Fall for Dance

Everyday in the summer, Central Park hosts their iconic Shakespeare in the Park at Delacorte Theatre for which you can get free tickets if you stand in line from 8:30 am to noon. This is not a story about Shakespeare in the Park, which I missed out on ever attending. However, you get four different dance companies together for a free dance show in the park….yeah I'll stand in line for that. So, Brighty and I dropped sissy at school and headed over for a chilly four hour wait in the park. 

Rocks and friends always help pass the time.

We found a new playground around the corner and just had to swiiiiiiing!

And after the not long wait after all, we scored our free tickets and our first taste of the waffle truck.

And why not go see some turtles?

Being the gentleman he is, Brighty strolled the ladies through part of the park.

And that night we enjoyed performances from the Streb Extreme Action Company, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, and New York City Ballet. Streb was the obvious highlight, with dancers climbing scaffolding and catapulting themselves off in choreographed chaos. It was both ridiculous and totally amazing. Cameras weren't allowed so I spent a lot of time trying to snap shots behind my brochure. I…kind of…succeeded.  

Upside Down

Red Angels

I believe, it was my first dance performance attended in NYC. It was well worth the wait for a free night with good friends!

Ward Party and Father's Day

From cocktail parties to ward parties....hmmmm. If I had to pick, the ward party was pretty fantastic. If I haven't already explained, two of the wards in Manhattan were split and then combined into a third, brand spanking new ward, appropriately name Manhattan 3rd Ward. I was so excited to be switched into this ward, and it really hasn't let me down. This was our first official ward gathering to get acquainted with each other, AND....

....play softball!! I can't remember the last time we've played, but it was a dream come true, made even better by playing on THE GREAT LAWN in Central Park. 

Brandon works so hard juggling his demanding clinical schedule, school work, thesis, scouts and then time with us, which is why we had to treat Dad to something really special for Father's Day. Our friends in the ward have access to a penthouse apartment in their building, and invited us to join for a rooftop BBQ. Barbecue and softball in one weekend?! Come on!!

The guest of honor.

The window at the end of this balcony is my dream apartment. The picture does it no justice. 

Grillin' master

Madeleine and Tori cleaning.

Brighton climbing....

...this!

It was a cute place, complete with shutters...which is a rare site in the city

Entrance to the Queensboro Bridge

We've been so blessed to have these really amazing experiences in the last weekend, that have helped us feel human again. We do so much site seeing that it's hard to feel totally normal here.

We also admitted to each other that we are really intimidated cooking with and for people in New York, because...well the standards feel far higher here. It's not just about taste, it's about the use of the latest healthy and trendy ingredients. Like barley salad instead of pasta salad? Divine by the way! I'm probably far behind the general populace when it comes to culinary standards, but New York is a daunting place to attempt to catch up. Ranting aside, I've been so lucky to attempt to do so here, because eating (especially new things) is probably my favorite past time. Dining with friends has been better than anything I've eaten in a restaurant, and it's usually accomplished with minimal ingredients. It fascinates me! Brandon's also a great Dad! We love him more than eating, but don't pretend that my rant about cooking wasn't necessary to complete this entry : )