The month of Jew-lie...

Oh hey there, peeps! I'm overdue, so let's get right to it!

The month of July was great... summer at its very best! I had a wonderful NYC Fourth of July complete with the famous hot dog eating contest on Coney Island, some beach time, a fun picnic in central park and fireworks on our TV... :)

The crowd was incredible. Everyone there was so pumped - never seen anything like it. I couldn't help but join and get right in the USA watch-people-stuff-their-faces spirit.

And of course... we had to get our own famous Nathan's hot dogs.

We even found some real live famous Nathan hot dogs! The contest was basically right on Coney Island beach so after lunch we walked right on over to the sand and got our tan on.

 That night, we met up with some old BYU friends for a picnic in central park. It was so beautiful and such a perfect end to a fun day.

 After our picnic, everyone came over to our house where we watched the fireworks on our TV. I know, I know... we were RIGHT THERE, but we just didn't have the desire to go out and fight crowds again in order to watch them in person. Judge if you will. After fireworks, I gave Brendan a little haircut... that is the explanation for the picture above. This was Deb haircut #3 for him and so far he has been happy with the results. And it's a good thing too cuz I really don't know what I'm doin! But shhhhhh....

 The very next day I hopped on a bus and rode it for 6 hours so I could meet up with my sis, Darla, and her cute fam in Geneva, NY. 

 Despite what the picture tells you, the bus actually wasn't so bad. I had service, wi-fi, a power outlet and all the people-watching anyone could ever want. Some people are just cray cray. But anyway - I met up with Darla in Geneva and then we spent the night in a vacation house with some of their friends, so we could wake up early the next morning and hit the road... bound for Kansas City, Kansas!

 Will you just look at these gems? We had a LONG road trip together, but it really couldn't have been better. Darla's kids are the sweetest and we made many 'o good mems. 

 Caroline is the funniest little thing. I really loved getting to know her cute personality.

 I got to share a hotel room with Luke and Savannah after the first leg of our journey. It was a blast! We ate treats in bed and watched National Treasure. These two are so much fun to be with and they are SO sweet and funny. I love being Aunt Debra. 

 See... told ya... treats. :)

 Speakin of treats... we had more in the car. 

 But I obviously wasn't complaining. Daniel and Darla were great to travel with. They are full of laughs, wisdom and great advice. Our good convos in the car made the trip go by purdy darn fast.

We made it to Kansas City in time for dinner on our 2nd day of travel! Woohoo! It was so great to see Ben, Sara (another sister) and their kids. We had SO many adventures... here are just a few...

 What's a family vacay without a little Costco time? 

 We swam in the pool every day and I LOVED it. This is what summer is all about, people.

 And of course... an all-you-can-eat buffet is a definite. Will you just look at that?!

 Scott is the oldest nephew in the fam and he's just growing up so fast. Such a good kid. It seems like yesterday that he was my royalty escort (As a 3 year old) on the Basic High School football field for the Homecoming game. Life is crazy.

We celebrated Darla's birthday in Kansas! She woke up to a breakfast in bed and a beautiful rendition of Happy Birthday To Ya.

 Everybody say 33!!!

 Sara and I were proud of our spread.

 The kids loved the celebration. Party hats and all. These 2 two year olds are just the best. Really. Brooke is the sweetest little thing and so cute. She and Caroline make a great duo.

 Sisterzzzz!!! We snuck away during nap time for a little birthday sister lunch. I'm so lucky to have such good, fun sisters who are my very best friends.

 And Feliz Cumpleanos, Darlita! We ended the night with a little birthday fiesta. The sombrero was the highlight.

 Cuddle time with Brooke. I spent one afternoon home with just Kate and Brooke while everyone was off doing other things. It was good quality girl time. We watched a movie, shared snacks and had a dance party. Kate is such a good big sister to Brooke. They are all such GOOD kids!

 Sara's kids LOVE Chipotle and I joined them for dinner there one night. And you better believe Brett ate all of that burrito. He's such a fun and charismatic little guy. He always makes me laugh.

 We ran across this little gem as we were browsing through boutiques and got the giggles. Naturally. As sisters do. I had to take a pic... Sorry for the word 'butt', mom and dad. :)

 One night before dinner, we had a spontaneous dance party. These kids were the most hard core little dancers you ever did see. I mean... just LOOK at them!

 And they were being very cooperative when Aunt Debra asked for dance poses.

 And more dance poses. :)

 So... one afternoon we decided to take Chick-fil-a up on their offer and dressed up like cows for a free meal. Moooooooo! It was hilarious. 

 And my sisters are hilarious.

 It worked! We all got free meals and some rockin cow costumes for future use. 

Our time in Kansas ended way too fast, but we were on a schedule... next stop: Detrooooooit!!!

 This is Caroline at her best on one of our pit stops. Ain't she somethin?

 And here are my Detroit girls!!! I love them so much! My time with Laura (yet another sister) and Steve was short and sweet, but they showed me a good time like always. We went swimming, running, ate thai food and watched The Bachelorette. Does life get any better?

 Kaylie is also 2 years old like Brooke and Caroline, so she is also full of spunk and personality. I had a lot of fun with her and Amber. Geez... this trip really was the best.

Laura and I read bedtime stories with Kaylie in her princess tent one night. Such a party. Squishy, but still a party nonetheless. 

I am so grateful for my wonderful family. Seriously. I think I owe a lot of my sanity and stability over the last few years to them. They have been my best friends through the hard times and continue to always lend a listening ear when I'm in need. And... we have a heck of a lot of fun together. 

So... I flew back to the NYC after Detroit and got back to reality.

See? So back to reality. Just wanted to document a run along the Hudson River one day. And yes... I know. This should be my new headshot. #superattractive

If there is one thing I'll miss about Manhattan (If I leave someday... this is no announcement), it will be the many running trails to choose from. Just look at that view!

And back to reality also means fun nights on the town with this guy. See the Freedom Tower in the background? Yeah - I live here. We went to dinner at a fun restaurant called Ninja this night. And all the waiters there are... wait for it... ninjas. They scared the livin daylights outta me every time they came to our table. But they lit our food on fire too so I forgave them.

And... the adventure continues...