The Summer Sun's Calling My Name...Sort of

We decided to brave the trek out to Jones Beach again, only this time we brought reinforcements. Well, it was more like they brought us. We went out to Jones Beach last weekend with a group of our friends. The weather was a little so-so and there was a bit of a jelly fish infestation problem, so the wave-playing wasn't exactly up to par. The sand castle building on the other hand? Way above par, or below par, depending on your perspective on "par." The point is we had some bio-architecture wizards with us, and the results speak for themselves. What started as a Mayan temple of sorts needed a bridge to get across the mote, that bridge turned into a bigger, more elaborate bridge. Well, what's a bridge on one corner without a sand alligator coming out the other corner (or was it a crocodile? so difficult to tell sometimes)? Needless to say, the final result was a bit abstract, but abstract is totally hot right now...and it's all the same to the little ones who destroyed with smiles on their faces as soon as construction was completed. 

Here's the result (and a sweet picture of the cash man):

PS. please refrain from the lectures on how to tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile. I lived in Australia for two years with Mr. Irwin (RIP); trust me, I got it.

Family Pics

My family has been planning Family Pictures for THREE years now. This means before I was married, before my sister had THREE children, before my brother was hitched, before Lil Ash was born...so, there were a LOT of developments in the (prior) Thompson household. 

My sisters and I had a running joke for the three years as to what to wear...if there was ever a lull in the conversation it ALWAYS turned to "so, what should we wear for family pictures" Apparently three years wasn't enough time, because we didn't decide until last minute, but I think it turned out great. 

Puerto Rico

We had such a fun time in Puerto Rico. There was a lot of beaching, swimming, reading, eating, lounging, etc. Ideal vacation for us! But, we do regret not being a little more prepared. We didn't rent a car before we left and once we got there, they were sold out for the week...so, no exploring for us. Also, we didn't base tan (Yes, this mean tanning beds) and in return, we got FRIED the first day which is never good. But, we know for next time.

We made it!

Jed and I made it to our ONE YEAR anniversary! We are celebrating on a sunny beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I have a minute to reflect on the last year and it's been such an experience. We got married, three days later we moved to NYC, we both started new jobs...I started another new job shortly after that, moved into our TINY apartment, learned to adjust to married life together. Let me see here...any other life changes that I missed? Nope, I think I covered them all!
We love being married. I have to brag about my husb for a minute: he has been so patient with me during our transition, the move away from our family in Utah, complaining about the NYC heat, trying to come up with ways to make our apartment cooler in the mornings so I won't sweat as I get ready for the day (PS. he hasn't accomplished this quite yet...any suggestions??? and please don't say a fan...as if we haven't tried that :)) He has been the BEST travel companion...we share the same interests on trips/vacations. Last but not least, he has made me realize that marriage isn't a chore/responsibility, it's just two people working hard for something they believe in. (wow, that last line??? So poetic/cheesy, but it's true!)
PS. Puerto Rico/Utah pictures to be posted soon!

Small Space Baking

Jed and I had a "first" today...first time we have made cookies from scratch. Living in a small apartment has hindered us from enjoying the kitchen together. There just isn't room for us, let alone a bag of flour, sugar, eggs, mixer, cookie sheet, etc. But, we decided to try it out, bought our supplies, and here are the results:




They taste better than they look. If you think they look good enough to make, well, then here's the recipe.
3 eggs
1 cup white sugar
1 cube butter
4 cups oatmeal (I only used 2.5 cups)
1 cup plain (mini) m&m's (I didn't have any, so I didn't use any)
2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
2 cups choco chips
1 cup peanut butter
1 Tbsp. vanilla

Mix all ingredients in large bowl. Drop on ungreased cookie sheet...WARNING: they spread a LOT, so don't put more than 9 on a sheet at a time. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes (I only baked them for 9) They will appear gooey (as if that's a bad thing!)

Dancing Queen

My friend from USU, Jodie, came to visit last week. It's one good thing about living in NYC...we get lots of visitors! Each time we have visitors, we usually get to do something "touristy." This go round, we had the luxury of going to Chinatown to buy "brand name" purses. Let me paint you a picture of Chinatown: One long road (Canal street) hundreds of shops, thousands of knock-off STUFF, millions of people. Throw some humidity and you have yourself one heck of a good time.
I'm glad Jodie got to go, I remember how excited I was to haggle my way to three Prado purses.

We also attended a Broadway show: Mama Mia. I LOVED this show! We had 3rd row seats. A little too close for my liking because I couldn't see the whole stage when all the dancing was going on. BUT, it sure beats sitting on the last row! I have a newfound respect for Abba.

Thanks for visiting Jode!

Have you missed us???

Jed and I have been on a lil vacation to sunny California. My big brother Jared got married this weekend. We decided to make a little trip out of it and spent a couple of days at Lake Tahoe. It is absolutely gorgeous! It was so nice to be in the fresh air with cool weather. We did a LOT of relaxing, exploring, driving, eating, and napping.

Jared and his new bride were absolutely stunning and got married at a small little grassy park in Grass Valley (northern California.) It was great to hang out with my family and spend time getting to know my sister-in-law and her family a little bit better.

The only disappointing part of the trip were the flights...we had to leave the wedding a bit early to catch our midnight flight...and ended up sitting at the airport until 4:00am!!!

More to come on that nightmare!

Check out all the wedding pics here