Hanging with the Shields

Our friends from Provo, Jenn and Misha, now live in Arizona, but we were excited to hear Misha had a business trip in NJ... and he was bringing Jenn and Laila too!  They scheduled a weekend in NY, so we got to see them while they were out this way!  Yay!  

We were really looking forward to it and could not figure out what we wanted to plan to do.  Eventually we decided to head over by the Hudson and walk the High Line.  It's basically an old, elevated, outdoor train track, now park.  So we walked across it through some plants, overlooking parts of the Hudson and east into the city.  Really neat.

Marcus sitting on a bench that was in a fountain puddle thing.

Misha and Laila

Looking east to the city from the Highline

We had lunch at Shake Shack and then decided to make a pit stop at Marcus' office.  Chase decided for the first time in months to wet everything down to his stroller, that little punk.  So the fact that it was really cold and he had little clean to wear demanded we stop and warm up (and clean up).

Once they weren't so cold anymore, Chase and Laila played together.  Well, they didn't play.  They fought over occupying the same space.  It was pretty funny to watch.  :)  Not the best pictures, but there are some hilarious expressions.

And finally Chase's "What?  I didn't do anything!" look.  :)

Misha wanted to check out The Garage Antique Flea Market, so Jenn introduced me to the art of repurposing.  It's something I definitely have to work on...

On the way back to our apartment, Chase was getting pretty cranky.  That is until he noticed a guy through the window in the next car smiling and waving at him.  They waved, smiling, and hit the windows for several stops.  If you look closely, you can see the guy in the next car.

This picture is one of my favorites.  A good summary of the day.  

Chase= Oblivious.

Laila= Not impressed.  :)

We were so excited that Jenn, Misha, and Laila were all able to come out east and spend some time with us during their trip.  We obviously need to visit each other more because Chase and Laila need some more time to figure out that they really are good friends :)  Until next time...

Our Quick AZ Trip

On our way to California, we stayed in Phoenix with my family for two days. The only picture I took at the house was of Marcus and Allegro :)



We drove over to Jen and Misha's to see their new house and have a barbecue. However before we could make dinner, Marcus and Misha had to put together the barbecue. I like this picture.



Marcus loved being able to help cook the meat on an actual grill.



I was really impressed with our meal :) It was sooooo-ooo good!



We played cards after dinner, and Jen brought out some delicious ice cream.



It was a great evening and great fun being able to hang out with Jen and Misha again. We now have another excellent reason to plan trips to Arizona. :)

Our Adventure down the Canyon

We attempted to go long boarding down the Canyon with Jen and Misha last night. It was a lot of fun, despite the lack of actual boarding down :) I must admit that it really wasn't our fault that we struggled, even though no one will probably believe that. :)

Jen and Misha

Before the wheels started sticking

I'm not sure what he was thinking at this time :)

Misha trying to fix the longboard-- it was a ton better, but it never took anyone too far down the Canyon...

New approaches...

It's kind of fun to watch it get darker in each picture. Since the boards weren't the best, we didn't make great time. :)

Another attempt to couple board

The train-- We lifted up the back board so the wheels wouldn't have to touch the ground. It actually worked pretty well for awhile.

We were just chillin' in the back :)

Our train...

Marcus didn't really like being pushed, so then we walked probably half the way down the Canyon-- haha. A twenty minute ride ended up being a lot longer.... but we laughed a lot. Plus it was fun to hang out with the Shields before they move!

Night Out with the Shields

Last weekend, we were privileged to spend the evening with Misha and Jen. We had hamburgers first, hiked the Y, and then went to Stan's for ice cream. I only have pictures from the hiking, but that was pretty monumental for me... exercise! It encouraged me to petition Marcus to start running with me, and we started that today. We made it all the way around the block this time-- progress for the "running hater" (I think that's what Marcus called me...haha). Sadly Misha and Jen are moving at the end of next month, but I'm glad we have these great memories. Hopefully a few more will come before they leave for the wonderful Valley of the Sun...

Skiing

Last weekend, Marcus and I went to Brighton with Jen and Misha to go skiing. I won't lie, it took a lot of convincing to get me to agree to ski with everyone, but it was fun to go out. Marcus had a blast! He loves skiing, and he probably would go back next weekend if he could. I enjoyed it... for the most part :) I loved hanging out with Jen (& Misha), quoting How I Met Your Mother, and being up the beautiful canyon. And thanks to Cozette, I was never a tiny bit cold. That lady sure knows how to stay warm while skiing! :)

Marcus and Erica going up the ski lift. This must have been after one of my better runs down the mountain since I'm smiling. :) (Sorry about the quality of the picture-- it's from my phone.)

Feet!

Jen sticking out her tongue, while Misha is pondering a way to conquer the mountain on his snowboard.

I'm sorry, I had to include this. Marcus spend the better part of the evening trying to convince me that skiing is great and that I won't freeze to death. Of course, for some odd reason, that included this demonstration of the wonders of snow pants as he loaded the car- hahahaha

Antelope Island

Check us out... :) On Monday, Marcus and I went to Antelope Island with Misha and Jen Shields. It was a blast! I had no idea there even was an island out in the Salt Lake...

...or that there were bison there (which Marcus is obviously strong enough to hold up effortlessly)...
...or that there is a beach! I guess I was pretty naive.

The four of us went biking first. I don't think I had done that in at least eight years, and then all of a sudden I'm on a seven mile trip! You guessed it... sore butt!

We had a sandwich picnic lunch-- my favorite-- followed by a trip out in the salty water. No, we didn't swim, but we did float! :)

We had a ton of fun. I think I can safely say I'd go again. Next time, note to self, put on more sun screen! Thanks Misha, um, I mean Michael, and Jen! oh, and double thanks... since I stole your pictures.