Returning and restoring

This has been a trying month on my heart, my body, my mind, and even, sadly, on my faith. I needed a hug. I needed words of life. I needed my girls.

Timing. God has that down pat. 

One long weekend away in NYC, surrounded by fireplaces, quaint shops upstate, bubble baths, snow, and friends that are like family, and I am feeling nearly whole again. 

We flew into NYC super early on Friday morning, where our rental car was all ready for us. We drove straight into the city, stopping first in one of our old neighborhoods, Roosevelt Island, where this lovely friend, Lisa, was waiting for me.

After catching up quickly and grabbing a coffee at our local, burnt coffee chain, Scott and I drove over the bridge and landed in midtown. Once here, I had two goals: get me to my old students, and pull over to that falafel cart. 

I get what I want.

With my hot box of lamb in my lap and arms that were warm from hugging a slew of precious screaming children, we began our drive upstate to Rhinebeck for the wedding of my love, Mehren. I was so excited. Here, 10 girls that all have my heart would be. 

We stayed where the reception was held, at the Beekman Arms. It was nothing less than beautiful.

And the town? Heaven. So quaint and cozy. See:

After exploring the town, we met up with our old friends for a long dinner and lots of hugs. The next day was the wedding. It was stunning, and I definitely ugly-faced cried. 

And then, all of this.

In the morning, we said our goodbyes and drove back to the city for two days of rest, food, and quietness. We stayed at the Royalton which is near Bryant Park. I recommend it. A lot. 

Here are some city shots. I love NYC btw, I just hated the price tags attached while we were living there.

I used to do awesome things with my life......

And now, time to make dinner and hug my little boy, who accumulated a ton of new toys from all of his sucker grandparents while we were away. Spoiled. Speaking of spoiled, mom, my Starbucks card is low. You know what to do.