The Millers Go To New York

Our last trip with Nicole, was a complete spur of the moment trip to Manhattan. 

Like, we booked our hotel the day before..

I have only been one other time and that was back in March. It was freezing, but I still had a good time.

This trip was much more fun this time though. The weather was so hot and muggy that I resorted to wearing my gym clothes, but it definitely beats the freezing winters.

We drove our car and made a stop in Jersey City, New Jersey. 

Anthony loves Rita's, so I had to stop there and get some Gelato to make him jealous. Just down the block is Cake Boss's Bakery, so we went there and Nicole got a canoli. 

I love the Lackawanna Pier. It has the best view of Manhattan's skyline.

We then drove to our hotel, which was in Times Square...

I drove in Times Square. I can do anything now.

Stopped by Shake Shack

We didn't realize we would be there for 9/11, but I was so glad we were.

the Empire State Building looked gorgeous.

The next day, we  took the Staten Island Ferry and waved to Lady Liberty

Then.. Amelia and I had our own adventure.

Nicole wasn't the quickest at getting her stroller off the subway, and Amelia and I got left on it!

Luckily it was me that got stuck on it, since I know how to work the subways, but it wasn't very fun.

We went to Canal Street and did some shady shopping, then headed to Columbus Circle and into Central Park.

Two seconds after the picture and downpour of rain happened.. 

We literally watched the wall of rainfall come towards us.We had to run for cover and luckily ended up at a park.

Once the rain subsided we had some fun swinging and walking around CP.

We walked to FAO Schwartz and played on the 'BIG' Piano

The day before, we bought tickets for the Empire State Building, but wanted to catch it at sunset so decided to use them the next night. We bought the VIP passes so we didn't have to wait in line.

We we got there, and nobody knew what was going on. We got sent to three different (and wrong) VIP lines. It took an hour to get up there. Once we got up there, it was dark and pouring rain. We couldn't walk out onto the terrace, or see anything. Plus there was 500 people in the tiny indoor outlook. I have seen the view before, so I was just bummed that I paid $60 for nothing, but I felt bad Nicole didn't get to see the view.

We walked 10 blocks in the POURING rain to Times Square. Finally, it quit raining and we finished our night as tourists and taking it all in.

luckily I had a rain cover for Amelia. Nicole wasn't so luck and had to put a poncho over her stroller.

I think I am pretty good at getting around the city now. My friend Kehly is coming next week, and we are going to NYC for a few days and we aren't doing too many touristy things, which I am excited about.

The Millers:: Part 2, Waterfalls and Palmyra

Ithaca is known for the beautiful waterfalls. There are hundreds of them throughout the city and they are absolutely gorge-ous. 

We went to the Farmer's Market as well. It's a great place to get fresh, local produce, as well as some great eats. 

Palmyra is about 1 1/2 hours from us. It is small town, and the buildings are so cute.

We visited the place where the Book of Mormon was published. We also took a tour of the Joseph Smith grounds and the Sacred Grove.

It was HORRIBLY hot. 

The Millers Visit:: Part 1

One of my best friends, Nicole, from Utah came to visit the beginning of September with her daughtert Brynnlee.

Our first trip was to the Syracuse Zoo. It is small, and it wears the kids out so the moms can go shopping in the fantastically GIGANTIC mall afterwards.

We love to take visitors around Cornell. There aren't beautiful, old campuses like these on the west coast. It almost feels enchanted. It is so beautiful... and it doesn't hurt that it is the #1 look-a-like school to Hogwarts. 

Really. It is ranked #1.

Berry Picking at Grisamore Farms

Playing catch up...

A few weeks ago-- Or over a month ago, call it what you will...

We went berry picking.

This has to be one of my favorite things to do in the late summer in New York.

It is much cheaper than the grocery store and who doesn't love to eat fruit right off the bush?

I think Amelia ate half her weight in blueberries. And then the other half in raspberries. 

I wish I could say I made jam or something out these, but that would be false.

We ate them. 

All within 2 days. 

Didn't even bat an eye.

Back to School

We got back into New York on Sunday.

 I will never drive that far with a 1 year old... 

Ever. Again. 

We would leave at 5 am, and Amelia would do great for about 5 hours and then she was done. We would stop and eat and play at a park. Then she would sleep for about an hour and then it was over. We had to stop for the day. We added on 2 extra days because of this, but there was just no way around it.

It feels good to be back. It is 100% different than last time.

 I know people, I am not crying myself to sleep because I miss family. 

I know to expect.

I am not a new mom with a tiny newborn that I have no idea what to do with.

I have realized Ithaca isn't scary.

I go outside.

 Last year went so slow and so fast all at once. Possible? I guess so. I know this year is going to pass by so quickly that I will soon be recalling these days as memories.

We are still unpacking our apartment. We stored most of our stuff (everything except furniture and kitchenware) in the attic, and we had a sublet for our apartment all summer.

Our house smells like Indian food. 

Amelia is going 90 miles an hour. Everything I put away is just pulled out of place and put somewhere new. When we left, she couldn't walk but I didn't think it would make that big of a difference for baby proofing. I thought she was pretty mobile and curious as a crawler. 

I. WAS. WRONG.

She is getting into everything! She RUNS everywhere opening all the doors, cupboards, fridge, boxes, and it's getting a little overwhelming while trying to put this house together. 

Anthony has started is last year at Cornell. This is monumental. Our entire relationship, we have always been in school. 

Working around this schedule, and preparing for this test. 

We will be done with school! 

(Until he gets an Executive MBA. And I go to cosmetology school... Okay, just let me have my happy thoughts for a minute!) 

He is taking a whopping 26 credits this year (for F.U.N.). That is a lot at any school, let alone at Cornell. I will be alone this semester. Feel free to call me anytime. 

Our last year in Ithaca. I am ready to enjoy every minute. (Or at least endure the winter with a smile.) 

Hope you all had a good day back to school.. or a good day at your new jobs if you just graduated. Or a good day. 

Our first week in Ithaca

Today