California-'I Do'

I've never taken pictures at a wedding before, and I did so at this one purely as a spectator so please excuse any discrepancies in wedding photography etiquette or technique.

Ilia- My beautiful new cousin-in-law

Cousin Evan had a little trouble after Ilia said her vow. They wrote their own - very commendable. And walked down the aisle to MJ's "I'll be there."

Victory!

California-Boards and Burgers

My cousin Evan was getting married. In Laguna Beach. During the US Open Surfing Championships. Needless to say, my attendance was mandatory. I flew coast to coast for the weekend and had the best time with my family.

First of all, California meant a reunion with my one true love, In N Out. Quite possibly the best burger made by human hands, this organization is what is pure and true in fast food.

The beach crowd at the US Open Surfing Championships

Getting ready to ride the waves

Not to mention courts upon courts of sand volleyball. My parents refused to leave me there

And fishing...ew

Farewell Big Apple

The less time I had left in the city, the more fun I had. I saved the pilgrimage to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty until my very last week.

I'm not one of those people who know exactly where they come from. I have no clue what my ancestors did for a living, or what type of boat they arrived on. That being said, I was extremely moved by Ellis Island. I found myself reading every statement, display and lingering at every picture that described the life of an immigrant trying to build a new life.

I met these guys at Bryant Park. They belong to an organization called Juggle NYC. If you're in the Big Apple, I highly suggest you check them out- fantastic guys.

I also had to say my good-byes to Central Park, by far my favorite place in the city.

Fourth of July- DC

As wonderful as NYC was, I needed a break by the 4th of July. I'd never been to Washington DC, so I packed my bags for a long weekend to visit friends and sight see. Not only was DC fun, patriotic and educational, it hands down wins the "Cleanest City" award.

Children play in the fountains at the WWII memorial

Maya Lin's Vietnam Memorial

And the best part... FIREWORKS!!!!

NYC Round 3

Hello! I know I've been severely slacking, but after some hard drive issues, I've finally started to sort through my pictures from this summer. The more I got used to the concrete jungle, the more random and exciting things popped up. As an avid baseball fan, I went to a Yankees game and THEN miraculously got tickets to the Mets vs Cardinals series. I took my Cards jersey against the angry, intense Mets fans. Of course the Cards triumphed in extra innings, and I made sure every New Yorker knew I was from the Lou.

I had preconceived notions about Yankees fans being rude. Not the case. The Yanks were charm school teachers compared Mets fans. We sat next to the Cards bull pen and the taunting was a little more than harsh. Then, as we tried to defend our beloved Cardinals pitcher, Jason Motte, WE were told to sit and calm down. Prejudice much?

As amazing as the Yankees' game was... we missed A-Rod's 600th home run by two nights. Yankee stadium almost rivals Busch in its sunset beauty.