Thanksgiving in NYC!

Jeff and I met up with some of my family in New York for Thanksgiving. I love the holidays in New York: the crisp (cold) weather, beautiful window displays, twinkly lights, and millions of people all walking around- it's so alive! We had a great time from the moment we landed at the airport. Jeff's Uncle Shelly came and picked us up from the airport and we were able to spend some time with him, Aunt Evy, and cousins Laurel and Nell. They were not able to come to our wedding in May so we were so excited to get to see them. We chatted, munched on chips and salsa (my fav) and played with their adorable dog Abby, who loved laying on Jeff's lap. That night we met up with some med school and college friends for a few drinks.

The next day we went to Lincoln Center where we saw the musical South Pacific. I am not sure the guys were that into it, but my mom and I LOVED it. It's such a great love story and the songs are really catchy- "Honeybun" and "I'm gonna wash that man right out of my hair." Then my mom and I decided to brave the crowds of thousands (seemed like millions) and go see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons being blown up. It was really cool, the balloons are absolutely HUGE and under these big nets weighted down by sandbags so they don't blow away before the parade the following morning.

Jeff and I right outside the Theater

Yay! Macy's Balloons

It's Spongebob

For Thanksgiving we always meet up with family at a local restaurant, Orsay. My Aunt and Uncle rent out the top floor and their families all come over. After dinner we went to my Aunt and Uncle's apartment for some after dinner drinks and to check out their newly renovated place.

Jeff and I at Orsay

Me, my Great Aunt Midge and my Grandma Marie

Mom and Matt

The kids and Uncle Andrew

The gorgeous view from My Aunt and Uncle's Balcony

Jeff's dad recommended a great deli for us to check out, Katz's! It is from the "I'll have what she's having" scene in When Harry Met Sally. It was very crowded but worth the wait. Fresh turkey sandwiches, potato latkes and brisket.

One of my favorite spots in NYC is Rockefeller Plaza! I think it all started with the show Felicity and the coffee shop Dean and Deluca haha. They have one right in the corner of the plaza and it is always so much fun sipping hot chocolate and watching the ice skaters.

Our last night in the city we had dinner at Aunt Liz and Uncle Andrew's apartment. They live on the Penthouse (21st floor) and they have an amazing view of the city. Some family and friends came over and we ate tons of delicious BBQ and drank a ton of wine. They are always such amazing hosts!!

The kids and Aunt Liz

Jeff and I enjoying a stroll through Central Park

We had a great time seeing family and friends over the holiday. And we have even more family visits coming up. Jeff's parents are heading to Michigan this week to help pack up the MI house, cant wait to see them!!

Spartan Spirit!

A few weeks ago Jeff and I went to the MSU football game. Let's go SPARTANS!! I know that neither of us went to MSU but we never had any real sports teams at UCR so it is so much fun to cheer on the team. It was an absolutely perfect fall day, it ended up being really warm and sunny. We cheered on the Spartans along with 73,000 other fans and it worked. They beat the Western Michigan Broncos 49 to 14!!!

All ready to cheer on the team! Go Green Go White

Fly over by A-10 Warthogs

Spartan Touchdown!

The adorable dog that catches frisbees during Halftime

Final Score

Good Sports- MSU and WMU congratulating each other

We had a great time! My voice was definitely a little hoarse after yelling all afternoon. Hopefully when we move we can go to some UCONN games and cheer on the Huskies! Happy Football season to you all!!

Lansing Dog Park

Jeff and I loved taking Maggie to the dog park in Miami, it was right on the water and absolutely gorgeous. As soon as we moved we started researching some local dog parks and found one that had recently opened. It is HUGE! 18 acres with a large lake in the middle. Since the weather in MI has been uncharacteristically warm for this time of year it is always packed. Tons of dogs running wild, swimming and making new friends. Maggie is usually one of the smallest dogs and whenever a dog tries to come up and meet her she completely freezes, almost playing possum. She is so Cute!! The other dogs were so sweet and just wanted to play but Mags took a few minutes to warm up to the idea. Apparently she needs a talk about playing well with others :)

The beautiful setting

Maggie meeting a sweet 7 month old Great Dane. What a HUGE "puppy"!!

Running Free

I think Maggie was so relieved to finally meet another little dog

Lions, Tigers & Bears - Oh My!!

I have a confession.....I am OBSESSED with Zoos!!! I love any and every zoo, wild animal park or safari. Growing up in Southern California we were spoiled with the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park but Lansing actually has a wonderful zoo. It is pretty small but has a great variety of animals and also gives you the opportunity to get so much closer to the animals than most places. Whenever anyone comes to visit, the Potter Park Zoo is always a must see! Jeff and I spent a wonderful fall afternoon at the zoo last week and we wanted to share the photos with you. The best part is that the zoo is FREE during the late fall/winter.

The Potter Park Zoo

Siberian Tiger

African Lion

Big Horn Sheep

Post Cruise trip to Barcelona

After days filled of sea, sightseeing, and WAY too much delicious food we docked back into Barcelona. Our first stop was the Picasso museum! Unfortunately, we couldn't take any pictures inside so our only photo is of the sign outside. It was a great mix of Picasso's early and late work, even some sketches and family photos.

That night we went to a Flamenco show/dinner. It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip!! It was inside an area called Poble Espanyol, a small town recreated with all the different styles of Spanish architecture. The show was amazing. The dancers were so good and so powerful.

Entrance into Poble Espanyol

The Main Square

Getting ready for the show to start

Palau National lit up at night

The next day our first stop was to see Gaudi's Sagrada Familia. Gaudi worked on this church for the last 15 years of his life but never finished it. Since his death the construction on the church is all privately funded and isn't supposed to be finished until 2023. It is one of the weirdest structures we have ever seen and because it has been built by so many architects every side looks different.

The side of the church that Gaudi worked on

The new side

Barcelona has a beautiful port area full of museums, shops, and restaurants. We decided to spend our last afternoon sitting on the beach and walking around the port. It was so relaxing after so many days of tours.

Barcelona Beachfront

Customs house at the Port

Our last pitcher of Sangria :(

Fideua! A Barcelona speciality, it's like Paella but with noodles instead of rice. Our last honeymoon meal