When we planned our trip to NJ to see family, I knew I wanted to take the train to NYC for a day trip. I haven't been to the city in forever and we thought it would be fun to take Solomon for his first time. He was so excited to go on a train ride and see all the big buildings. 

Our plan was to head into the city early in the morning but we ended up sleeping in that morning instead. Since we were a little delayed, we timed the train ride perfectly for naptime. Thankfully, he passed out in Peter's arms after only ten minutes. I'm really praying that Solomon's baby brother is an easy and hard napper, too. It helps so much with traveling. We had to switch trains once he was already asleep, so we used the stroller to let him finish his nap. I honestly don't know how he slept through the whole thing. Loud train noises, up and down escalators (his feet and legs flew back and almost smacked his face at one point!), then we got stuck in the ticket gate. Peter and I were laughing so hard! We are definitely not city parents.... but he slept through the whole train ride into the city, a quick walk on the busy NYC streets and even through our lunch. This kid, he's a keeper!! 

his big cheeeeeese grin!

I got SUPER excited when we made our way over to Bryant Park and saw the merry-go-round. I went full on kid and couldn't wait to take Solomon on for a ride. I let him walk around and pick out the animal of his choice, he loved the frog and was excited to climb on. It was his first experience on any kind of ride and he obviously didn't know what to expect. I strapped him in and told him he had to hold on and that the frog was going to move up and down and we would spin around. He just sat patiently waiting. Once it actually started I was a little surprised at how quickly it moved and had to hold on myself. His reactions were so funny... it took a couple of times around for him to fully enjoy it. Such a fun memory with my boy, I'm so glad Peter got some cute pictures!! 

Still a little hesitant and confused.....

loving it and actually cracking a smile!

We spent the rest of the day exploring and walking around the surrounding areas and finding some snacks along the way. Solomon kept saying WOW over and over. It was so cute to see his big eyes looking up and taking in all the sights. I was surprised at how well my 20 week pregnant body handled it, but it was worth it. I didn't realize how tired I was until we were on the train ride back home. It was a great day, and a fun first experience for Solomon in NY! 

Niagara Falls // Eliya Family Reunion

The trip started out bright and early, last Wednesday morning, and it all started great! Thanks to the little peanut in my belly waking me up for a trip to the bathroom at 3:45, I was wide awake and had time for breakfast and getting ready so we could leave for the airport around 4:50. Once we were on the plane things hit a low.... picture this.

Oh, let me grab my camera and delete all the pictures since I just loaded them to the computer for extra space on my memory card...... turn on camera, hit the review button, "NO CARD" flashes on screen. Then realizing that I never grabbed the card from the computer after I loaded all the photos the night before.

My heart sank. I was so sad but hopeful that we could find a replacement once we landed. After two trips, one to Target and the other to Radio Shack, we learned that those cards are very out of date and they don't sale them anymore, so Amazon was our best bet. I honestly considered having my mom overnight me the memory card from our house to the hotel, but that was crazy!

Thankfully our iPhone cameras take great pictures so we were able to snap a lot of shots with our phones. Here are a few of the highlights that I want to remember in the years to come....

Our beautiful view from our room which was even prettier at night!!

Our first night when we arrived was beautiful and we enjoyed a fun dinner at Water Street Landing. It was so nice to see all the family and sit back and relax together.

The next morning my sweet hubby went to pick up this amazing doughnut that tasted like a slice of birthday cake with some half decaf coffee for me! It was delicious!!!! I may or may not have had this several mornings.....

The Eliya Family Game day is one of the most fun parts about the family reunion every five years. This year included water balloons, and some games with some lunch. It was a day of perfect weather and all the work that was put into the day was so appreciated. We all had such a great time. 

The only day of rain during our trip was on when we visited the Niagara Falls, which means we all got soaked anyways, so it really didn't matter! It was so beautiful and I'm so glad we decided to do the Goat Island Cave of the Winds Tour since I couldn't do the boat tour during my third trimester. It was so fun to still get close to the falls and not be trapped on a boat. 

It was such a great trip with the big and crazy Eliya family! I'm so glad we got to enjoy this little get away before our baby boy joins all the fun.

Dust and Ash

With this extra cold chill breezing through Greenville it’s obvious that November has seemed to make itself at home. Can’t say that I mind… coats, boots, scarves and crunching leaves are always fine by me!! I’m trying to take moments to breathe and recollect myself before the crazy holiday season begins. Thanksgiving will be here before you know it which always means Christmas is right around the corner. This time of year is always the calm before the storm for me which is ironic with the crazy storm attacking the North recently.

We haven’t heard any bad news about Peter’s family members that live in New Jersey and New York. Just some power outages but nothing too significant which we can only thank the Lord for.

I continue to pray for the families that haven’t been so lucky and hope they know that God really is in control and He is always there to lean on. I think that’s one of the hardest parts about tragedy… finding God at the center of it. People can feel hurt and abandoned so easily but reaching out and finding our Savior with them too is something I’ve thankfully never had to do.

I can’t help but think of Job and all that he lived through…

In Job 42, he replied to the Lord:

“I know that you can do anything and no one can stop you.

You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I – and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me.

You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’

I had only heard about you before but now I have seen you with my own eyes.

I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.”

V 1-6 NLT

I would hope that I would stay faithful to the Lord in any hard time but I’m only human.

I’m just a sinner that makes mistakes and falls but He is always willing to pick me up out of the dust and ash once I have come to Him in repentance. His love is always faithful and true even when I am not.

My heart goes out to the families that are going through this hard time of loss and destruction and I continue to pray that they know of His love.

and I'm back.... again.

I have to be honest, all these little breaks from blogging have been kinda sad. I’ve missed it a lot but I guess these vacations give me more exciting things to write about.

Speaking of more exciting things….

The weekend was full of hugs, two cheek kisses (i love the Arabic hellos and goodbyes) dancing, eating, laughing and smiling continuously, meeting new people & seeing people I’ve missed very much!

It was a total blast!!! My body is a bit sore (from all the mentioned dancing) and I might need a few nights of peaceful sleeping in my own bed before I feel back to normal but I wouldn't want it any other way.

Mimi had a beautiful wedding weekend & I’m so excited for her and her new husband!

Congratulations to you both!!!

Weekend Wrap Up!

The little weekend trip to NY was definitely NOT little. I’m still not sure how we fit in everything that we did! It was a wonderful weekend surrounded by family and friends, I couldn’t have asked for anything more!! Like always the food was delicious and I can’t wait for another trip. I think one trip a quarter would be sufficient enough. ;) Here are some highlights for you all!

Ride on the ferry

{Thanks Mimi for dropping us off on your way to work!}

We took the bus from the ferry to Broadway!

I love the overwhelming feeling of how tiny you feel when you look up at these buildings! Gets me every time!

Our happy faces in the middle of it all!

One of the many things I love of NYC is the cute flower shop corners!!

We walked through Central Park for most of the day… besides the murky water it was beautiful!

The weather was so perfect!! Apparently we brought the warm sunshine with us. :)

One of the beautiful houses in Bridgehampton. I’d be perfectly happy with this one…

How adorable,,, right??

The happy couple on their special day!!

Congratulations Jordan and Lissa!

A view from an Upper Eastside party, so gorgeous!

I had such an amazing trip and I’m so thankful I got to spend it with this handsome man.

Happy Humpday Everybody!!! We’re almost finished with this week!