me and managed to "coax" my mom into making a trip to see 2 of her daughters.
We first flew out to Virginia Sunday and stayed until Wednesday morning. Wednesday we spent 12 quality hours on a train together seeing the "sights" of the east coast as we traveled up to White Plains, New York where my sister Brenda lives as a nanny. Traveling on a train, you see most of the less-than-finer-parts of cities. But there were a few fun spots to see along the way and plenty of adventures that come with riding on trains (medical emergencies, crazy people, rushing to use a bathroom at a stop before they leave again etc). We even saw the Washington Monument in D.C. from far away.
Here's a basic summary of my 10 day trip with pictures:
Went to Busch Gardens with my sister and her family. (Mini theme park that was all decked out for Christmas).
Hung out with these two cute girls. They have gotten so old since I last saw them in 2011. They are so much fun and perhaps some of the most creative kids you will meet!
Rode the Staten Island Ferry and saw the Statue of Liberty.
Visited the World Trade Center Memorial and saw the new towers. It was somber but very neat experience to be there and take in what all had transpired in person.
Saw/Stayed in Times Square you always see on TV. Our hotel was just down a ways from this craziness.
Saw 2 Broadway shows (Newsies and Wicked for the 2nd time). AWESOME!!!!
Our view from the 34th floor of the Marriott Marquis. A pretty penny for a pretty view for sure! Across the way is New Jersey and Staten Island. We wanted to use the work out room that looks out over times square but after several late nights and staying out until 3AM, we were too exhausted to even try.
It's hard to believe that all happened in about 7 days. By the time I flew to LA to meet up with Mark for Christmas with his side of the family, it had seemed like a dream with the constant travelling and exhaustion. As much fun as I had, I was so glad to have my husband back. I don't know how I survived 2 years with out him because 6 days alone was long! I don't think I'll be planning any long trips away from him any time soon. We also learned that traveling around the holidays is nightmarish no matter if you're flying or driving. Coming back to LA right before Christmas, my flight was delayed almost 30 minutes. Mark's plane from UT was coming in from the mid-west where all the storms were. So rather than arrive an hour before me, he arrived nearly 2 hours after me. Our flight home was also delayed a half hour again. And even though we had to trudge our way through the snow to get into our apartment, we were so glad to be home and sleeping in our own bed again (me especially!)
Our stockings Christmas morning. This is what happens when you shop for stocking stuffers on Christmas eve in the same store-- you end up with identical ones. They're super soft and cuddly though!
Merry Christmas
and
Happy New Year!!
1 comment:
Your trips sound so fun! I want to go back to New York so bad!
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