NYC

This past week, me, Mom, Jessica, my Meemaw, my Aunt Steph, and my cousins Mallory and Meredith all took a girls trip to the Big Apple.  We had a blast!!

I definitely wouldn't classify our trip as a "relaxing getaway"... but I think we made the most of every busy "New York minute". We took the streets of Manhattan by storm and I am still trying to recover.

Would you like to feel as though you're walking with us view a million photos? Some are from my good camera and some are phone pics... I found it much more convenient to whip out my phone while hurrying through the streets than my DSLR.

The architecture was gorgeous...

I loved Grand Central Station...

We stuffed our faces with amazing food...

I loved all the healthy "fast food" cafes...

... and the quaint little Italian restaurant we found.

... and the very cute Magnolia Bakery...

... and good 'ole Mickey D's in time square...

... and just when you need a little pick-me-up, rest assured there will be a starbucks on the next corner...

I think my favorite part of our trip was seeing Wicked on Broadway.

The story, the music, the talent... It gave me goosebumps! We all loved it.

But I have to admit, the shopping may have come in a close second.

Aside from Lululemon, Athleta was definitely one of my favorites... I've bought clothes out of their catalogs for years and it was so nice to FINALLY go to a store!

Our inner "little girl" came out and we just had to visit the Disney store, Toys R Us, and the American Girl Doll store.

{Candy Land was my favorite.}

But then again, the American Girl dolls got me. Especially this strawberry blonde, hazel eyed, runner girl with bangs! one...

We went to the 9/11 memorial.

It was beautiful to look at but still made me angry and most of all, sad.

The names of those that lost their lives that day were engraved on the sides of each wall. They were someone's husband, Dad, son, aunt, cousin... It was hearbreaking.

One of the five future buildings was being built.

This tree barely survived the towers crumbling, but they found it, nursed it back to health, and now it's going to be big and beautiful for spring!

We saw other classic sights of NYC...

... the Hershey store and Rockefeller Plaza...

the Naked Cowboy... {Maybe my standards are high- have you seen my own personal cowboy?-  but I wasn't impressed.}

... an escort service that seemed sketchy but ended up being legit...

... the subway station...

... live music and all...

a lovely view of the bull on Wall Street...

the empire state building...

the Trump towers...

We walked through a loud mob of protestors at abc...

the M&M store...

... and as long-time faithful Law and Order viewers, we just had to get a picture by an NYPD cop car.

We walked over to Battery Park and saw the beautiful Lady Liberty herself.

This sculpture was originally in between the two twin towers and now resides in Battery Park.

I loved getting to spend so much "quality time" with some of the lovely ladies in my family. {I wish we would have thought to get a group picture darnit!} We made so many memories and I have a feeling we'll be rehashing this trip for a loooong time. 

Two tests later {A&P and Microbiology}, I am officially back in the real world. I have thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing about this trip with you and all I can say is that...