THERE AND BACK AGAIN...a human tale by Mattnallie

Concerning Humans: This post is largely concerned with humans, specifically so that our readers can discover characteristics of New Jersians and New Yorkans. Through experience we have found they have an affinity for using the 'birdy' and horns when driving. The freeways have been a new experience in and of itself--terrible roads. But we are enjoying the life out here with so much history within our reach. Matt's parents and sister came out for Easter weekend and it was so much fun! We spent two days in NYC riding the subway and doing the usual touristy stuff. It was nice to have family out to celebrate a holiday with us as well, and we had a delicious feast. Here are some pictures:

Matt enjoying the boat ride to the Statue of Liberty...

Like father, like son :)

They don't let you go inside the statue anymore, but it was still cool.

The whole crazy crew

NYC will do this to you... Tavern on the Green Brunch--it was pretty Fancy-schmancy in Central Park The King waiting on his throne for Wicked to start We had great seats--12 row center! Wicked was amazing!!! Recommended to everyone! Carnegie Deli--Super famously large sandwiches! One cow per sandwich

The usual Easter tradions: eating, egg hunt...peep jousting--pretty normal! :)


I went to Jacksonville to visit my brother and his family for just under a week. I had so much fun! My niece and nephew are getting so old and growing fast! We did shrinky-dinks (I hope the girls know what those are!), puppets, princesses, went to the beach, park, bounce house, gymnastics--I was worn out! Thanks for all of the fun and the food! You guys are the best!
Meet Jackson: I couldn't get over his cheeks! I love him and he loves his food! She's such a big girl! Riding to the park in the neighborhood More fun at the park Jack loved the swings! Adorable! I just couldn't stop taking pictures! Fun at the beach! Perfect weather--little windy so it wasn't too hot The awesome shopping carts of Jacksonville--aren't they cute!
Savannah at her gymnastics class--she was so excited to have an audience! Working the balance beam

The monkey bars--she was so good!

The crew watching Savannah! Dan, Brit, and Jack! Thanks guys!

Last but not least, we went to Philly! Some friends from the ward invited us to go to Philly with them on Saturday--it is only 1.5 hours away. It was lots of fun, in the 80s, and a little humid. But it was great being reminded of the wonderful men who fought for our freedom, our founding fathers!

In front of the liberty bell tower

Liberty Bell--it was smaller than we thought it would be, but it did have a crackA protest to 'End the Fed' before it ends the U.S.

We walked 1.5 miles to a philly-cheese steak restaurant we were told was the best. It was a hot, humid afternoon, and the sandwiches were only mediocre...then we had to walk back :(

Benjamin Franklin Institute--with nothing inside that represented him except for this statue. What an amazing man. Only 2 years of formal education and he invented and started up so many great things!

The Italian Stallion Stalone was not there, but Matt was! The Rocky Balboa steps