At the Easter Parade!

One of my all time favorite movies is Easter Parade with Fred Astaire and Judy Garland. Getting excited to show Ken this under-appreciated film I googled "easter parade" and found that New York still carries on the tradition. Every Easter morning, crowds gather along 5th Ave to enjoy, and showoff their easter frocks and most importantly their easter bonnets. It may not be as classy as it was in the early years, but today you will find some of the most imaginative and outrageous hats on not only humans but animals alike. 

"Happy Easter, To You!"

Isn't he just so cute!

The beauty in film. Me and my Diana

There is something beautiful about film. In a world where digital images can alter our memories to a state of perceived "perfection", I am grateful for films ability to help us find beauty in the unexpected outcomes of our images and lives. The way film captures the hazy instants and moments, even with all of the imperfections, film seems to reflect more accurately on the memories I hold so dear. 

Christmas in the City!

There is something very special in the city once the trees begin to line the streets and the smell of pine tries to trick into thinking that you are in the midst of a forest rather than an urban jungle. I love the hustle and bustle as people rush from one errand to the next, all the while humming a christmas tune. No better place to be than right smack dab in the middle of it!

Ice Skating, Admiring the Window Displays, Walks in the Snow, Tree Decorating, Toffee Making, Christmas Markets, Eating and Eating

The moments of our first Fall in New York City

Concerts, Long Walks, Bike Rides, Learning to Rely on the Lord, Farmers Markets, Banksy, Baseball and a whole lot of Adventures

Pondering on how we arrived to this small apartment in a very big city.

Since the new year arrived we have been off to a busy start with my work and ken's studies, we haven't had a break. But now as the snow is falling faster I have finally found a quiet night to reflect on the past year that brought us to this amazing big city and all of the adventures in between.

Last year we celebrated Christmas with the Okoren Clan (the BEST gift of all- Ken's acceptance call to NYU Medical School. This was especially sweet as he had been stranded in NYC during the week of Hurricane Sandy but came home in love with the people who opened their homes to him, a complete stranger in the city.)

We enjoyed the beauty of our final winter in Utah. Now being away I realize how blessed we were to live there.

We Graduated from BYU! April 26, 2013 (our 1 year anniversary)

We enjoyed more beauty at the Havasupai Reservation with our friends Anne and Spencer. The waterfalls were amazing as was the kind man who gave us a lift after our car broke down...

We spent some time with the Okorens Celebrating Karina's high school graduation and Prom

We traveled around the world in a trip that included; Peru, Spain, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Turkey, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. (The actual details on this will hopefully follow soon)

After selling most of our possessions and cars, we moved to NYC.

We found our place in St Cyril's Church, a Slovene Catholic Church in the East Village. We joined the local branch of the organization and even helped organize a wonderful Martinovanje celebration for the Slovenes of NY, the Ambassador and friends. 6 geese were cooked and more potica and slovene wine was consumed than I thought possible! After the dinner we were able to meet with the Secretary of Defense for Slovenia. Although he did not answer any of my questions 1) I understood 90% of what he said- IN SLOVENE! and 2) only had to nudge my husband awake once (he doesn't speak slovene but still sat through a 2 hour political meeting-MAJOR POINTS!) and 3) I realized how important education and a focus on opportunities for the younger generation is in building a countries wealth and prosperity. When there are no opportunities for growth, the youth will go where they can find them.

We spent a wonderful Thanksgiving with Ty and Bre in Virginia.

And played a lot in the city. We enjoyed the window displays, went ice skating more than once, rode old fashion subway cars, walked through central park, fought through tourists to visit The Tree more than once, and spent a few nights reenacting scenes from ELF.

We then flew down to Illinois for a wonderful week with the Prices. Their love and generocity astounds me. I am grateful for such wonderful examples from our parents of pure service and devotion to God. They inspire me.