Jul 29, 2012

Scenes From New York

On the off chance you missed it, we recently got back from a our first big family trip.  A first plane ride and visit to New York City for the girls, a visit to celebrate my sister's wedding.  For all my anxiety and stress leading up to our departure, everything went smoothly, from the morning drive to the airport, to the bumpy landing back in Minneapolis.

I don't know what to say about the trip, except that I didn't want to come home.  Being in New York is excitement in its own, but being there to celebrate a couple (one-half of which is part of my heart and soul), brings another level to my love for the city.

Because we live so far away, I have not seen first hand Elisabeth and Jürgen's relationship grow and develop, so to be a part of their wedding, and to hear from friends who have gotten a close-up view, felt like a completion in my love for their love.

Except that it also made me feel sad because I am not there to be experiencing it myself.

The weekend was filled with so much warmth and joy.  Mostly because of the couple getting married, but also because of the close family and friends who were there to witness Elisabeth and Jürgen's rooftop-shouting love.  Because isn't that kind of what a wedding is?  Making that commitment to each other and shouting your love for one another from the rooftops?

I am over-the-top thrilled for my sister and her new husband.  I am equally thrilled that our two little girls traveled so well, as traveling is a love both Adam and I share, although have done it significantly less after having kids.  But is still something we want to pass on to our children.

Anyway, without any more rambling about love or travel, before I start tearing up, here are some scenes from our visit.


The trip:







The wedding:


















The City (and us):


































Let me just say, the girls's favorite part of flying: the big pink bubble gum (Hope), the orange sucker (Paige), the iPad with movies (Mommy).  How in the world did my parents survive over-seas flights with my sister and I before the DVD player and/or iPad?

Definitely one of my favorite family trips.  When can we go back?


xoxo.
Christine

5 comments:

  1. I am SO glad to hear that your girls did well on the trip and I think your photos are great!

    I'm SO looking forward to being in the city this week, it's SUCH an amazing, energizing place!

    And that photo of your sister in the sunlit doorway is stunning. Congratulations to the newlyweds!! xo

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    1. You'll have fun in the city! (And take awesome pictures, I'm sure.) By the way, my husband took that photo of my sister, in manual mode. He was quite shocked when I told him he got a compliment. From a photographer no less. And thank you, telling me my photos are great means a lot coming from you. Enjoy NYC. Can't wait to hear about it!

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  2. You have such a beautiful family. As for teary eyed, I don't even know your sister but I love how I could feel your happiness for me. It makes me look forward to special moments like that between my own girls someday...just as sure as I am it does for you with your girls. Sisters are pretty awesome!!

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    1. Thank you so much. Yes, having a sister is wonderful, and I'm sure you've already had so many special moments between your girls, but I too look forward to more in the future!

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  3. Such beautiful pictures and your girls are adorable! Sounds like you all had a pretty fabulous time visiting NYC and so glad to hear that the travel went well. Isn't it amazing how that plane ride can often set the tone for the whole trip? I know what you mean about having a sister and sharing the happiness with them but also the sadness of not being in their lives daily. My sister is out in California and although we talk all the time and do manage to see each other often, it's not the same.

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Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you!