The Weekend I Rendezvoused With Kelly in DC!

Last month I bucked all kinds of responsibilities and went to DC for a supposed singles ward beach trip.  I have a few friends down there who invited me.  I also found out my cousin Kelly was going to be in town, and that was the clincher on me going!  

I say "supposed" because the night before, when I was already there, the trip was cancelled due to rain in the forecast.  Huge bummer.  But my friend Lindy and I, and Kelly, decided to go to the beach anyway.  So we got up really early, had some ridiculous pancakes at some market, and headed out.

Now, the beach is not just a little drive.  We had to go to Delaware.  I know.  What's in Delaware, for crying out loud?  Well, a beach, apparently.  It was a 2.5 hour drive, but we decided we were in the mood for a little day trip, so it was great.

We gambled and won!  The drive was stunning, the conversation fantastic, and by the time we got there, any rain or hint thereof, even clouds, were completely gone.  It was a beautiful day!  And the beach.  Delaware: who knew??

The beach we went to, Rehoboth Beach, definitely brought to mind turn-of-the-century stories I've read or shows I've seen (Ragtime, for one), where rich people say, "we are going to the coast for the summer."  I'm telling you, they went to Rehoboth Beach. It was beautiful, and had a boardwalk with tons of shops, old fashioned hotels and restaurants.  And real bathrooms and changing stations.  Also really crowded.  But we survived. Sidenote: my foot looks broken in the pic below, and that's a little awkward.

We ended the day with some really great pizza, ice cream, and headed home.  To all the people who bailed on the beach: Suckers.  

Oh, and I thought I would throw in some Hudson River, and a sunset.  You know, because I can. 

A Quick Look At July

July started like this: 

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir came to New York to sing at Carnegie Hall, and with them, my dear friend Amanda.  The Choir was amazing in that space.  

My first time in Carnegie Hall was a WIN.  

It was so great to spend some quality time with Amanda. We hit up the Natural History museum and Levain Bakery for her first Levain cookie, obviously.  

I think she was underwhelmed. 

Also: I ate a cannoli that I actually really liked.  Which is new for me.  So, there's that.

My cute friend Rachel had a birthday party.  I like her.

The Fourth of July happened!  I started the day with a little celebratory run in my Freedom Run socks from the 5k I did last year in Utah.  

Then Dallin, Rachel, Melanie and Ros and I went to Riis Beach.  The day started with some rain, but cleared up beautifully, and it was lovely. 

Mel, me, and Ros.  I just love my people!

Melanie and I made kind of a defective alligator, especially compared to Dallin's sand castle. 

 

The artist hard at work, while the children/strangers flock and take pictures.  And try to help.  And Rachel tries to harness the "helpful" energy. 

In the meantime, I just lay on the beach and chat instead of getting my hands dirty with creating things! ;-) I leave the child-whispering and sand-art to the experts. 

I mean...

Rachel. 

Mel and I.  I sure like her. And I like my hat.

  We ended the day by watching fireworks on top of the parking garage by Target on the east side of Harlem.  Murica!

Me, Dallin, Katerina (who joined for fireworks), Ros, and Rachel. 

Happy Fourth.  I love this country!

End of June Update, Lunch Break Wanderings, and Who Knew Katharine Hepburn Had a Garden?

At the end of June, I went to Shakespeare in the Park's production of The Tempest with some friends.  It is amazing to me that I can go see a professional, amazing production for FREE in Central Park in the summertime.  Well done, Public Theatre.  Well done. 

The summer wouldn't be summer without another Central Park #holycrapimrunning pic.  I just love this place. 

I usually go for walks when I take my lunch breaks.  First of all, I've decided the Chrysler Building is my favorite in the city.  It's iconic to me.  Also, who knew I worked so close to the UN?  I didn't until recently. 

One of my best discoveries was a tiny garden dedicated to Katharine Hepburn.  She was apparently an avid gardener and conservationist.  It was very charming, and I loved the quotes on the stones on the walkway.  They are hard to see, hence, the gigantic size of the pictures.  I need to share the love.  You're welcome. (Please forgive my creepy shadow).

New York City. You never know what you'll find around the corner, do you?  

Just a night with the girls....and David.

Ros, Rachel, Sharon, Brook and I went to dinner at the end of June to celebrate Ros' New Yorkiversary of 10 years. (Yes, those are a thing.  See my post here.  It's like living and thriving here is an accomplishment to be celebrated.  Or maybe we just like celebrating).

I have spent a lot of time with these ladies in the last year, and we are very close.  It also acted as a last hurrah before Brook left for 6 weeks on business, and Sharon left....indefinitely.  I don't like it when friends leave.  We really are each other's family out here, and so it feels extra sad.

By the time dinner ended, David had texted me to say he had an obscene amount of banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery (THE BEST) on hand.  So of course we went straight over!  And this all happened on his deck.

Ros Ord, me, Rachel Perkins, Brook Mecham, and Sharon Harris. Just getting a little handsy with Ros.  Don't worry about it. 

Brook and I think we take great selfies together, clearly, as evidenced above.  But if you need more proof, see this post and this one.  

Sometimes You Go Camping With A Bunch Of Your Friends. And It Is Awesome.

And by friends, I mean my branch.  Because they are my friends, and I love it. We drove about 2 hours up to Camp Liahona on a weekend at the end of June.  It's amazing how I never think about needing to get out of the city for a minute, until I get out of the city for a minute.  Then, as much as I love NYC, I wonder why I don't get out more often.  We had an impromptu dance party, complete with glow sticks that were bought for no particular reason, but made everything THAT MUCH BETTER.  A camp fire and smore's of course.  A hike the next day, and canoeing, and lunch with the greatest discovery of the day: smore's on a croissant.  It was a game changer, I'm not going to lie.  

The camp-out was a total success.  I looked around me as we were all sitting around the fire on Friday night, and felt so content and at home with all these people that I have grown to love so much in the last year.  My branch is special.  It really is, in the best way.  

Just a sensible dance party after the barbecue.

Jason, Brook, David, Hillary

Kristin, President Comstock, Maria, Amy, Julie

Kristin and Chad

Angelique, Brook, Kristin

This lake.  Early in the morning.  Amazing.

Cindy, Hillary, Amy, Ned, and...a girl I had never met. Sorry.

Ned was clearly loving being with the ladies on our hike.  He had us all to himself...

You know, just some people I like on a little hike.

The evidence.

Ty sporting his tic-prevention camping chic.  It was good.

Brook and me.  I really like us.

One of these days I will retire that hat, since I've had it for so long.  But the day is not today.