The Big Apple

Steven and I arrived home from our AWESOME vacation to New York late last night (more like this morning). And then we both had to get up nice and early in order to make it to school/work. Coming home from a vacation is the worst. However, our trip was so much fun and I am so glad we decided to go. We had a great time together, and it fulfilled a dream of mine by going.

My Favorites:

The shopping and fashion. I was like a little kid at Christmas while on Fifth Avenue.

Going to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway... I wouldn't say that I am a huge musical fan, but the show was so amazing, it gave me chills.

Visiting the temple and going to church IN the temple. That was a neat experience. The temple is also about 2 blocks away from Julliard and when the hymns were sung, I honestly felt like I had accidentally joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Visiting the famous monuments of the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.... The whole city really does just sparkle at night.

And, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn into Manhatten. If I lived in New York, I think that I would make the walk weekly because the views are incredible.

Steven's favorites:

The food, specifically the pizza, hotdogs, and cupcakes. Let's just say it is a good thing we were walking so much. And a very good thing that they don't have a Magnolia bakery in Provo. That just might be the thing that could make us both fat.

Visiting museums. We went through the Guggenheim and visited the outside of the Met and the MOMA (Steven is the more cultured one. I like the shopping, he likes the museums.)

Wall Street and the Financial side of New York (ok, so I really loved this part too. I guess that is what you get when two accountants go to New York).

And, surpisingly, when I asked Steven about his favorite parts, the first thing he said was "The Subway." Shocking, I know. But, Steven absolutely LOVES maps, and so finding his way around a huge city was actually fun for him. I planned the places and he got us there. We made a good team.

There were so many other things that we did- Little Italy, Chinatown, Times Square, Central Park, 9/11 Memorial, etc...... If anybody wants to see all of the pictures we took, the are here http://picasaweb.google.com/smfoote/NewYorkDays1And2, and here http://picasaweb.google.com/smfoote/NYDay3 and here http://picasaweb.google.com/smfoote/NYDay4And5. A year ago, the three places I wanted to visit most in the world were Paris, Germany, and New York. I never thought that I would see all of them in a year. I feel very lucky and blessed. We definitely LOVED New York.

Let Freedom Ring

On Thursday at work (the big April 15th), the partners gave out gifts and cards to thank the staff for all of the work we did during tax season. The card said "Let Freedom Ring," and that is really how I feel. I am free. I have a life again. I see daylight, and the weather has been perfect. Here is what we have done this weekend to celebrate my newfound freedom:

(1) Honestly, the very first thing I did was come home and take a nap. In fact, I took a nap Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Steven came home from taking a test yesterday and found me just waking up from a nap and said, "another nap?" But.... my body has definitely appreciated the rest....

(2) Steven and I went out for dinner and a movie to celebrate. We saw "The Blind Side" which was great and has been out for a LONG time. We got a little behind on "new" entertainment these past few months.

(3) Went shopping. I love shopping. And Steven really must have missed me while I was working so much because he came for the whole afternoon, and didn't even complain once. Those that know how Steven is with shopping can realize what a miracle this is. My favorite new item? These pink shoes.... I think they are way cute, and pink is just my favorite:

(4) Hung-out with my good friend Lauren, and fellow tax-season survivor. During tax season, we planned on going to get pedicures together to celebrate. But, when it came right down to it, we didn't REALLY want to spend $40 to have somebody paint our toes. So, we enjoyed the sunshine, chatted like only girls can, and got $1 drinks on a nice walk.

(5) Had a BBQ in the park with all the Provo Footes. Guacamole burgers, Frisbee, and fun. Perfect Saturday night:

All the above along with going for walks, cleaning the car, laundry, etc. made quite the full weekend. I'm amazed at how nice it is to have spare time again. Whew..... now off to New York next week. Can't wait.

Conference Weekend

This weekend was conference weekend, which is something I always look forward to. I had a great weekend, and I definitely feel uplifted and strengthened. One highlight of conference weekend is always the traditional "girls night" during the priesthood session. Steven's family was visiting, and so I had lots of girls to spend it with. We first braved the crowds to eat dinner at Olive Garden, and then we decided to do a little craft......

Pretty awesome tie-dye, if I do say so myself. Here is the whole group, with our final masterpieces (we missed you Katie!):

I feel so lucky and blessed to have such wonderful family on both sides. And speaking of family, I am so excited for this little brother of mine to get home from his mission to Paraguay in less than two months....

I guess he is not that little anymore, but he'll always be my baby brother. And, he is quite the stud, so look out girls.....

Sunday's are great. Conference is great. Family is great. That's all.