So, it's like 100 degrees here.

And it has been for the last three days. We've been dying of heat, and annoyed that we already have to blast the air conditioning. (Isn't there supposed to be a break in the seasons between heating and cooling the house?)

Anyway, to get me through it, I made this fun purchase that I've already enjoyed, after sweating through several errands. Pools aren't open yet, and the heat/humidity here is quite miserable. It's actually quite big, so come on over if you want to escape the heat like I did.

It's supposed to get back down to the sixties later this week, but I'm now aware, and reminded that the horrid summer days are well on their way. Might as well be prepared, right?

Give my regards to Broadway.

So, it was a quick trip to NYC, and we're back to tell the tale. It was a great time with Mom and Dad Robinson. They were awesome, taking us around, and showing us the sights. They had been there for a few days, and had their feet on the ground. We stayed in the amazing Marriott Marquis, and I'm telling you, that is the way to go. It was right in the middle of the city, within close reach of everything. Here's a lowdown on our trip.


We got an early start, to catch our bus by 7:30 am. We had to park near the bus stop, take that bus to the metro, and walk a few blocks in DC to get to the actual bus that was taking us to NYC. Not too convenient, but not too bad either. This is KC still in DC on the way to out Bolt Bus.


It was an uneventful ride, which is always nice, and we were greeted by Janice and Clyde where bus let us off. While walking the streets, we did a little shopping, and then hopped in a cab to take us to the Hotel. This is KC in the scary cab. They are seriously nuts, those drivers, but at least they got us there fast.
We freshened up, dropped off our belongings, and went to eat lunch at this awesome burger place across the street from the hotel, Juniors. They give you pickles and pickled cabbage when you sit down (which I loved, of course). And as you can see, they served us the most massive plate of a giant steak burger, onions rings, and steak fries. Yeah, we were pretty stuffed, even sharing and all.
The weather was quite nice. I kept taking off, and putting on my jacket, but I like it that way, not too hot, not too cold.

We decided to take on of those tour bus rides that we got to sit on the roof and see all the sights. We got a bunch of fun facts about the architecture, what celebrities live in what apartment buildings, where the plane landed on the Hudson River, and where certain scenes of Seinfeld were shot, etc. Yeah, we were the ultimate tourists. We were also pleased to pass the temple. It's quite small among all the giant buildings. You really have to search for that Angel Moroni (below).
Then we perused FAO Schwartz. I took this picture for Lili. And of course we had to see the infamous giant piano, made famous from the movie BIG. I didn't stand in line to play a little "Heart and Souls", but it was fun nonetheless.



And instead of waiting in the two hour line to go to the top of the Empire State Building, we went to the Top of the Rock instead. Turns out the Rockefeller Center started to do the same kind of things a few years ago, and with the same view, and only a fraction of the wait, we were happy with this option. And we could see the Empire State Building, instead of standing on it. Win, win.
The next morning, we decided to go see the Statue of Liberty first. We took the [frightening] subway to battery park, and made our way to the back of the loooooong line, which moved surprisingly fast. We took the ferry to Liberty Island, and enjoyed the massiveness and architecture of the statue, and of course the skyline of the city. Then we took the ferry again, to Ellis Island, where the others took and audio tour while I just enjoyed the scenery. It was such a beautiful day.
After that, which isn't pictured because I was worn out by then, was ground zero. It was just so weird, and eerie. There used to be giant buildings right there, and now it's a construction sight. But it was interesting to see the future plans for what they are building. We ate lunch in the building near the sight, and then had to make our way back to catch our 4:30 bus.

This is what we felt like on our bus ride home. Exhausted. But we were so happy we went to play with Mom and Dad. They were so nice to invite us along, and we were happy to have an excuse to go to this great (though incredibly crowded and smelly in parts) city.

Our bus ride home was more eventful (detours, stop-and-go traffic, and rain, ugh) than the one there, but we eventually made it to DC, which seemed so much more serene, homey, and sanitary than in had before were were in NYC. It was pouring rain on our walk to the metro, and the bus we took to the metro wasn't running that late on a Saturday. But with New York still fresh in our minds, we thought to call a cab, and were finally home in our own territory, free of public transportation.

Until next time, New York.

Because I can.

KC and I are currently on a 4+ hour express bus ride to NYC. We chose BoltBus as we were buying out tickets last night, and I have to say, it's quite enjoyable with the comfortable seats and footrests. And yes, it has free Wi-Fi, which is how I am writing this post this morning. It definitely the way to travel, having the internet, with hours of entertainment at my fingertips.

We are excited about this little jaunt we are taking. It is, afterall, KC's first time in the big city. His parents are there for business/pleasure, and we couldn't pass up the oppotunity to join them while they were on the east coast. They even are staying at the Marriott write smack-dab in the middle of Times Square. Can't beat that.

So of course, there will be a post following this is a couple days with pictures, etc. of what our trip consisted of, but for now, I am mostly writing, just because I can.

New York, here we come!

Mom came for Easter!

One reason for my lack of posts is that I've been busy hangin' with my mom. I LOVE having her here with me, especially now that we're all alone here on the East Coast, as far as family goes. We didn't have many set plans for her visit, so we just did things on a whim, or just sat around watching movies together. (We really got into the Masterpiece Classic "Little Dorrit" on PBS. Two episodes left. It's getting good!) I think I learned my homebody-ness from my mom, so we get along quite well in that respect, and enjoy just sitting around the house together. We also are alike in our love of shopping, so we had to indulge a little while we were together. I've said it before-she is my good luck charm when we go shopping together. I always find deals I can't pass up.

We weren't so enthusiastic about any Easter festivities since there were no kids around to make it fun, but we did make a miniature (there are only three of us eating) traditional meal with all the trimmings, and had strawberry shortcake for dessert, and we did not forget to get some candy on sale the next day. Those Cadbury eggs were going fast.
We cooked together (well, she did most if not ALL the cooking), went on several scenic walks in the new and gorgeous warm weather around the neighborhood, and I just enjoyed her presence in my little residence. I get so lonely sometimes during the day, so it made a huge difference with her here. I wish she was here still now, and every day. In fact, I just kind of wish I lived closer to my entire family that are all together. I know that day will come someday, but for now, KC and I will just stick it out together, and enjoy the visits from any family members that want to come, and they know they are always welcome. That drive home from the airport after dropping someone off will never get easier for me. The only thing that keeps me from crying is the crazy DC freeways and traffic. Otherwise, I'd be a mess.

Oh, and, for our last hurrah, Mom and I went to one of my faves around here, Eggspectation. We were silly to each get our own HUGE stack of the same pancake breakfast. We barely made a dent.

I miss her so.

Honestly? People are falling for this rubbish?

I couldn't have said this better myself.

Thanks for the laughs Matty.

Must. . .stay. . .awake.

Am I the only one who inevitable falls asleep during part of conference? I'm sure I'm not. It seems since I've been an adult, this has been so hard for me. We try to make it a habit to watch some of the talks that we/I missed over the next few months for family night. You know, like one every Monday or something. And it seems to work pretty well. But there is something about the soft-spoken voices, and the sweet sounds of the choir (Yeah, Aunt Belinda!) that just set me off into a wonderful restful nap. I really do look forward to listening the leaders of our church and the council they have to give, but I'm just cursed. Maybe I should take up caffeine during conference. Ha!

KC is at the temple visitor's center with a new member so he can watch it there. But I don't think that would even work for me. Even when I went to the conference center in Utah for a session, I was still nodding off. At least at home, I don't get super annoyed that I'm tired, like I would in the uncomfortable seats. Sometimes I bake during the sessions and have it loud enough to hear throughout the house, but I don't think I'm planning on that today. At least I know the words are forever recorded on the website to refer to later on.

We'll see how much I make it through this session. . .