Sunday, July 31, 2011

Our U.S Tour

On Tuesday morning we arrived back from our two week whirlwind tour of America. Like many holidays it was not a relaxing one. Because this was our first joint trip back since moving to Australia in November we had many stops to make.

First stop: Los Angeles

We had the pleasure of spending our 4th of July weekend with friends and family in LA. We spent a night in Costa Mesa with Adam's sister Sarah, brother-in-law Tim and brand new niece lil' Taylor. Then we headed to LA to stay with some great friends and celebrate America's Independence Day! We even got a special visit from Adam's brother Andrew who will be leaving in October for his second tour of Afghanistan.
Tim, Sarah, Taylor, Me, Adam in Costa Mesa
Friends for dinner and drinks at Pink Taco, LA
Amazeballs on July 4th!


Second stop: The Burgh (also known as Pittsburgh)

We flew to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for a quick 3 night stay to see Adam's family. We had a lovely time seeing his parents, his brother, his uncle, 2 aunts, 2 grandmas and a great aunt. Phew!

Third stop: Penn State

After our stay in The Burgh we took a bus to Penn State for our amazing friends' wedding. We got to see so many people and had a wonderful time. It was my first time at Penn State since I am originally from Florida and it was nice getting the tour. Congratulations to Renae and Travis Kochel!!!

Us with the beautiful Bride and Groom
Chris Stewart/ The James Bond of Beer
The Bride and Groom

Fourth stop: NYC!

After the wedding, on Sunday, we hitched a ride with our friend and headed to NYC! We went straight to our dear friends Luke and Mandy place where we crashed for the next 3 nights. First night there we had a lovely dinner at Mama Mexico with both my parents, Adam's mother, and Luke and Mandy. After dinner, we went and had some drinks at a cute wine spot along Riverside Park. The next couple days included shopping, dinner in Long Island with my family, more shopping, Happy Hour party at The Cooper Square Hotel with our amazing friends and then an early flight out next morning. I LOVE YOU NYC!
Dinner with Family in Long Island
Drinks with friends at Cooper Square Hotel
Dinner with friends in East Village
Fifth and final stop: Tampa, Florida

Our 4 nights and 5 days in Tampa went by fast. My mom picked us up at the airport Wednesday morning and then the madness began. Without even going home first, she drove us to our wedding venue to have our food tasting and meet with the florist. Then we were off to our first cake tasting. The next few days included looking at wedding invitations, another cake tasting, a gown fitting, lots of shopping, and an amazing co-ed shower hosted by my mother's amazing friends. About 50 people came and that included my sister and her boyfriend who flew down from Chi-Town and two of my bridesmaids: Megan Lathinghouse with her boyfriend and Heather Wiseman with her future husband-to-be. It was such a great time in Florida. Turns out we got a lot done and all thanks to my mother who so generously schlepped us around the whole time. Thank you Mom!
With friends at our wedding shower.
My Mom and Shower Hostesses

Now we're back in Sydney where it has basically poured every day all day! I just hope it doesn't rain this weekend because we are headed to Hunter Valley for some wine tasting.

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