Summer Kickoff

For the second year in a row, friends and I kicked off summer by going to the Belmont Races. This year it was especially crowded, as there was a chance that California Chrome would win the triple crown. Luckily, our friend Anthony came with us this year - he has a car. We got to skip the Long Island Railroad madness!

 I borrowed a hat from a coworker. Jewelry courtesy of Amy, from her new job!

 We parked off site from the racetrack and took a school bus right to the front entrance. Here's Brian, along with our friend Anthony in the back. When's the last time I rode a school bus?! I can't remember.

 Belmont!

 I naturally based my bets off of the horse names, and bet no more than $5 at a time...usually the minimum $2 bet. Needless to say, I did not make any money at the races!

Brian and I! We both dressed up for the occasion this year.

Wonderful time and definitely a yearly tradition.

New Apartment!

As you already know, Brian and I moved into a new apartment in June! We literally walked every street in Astoria, wrote down apartment addresses that we liked, and got to work. We ended up with an amazing find - 6th floor, one bedroom apartment with huge ceilings and huge spaces. It's probably twice the size of my old apartment!

It's still in Astoria, and about a 5 minute walk to the subway. We love it!

 Hitting the streets.

 The lobby of our new apartment building!

 The living room! Love the wood floors and natural light.

 Bedroom! 3 windows!

 View from the bedroom window. We can see planes coming in to land at LGA.

 Long narrow kitchen, with much more cabinet space.

 Kitchen dining area.

 View from the kitchen window.

Looking back down the hallway.

Bathroom.

So far, our biggest problem has been filling the space! We inherited Amy's couch, which has helped. We have a queen bed, two dressers, two bookshelves and two chairs in the bedroom and STILL have extra room! It's amazing. We also love living on the top floor - no one clomping around above us. AND we have an elevator! Couldn't ask for more.

Guess Who's Back!

After a 6 month hiatus from the blog (sorry to my loyal followers), I am back in action! So much has changed since April! I'll rewind waaaay back to May, when I went out to Manhassett, New York, to meet Brian's parents.

Manhassett is on Long Island, where Brian's paternal grandfather lives, as well as many other family members.

For a weekend in May, Brian's parents had flown into NYC to stay with an uncle of Brian's (Mike...don't even try to keep track of names - there are so many of them!). Brian and I caught a ride to the house with Brian's cousins, Mike Jr. and Tommy, along with Mike Jr.'s then pregnant wife, Kristen. Mike Jr. and his wife lived in Astoria at the time.

Anyways, the house was absolutely beautiful and all of the family members that I met were so gracious and welcoming.

 Driveway. Love all the trees.

 Entrance to the backyard..

Backyard panorama.

 The pool!

After an afternoon poolside, we all headed to the country club for another uncle's birthday party. It was opening weekend at the country club, and the theme was "camping." That included an amazing outdoor barbeque of steak, lobster, beans, corn, corn muffins, etc., followed by an indoor dessert bar. Yum!

 Vintage trailer - it was for sale!

 Outside the country club - outdoor buffet style.

 Brian and I on the 18th hole.

 Brian's dad and one of his uncles lighting Chinese lanterns on the green.

It was a beautiful evening, and I loved the opportunity to meet so many of Brian's family members.