AND 12/13/18 AND 12/13/18

New York, New York!

a recap of our trip to new york to celebrate two years of marriage!

In September, we celebrated two years of marriage and took a short trip to New York to celebrate. Aaron has never been and I haven’t been in six years or so. We purchased the tickets back in April on a bit of a whim—but figured it’d be good for us to take a trip without Libby. We had three full days and they went by fast! There were quite a few friends that we wanted to see while we were out there and Sang happened to be out there the same time we were as well. Leaving Libby behind was a bit easier than I had anticipated and it probably helped that she didn’t cry when my aunts picked her up. The only regret I had about this trip was probably just finding more time for it to be just me and Aaron but that’s NYC—lots of time spent on subways and walkin’ around! :)

SUNDAY //

We landed around 5:30a and started the subway ride to Bushwick where we’d be staying for the first two nights. At about twenty minutes in or so, we were stuck for probably half an hour and I was about to pull out my hand-pump because I was so full from not having breastfed or pumped for over 12 hours, when it started to go again. We decided to get off on the first stop afterwards to grab some food and for me to get some relief ha.

We got to Joe and Saxon’s around 10a and after catching up with them and taking a short nap, we headed to Prospect Park area to see our friends Jenica and Riley, who are expecting their first baby this December! We had lunch at a neighborhood diner, and then grabbed some beer to sit at the park for a bit. It was really great to see them; I just wish we grabbed a photo with them! If the day wasn’t so drizzly, I would’ve wanted to walk around the park a bit more as I had never been before!

That night we went to Suzume for some ramen with Joe and Saxon and ohmygoshitwassogood! Aaron was pretty much having a foodgasm ha.

MONDAY //

We headed into Manhattan Monday morning for a small breakfast at the Egg Shop. It was a really cute space that was filled to the brim, but lucky for us there was an empty table when we arrived. It reminded me of Japan—the decor with the plants/etc. The only thing that was a bit of a bummer was that were was some construction going on right in front (explains the rocks in front of the restaurant front in the pic below). Aaron and I split a sandwich and some biscuits and it was all delicious. We honestly would’ve ordered more food but we wanted to save our stomaches since we had lunch plans immediately after with Sang and my cousin Mark. Right next door was Cafe Integral so we popped in for some Nicaraguan coffee. Also very good.

For lunch, we met up with Sang, Bryan, Mark and his girlfriend Yeri and went to Joe’s Shanghai in Chinatown. The soup dumpings were perfect.

The rest of the afternoon we spent roaming the area and miscellaneous shops… checked out Glossier which was a bit underwhelming… maybe the LA location is cooler? Thanks to the boys for indulging me. We strolled through Canal Street Market, had an afternoon dessert at Milk & Cream Cereal Bar and very briefly checked out the High Line Park. We were a bit pressed for time and I only wish we could’ve stayed there longer (shouldn’t have perused shops for as long as we did)! I’ve been before but Aaron hadn’t and I think he would’ve really enjoyed it.

Aaron and I headed back to Brooklyn for an afternoon siesta, but really it was a pumping break for me and a quick 20-30 minute nap for Aaron before we had to get back into the city. We had a reservation at Freeman’s which was a spot I had been to a couple years back. I remember the drinks being amazing and wanted to try their food as well. Truth be told, the food was mediocre but the drinks… man, both Aaron and I agreed we had the best cocktail we’ve ever had there. It was called the Phantoma which was fitting since we headed to see Phantom of the Opera that evening! This evening was probably the highlight of the trip for me as it was the only time we really had a chance to have a conversation about the past two years of marriage and what we want for this next year. It was good to have intentional conversation, amidst all the things we were doing and seeing.

had to take a photo of this drink… who can teach us how to remake this?!

Our waitress had recommended some late night spots for post-show and honestly Aaron and I weren’t even thinking of going out after the show…. but we both looked at each other and thought well we totally could stay out late! no baby! We decided to text Sang to see if he wanted to meet up with his afterwards and if he said yes, we would go. I don’t know why we didn’t want to go just us ha! It was after all our anniversary trip… but the evening ended up being so fun. My cousin Mark joined as well and it was just a chill evening at a Japanese jazz bar (which happened to be one of Mark’s ‘regular’ spots ha!) I don’t remember the last time I was out this late… 1am. Maybe 5 or 6 years ago? How am I already getting so old?! … #parenthood. The lychee sorbet was so so good—my mouth is watering right now thinking about it.

TUESDAY //

Our actual anniversary and our last full day! I had planned to take Aaron to Central Park this day but it was dumping rain so we had to nix idea… but we had bought tickets to the Color Factory which was a temporary exhibit that had been set up. I didn’t even know it was happening until we landed in NY and I saw something about it as I was scrolling through Instagram. I’m so happy we found out about it though—it was the perfect indoor rainy day activity. For $40, I’d say it was worth it as you got a handful of treats along the way and it was just a very creative exhibit. They also handed you a card that you could scan along the way to take photos of you and it’d email it to you right after! We got so many fun photos (as you can see below)!

We headed to Juliana’s Pizza for lunch based off of raving recommendations and lucky for us, we were seated immediately. The fact that it was pouring was probably the reason there wasn’t a huge line out the door. Anyway, the pizza was very good. I am starting to appreciate the crust a lot more, thanks to Aaron’s ways of describing pizza.

We had booked an AirBnb for our last night so we headed back to Joe/Saxon’s to pack up. Our new spot was in Clinton Hill—a really nice area of town, I guess. Our host messaged me to tell me that there was a crew that was just at her place packing up after filming an episode of the Real Housewives of New York, so things may be a bit out of place. We didn’t see anything but still cool. Once we settled in, our friend Karen met up with us and snapped a few anniversary photos of us before we headed out for some drinks & dinner. See more photos of the session here. Karen is I N C R E D I B L E.

All in all, such a great trip. It went by really fast and being away from Libby was a lot easier than we both expected. Of course we missed her, but because we kept busy and because she did so well, we would definitely take another trip away from her again. We Facetimed her for a few minutes that last night, knowing we would be seeing her the next morning but she wasn’t even phased. When we saw her the next day, she looked so nonchalant and showed no reaction!

Anyway, I am so grateful that we had the opportunity to get away for just a bit. I can’t believe it’s already been two years! A lot has certainly happened :)

AND 6/11/18 AND 6/11/18

Orcas Island

our first mini-trip as a family of three

In early June, we took our first family adventure together to Orcas Island up in the San Juan Islands. Neither one of us have been and when we were invited to some friends’ wedding up there, we knew we had to make it a little getaway. It was Libby’s first official vacation and we were excited to spend some quality time together as a family.

Getting to Orcas Island is a bit of a trek as you have to drive up to Anacortes from Seattle, which is about a 2-hour car ride. Once there, you have to hop on a 1-hour ferry ride. I am glad we planned ahead and reserved a space on the ferry; it’s almost impossible to do so last minute for the summer weekends in Washington. Even though we were lucky enough to make it on (after a 1+ hour delay), others weren’t so much as the whole schedule that particular weekend was delayed. Some trips were even cancelled!

FRIDAY //

Macrina Bakery—made a pit stop here before getting on I5 for some pastries and coffee.

That evening, we headed to the Schuylers’ welcome party and enjoyed some hangs at their wedding spot.

SATURDAY //

Before the wedding, we slept in and enjoyed the small island life. There isn’t too much on the island, but I liked how small and quaint it was. Everything seemed quieter and slower. It is obvious that the businesses thrive because of the tourists.

New Leaf Cafe—had a great breakfast at this cutesie inn.

Buck Bay Shellfish Farm—stopped here for some fresh oysters. you can pick out which ones you want and enjoy ‘em right there!

Clever Cow Creamery—found some ice cream of course!

Meghan and Ben’s wedding was so beautiful and fun! It was themed around being a summer camp and it certainly felt so—all of their hard work paid off; there were so many fun elements they had planned and I’m so glad I was able to be a small part of it by designing their newspaper program!

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SUNDAY //

Before heading back, we stopped back at camp where the newlyweds were hosting a goodbye brunch and grabbed some pancakes and fruit. Libby did so well the entire weekend and we were able to make great memories together. My favorite part was being able to be with both of them pretty much 24/3 ;)

AND 3/13/17 AND 3/13/17

A Weekend in San Diego

This past weekend, we got the chance to head down to San Diego! I'm currently still here until the end of the week working on the next volume of the Nations journal but I thought it would be great if A could come down with me for the beginning or tail end. He was only here for a day and a half, but we squeezed in as much as we could. Here are some iPhone photos from our time together. He loved it and we loved being away from Seattle. I adore hanging out with this guy; he makes my heart flutter. Life with your best friend is pretty swell, guys! Cannot thank our friend Brianna for hosting us enough!

SATURDAY //

A really wanted me to take a photo of this sweet car and I just liked the surfboard mailbox.

We headed into San Diego after a tasty brunch with B at Le Papagayo

Currently Aaron's reading this book and I'm reading a classic, The Grapes of Wrath.

We walked around at Balboa Park and laid in the grassy shade. Ah, it was nice.

Of course, we had to grab some ice cream! Hammond's was recommended to us; of course we had to get the infamous ice cream flights. We tried Vietnamese Coffee, Banana Cream Pie, Thai Iced Tea, Lychee Cream and Mango Sorbet.

That night, we met up with Joel's family and Brianna at Stone Brewing. Super rad place and the food was so good! We tried this awesome beer that was in a wine bottle (see photo below). It was a great night and we had some good chats with them. I was happy Aaron finally got to meet 'em!

another car A wanted me to take a pic of...

SUNDAY //

We headed to Steady State for some coffee in Carlsbad before meeting up with B for church at North Coast. Coffee was on point. Good rec!

For lunch, we headed to the Taco Stand... because duh.

We had some time to kill so we attempted to drive to La Jolla so I could show Aaron but traffic was pretty bad; we managed to get there but then had to leave right away.

Saxon, Joe and his parents happened to be in town the same weekend so we met up with them at Bottlecraft in Little Italy. Lots of beers and talks about beers later, A had to leave to make his flight! We had such a great time though and am thankful we were able to see some friends.

I have a feeling all of our future travel blog posts will be lots of food photos. Sorry, not sorry. Already missing you, babe!

AND 1/9/17 AND 1/9/17

Our Honeymoon!

After our wedding, we stayed a few days in town to spend time with our friends and family who had flown in. I've always wanted to stay at the Ace in Seattle and seeing as the first one ever started in Seattle, I thought our wedding night was the perfect excuse to book a room there. You know me and my clean looking spaces :) It's a super cool hotel and though it looks small from the front, it definitely proved me wrong once inside. Complimentary breakfast was provided at the cute little space at the bottom level.

THE ACE HOTEL

DAY ONE

For our honeymoon, we decided to go to San Francisco. A city that neither one of us have been to, believe it or not. Aaron has never even been to California! Of course dreams of Europe were on my mind when we were planning, but it was going to be/had already been an expensive year so SF it was! And truthfully, I was just excited to be able to travel with my husband!

We flew out on Thursday, the 29th and took the Bart into town. We had rented an AirBnB in the Mission District because it was a good central spot, as we had heard. As soon as we got off the train, the first thing we saw was Coffee Mission, so of course we sat down for a cup of joe before walking to our rental. That night, we went out for tacos at La Taqueria in the mission. So freakin' good I asked Aaron to wait in line to get me more. Thanks husband! On our walk home we passed by Humphry's Slocombe, which is an ice cream shop that I had looked up prior to our trip because it had Vietnamese Iced Coffee ice cream. Thanks to our friend Shelby Payne, who had gifted us some funds for ice cream, we stopped by for a late night snack. It was better than I expected and I wish we had the chance to go back for more.

DAY TWO

We set out to do all the tourist-y things! But not before brunching on some good food. We had planned to go to some other breakfast spot, but because we had slept in (sorry, not sorry), we settled for another recommendation we had found: The Boxing Room. It was nearing lunchtime by the time we sat down, but nonetheless the food was very delicious and we were not disappointed. In the afternoon, we walked around the Hayes Valley area and did some window shopping and got our ice cream on again at Smitten. This was Aaron's favorite. They had patented a machine that chilled ice cream to minus 321 F degrees. Extremely creamy and delicious. Down the street, we checked out the Painted Ladies before UBERing to the Golden Gate bridge. I was so happy to finally see it after passing by so many times before. We walked the whole beach, and checked out the batteries by the water which fascinated Aaron. After all the walking, we started to get hungry so onto Pizetta 211, a cute and intimate little spot recommended to us by our friend Stephanie.

DAY THREE

Oh man, I don't have too many photos from this day because lemme just tell you, there was a lot of waiting. We woke up and headed to Sightglass Coffee for some caffeination before heading into town and checking out Lombard Street and Fishermens' Wharf. (Shoutout to the Millers for gifting us coffee funds!) It may be overrated but I still wanted to see it. Aaron and I have really gotten into oysters in the past year and a friend recommended Swan Oyster Depot to us. It was a crazy long line and though we stayed in it for only 45 minutes, we did the math and there was no way we'd be able to make it in, eat and leave in time to make our tattoo appointment. We were super bummed! I suggested going to Mr. Holmes Bakeshop for their infamous donuts but alas, we got there and they had closed early because they were all sold out. Just our luck, eh? No matter, we settled at Tartine Bakery and had a small snack before getting tatted at Mission Ink Tattoo. The guys there were super friendly and we were in and out of there pretty quick. Of course, we were just getting bands.

DAY FOUR

This unfortunate but still redeeming day. We had been UBERing around town and had reserved a van to drive down to Big Sur. After picking it up, we headed to Potrero Hill for breakfast at Hazel's Kitchen (because Plow down the street was an over 2-hour wait!!). We were gone for about 45 minutes and within that time, our rental car window was smashed and my backpack was stolen. Luckily I had had my wallet on me and our clothes were still there, but within the backpack- my laptop, instax camera, X100s camera, a new Everlane shirt and two of my black purses... all stolen. I was pretty upset with myself for being dumb enough to leave my stuff inside the van, but then again, I didn't steal anything. People can really suck sometimes, but I tried to have a good spirit about it and didn't let it bring down the rest of our trip. After getting another rental car, we were headed down to Big Sur.

Aaron absolutely loved the drive down the coast! I knew he would, which is why I decided to take the 101 instead of the 5. After a pit stop at Bixby bridge, we settled at the Big Sur River Inn that night and it was super relaxing and quiet.

What we saw upon coming back to our car :(

DAY FIVE, SIX & SEVEN

We woke up Monday morning and did a short hike around Big Sur that morning before starting our drive down to LA! Our friends, Michael and Staci, were generous enough to let us crash at their place. On the way, we stopped in Santa Barbara for some coffee at the French Press and for me to check out my old stomping grounds for a quick sec. It was sad to see the school shut down but it brought back a lot of memories I made in the year that I lived down there. We got in around 7p that night and ate in with some delivered pizza and catching up with the Girouxs.

We spent all day at Disneyland on Tuesday! It was a long day, but we had a great time with the Disneyland-pros. I think Aaron had like four churros. We got our married pins, which is the one souvenir I wanted ha!

On our last day, I woke up feeling super sick and faint and slept the whole afternoon before we flew out that evening. By that point, both of us were ready to be home. I think the exhaustion hit then, from all the wedding planning, wedding weekend and spending time with people the few days following. It was so sweet to come home and to have our new mattress waiting for us!

DISNEYLAND!

OUR HONEYMOON VIDEO

After being egged on by my cousins, we relented and started making clips. Enjoy!

*all photos and video were taken on my iPhone 6 :)