This trip to New York was much different than past trips. Not only were we in the city longer than usual, but we also spent most of our time hanging out with the Ratto clan, which I can never complain about.

The week consisted of first and foremost beautiful weather, celebrating Kaylen and Martin's engagement, seeing the musical "Newsies" in Jersey, relaxing (& listening to the amazing Bluebrain Central Park app) in the park, cooking at home, visiting the 9/11 memorial, meeting the USA soccer team at the memorial and then, navigating the terrible directions given to us to get to the USA vs. Ecuador soccer game at the Red Bull Stadium in Jersey. Twas a fulfilling & eventful trip to the city.
 

[We were pretty sick of flying at this point, but that view made it worthwhile.]

[Hello again, Central Park. I've missed you!]

[We got 7 glorious days of sunshine :)]

[Picnic in Bryant Park]

[Delicious french toast for breakfast almost every morning]

[On our way to the engagement party]

[Mark & Pops]

[The view from Kaylen & Martin's party]

[On our way to the 9/11 Memorial]

[USA Soccer Team]

[Sam with the coaches]

[Mark and Oguchi Onyewu go way back ;)]

[At the game]

As you can tell by the pictures, we did a lot. And although we were exhausted by the end of it, the trip was so satisfying in so many ways. Not only did we get in lots of family time, but I also got to check out four potential grad schools. Through those visits, I eliminated all but one. And I would not have known that I didn't like the other schools had I not visited, so thank God we did! 

Feeling productive, satisfied and truly content, we boarded our FIFTH and final plane to California (minus the return flight to Seoul), where we spent time the next two weeks catching up with friends, hanging out with family and lots of wedding planning. 

Up next: California...

Pups, chocolate and Workaholics

After Tennessee, we hopped on a plane to Raleigh, North Carolina to visit Sam & Starr for four fun days of food and family time.

Sam and Starr are opening a chocolate factory, Videri, slated for a December opening, so between eating pesto (lots of it but delicious), sleeping and playing with Ruth the dog, we helped them tear walls down, pull nails out and clean the space. But...none of my photos show that part haha. Those can be found on Mark's blog (eventually).

[Our first day in Raleigh: naps & food]

[Starr came home with the most basil I've ever seen, so, naturally, we made a load of pesto!]

[Independent bookstores & coffee=a perfect afternoon]

[Breakfast at Sweet n Savory in Wilmington]

[Riding bikes throughout Raleigh]

[The homes were just so beautiful]

[Actually, Raleigh is just so beautiful!]

Sam and Starr were amazing hosts (thanks guys!). Not only did they let us borrow their car for a day trip to Wilmington, they took us to the best restaurants, showed us the best TV show (Workaholics) and they didn't make fun of us for falling asleep at 8 p.m. every night...they're just rad people. Not to mention their dog, Ruthie. The biggest sweetheart you'll ever meet.

Up next: New York...

Caitlin + Nathan

The trip kicked off in Tennessee for my good friend Caitlin's wedding. It was such a beautiful few days in an unexpectedly beautiful state. And the wedding was absolutely breathtaking. Congrats, Cait and Nate! You two are wonderful :)

[The wedding took place on an amazing farm in Joelton, TN.]

[The rehearsal]

[The beautiful bride getting her hair and makeup done on the big day.]

[Gorgeous! Look at that dress...]

[It was so relaxing and peaceful to get ready in such a beautiful home.]

Great wedding, great people and a fantastic way to start off our vacation.

Up next: North Carolina...

Oopsies

It has been one full month since my last post...I'm sorry.

I've been in the States since September 27th and it has been nothing short of a whirlwind. I was in California for 2 nights before taking off to Nashville for my old friend Caitlin's wedding. After 3 days in Tennessee, Mark and I went to Raleigh, North Carolina for 4 days to visit his brother and wife, Sam & Starr. Then, we flew to New York for 6 days, which is where I'm currently at until tonight, where I'll be flying back to good ol' California for another 2 weeks.

The trip has been amazing, fun and wonderful, but I think I'm ready to get home! This Saturday will be my dress-shopping day, which I can't wait for. But more details on that later :)

The plan is to load the hundreds of photos from these trips onto my computer tonight on the plane, and post them tomorrow. Then, we'll be back in action.

Thanks for understanding...until then, bisous!