don't you just love New York in the fall?

Nathan "surprised me" back in August with an early anniversary trip to NYC during his 3-week school break in November. We got to spend an entire week together in the city, plus a day with his aunt in CT! It was such an incredible trip and I'm so happy that we got to go!

We arrived early Saturday morning and, after breakfast with his aunt and cousin, spent the day at a street fair and exploring lower Manhattan.

Sunday, we went to church in the Manhattan Temple with my friend Jasmine, got brunch across the street, went to the NY Public Library Children's Book exhibit, and got the most delicious dinner at this new place inside the Herald Square Macy's.

Monday, we visited the World Trade Center Memorial (very fitting for Veteran's Day), explored Wall Street and Federal Hall, crossed the Brookly Bridge for some amazing pizza at Grimaldi's, Nathan had a quick phone interview with UCLA's residency under the Brookly Bridge, and met my friend Jasmine for dinner and a nightime tour of Central Park.

Tuesday, we started the day on the Intrepid, a retired aircraft carrier that is now an air and space museum. Nathan LOVES airplanes so he was in heaven here. We also toured the Growler, a nuclear powered sub that made me feel very claustrophic. Later that night, we went to Cinderella on Broadway, which I have wanted to see for months, and I loved it!

Wednesday, we got up early to catch a train up to Fairfield, CT, to spend the day with Nathan's Aunt Lynne. She took us shopping in Westport, out for a yummy lunch, and on a tour of the Fairfield area. The houses are unreal up there. I fell in love with the area. It was so much fun getting to know her better!

Thursday morning we took a train back into the city and caught a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Nathan had never been so it was fun taking him around these sites. After the ferry ride, we did a little shopping, got pizza at Patsy's, and had fun exploring Dylan's Candy Bar.

Friday we started the day by walking The Highline, shopping in Chelsea Market, and meeting Nathan's childhood friend Sarah for lunch by Wall Street. We also checked out the Museum of American Finance (guess whose choice that was, haha). We finished up with Newsies on Broadway and I'm not exaggerating when I say it's up there with Wicked as my favorite Broadway show!

Saturday, our last day, we had brunch with my friends Jasmine and Kelsey and explored Central Park some more before heading back to the airport.

My favorite thing about this trip was, even though Nathan had to study for boards, I had no stress or worries about my job. It was so nice to have Nathan to myself with no distractions! Since we won't be able to get away for our actual anniversary, and we've both been overwhelmed with work and school pressures, we really needed this break. Now I just wish we could go back!