1,000 Islands Adventures

We had a great time visiting my parents in the Islands!  We fit quite a bit into less than 24 hours: DELICIOUS pizza and wings on the waterfront in Alexandria Bay followed by a walk through the town and ice cream (also delicious) ~ apple pies over the campfire (not pictured because it was super dark) ~ a 5 star breakfast made by my parents this morning (believe me, you would have been amazed at what they produced in a kitchen about the size of a large shoe box) ~ a midday trip to the local wineries for some tastings (if you enjoy a good port wine, definitely try the Frontenac XXX) ~ and finally, a boat ride under the sun to conclude our whirlwind mini-vaca.  Aside from the inconsiderate crickets that kept me up for majority of the night, we had a lovely time! :)

We Miss You Costa Rica!

With the weather warming up (it's going to be a hot, hazy and sunny 92 degrees today!), Wes and I have been reminiscing/missing, Costa Rica.  We both agreed that while we thoroughly enjoyed our honeymoon, when we returned home, we were really happy to be back to a more sane routine (i.e. not balancing life and wedding preparations).  It hasn't been until recently that we've started to really miss the wonder that was Costa Rica.  So, we thought we'd relive some of the beauty, albeit virtually, here today...

 The open-air lobby overlooked the Pacific Coast line.  It was the perfect arrival scene!

This friend fella visited us each morning for breakfast on our balcony.

Swim up bar.  Need we say more?

A pretty tangled mess.

Our favorite thing to do each evening.

Ok, maybe walks on the beach were my favorite thing to do each day.  Wes was a huge fan of the swim up bar. :)

Brasilito was the local town about a 1/2 mile walk down the beach from our resort.   Extremely simple bars and restaurants, shops, motels, homes and soccer fields.

Vibrant was the name of the game.

Horseback riding up and down a very muddy and steep mountainside, in the beautiful rainforest, was both terrifying and exhilarating.  It was a very proud accomplishment for me.  

After horseback riding, we took a little detour (compliments of Rafael, as seen below) to see the natural waterfalls!

My one true love-hate relationship.

Done with horseback riding, on our way to the hot springs.  That's our buddy Rafael in the back.  He was an awesome local tour guide!

This was the path that separated our resort (to the right) from the beach (to the left).  The locals would setup shop, selling jewelry, massages on the beach and tours.  Eric Garcia is the man scratching his neck in the blue and white t-shirt.  If you're ever staying at the Westin Playa Conchal in Costa Rica - book a tour through him - he's super reliable and friendly!

And finally, the best part of all...THE SUNSETS!

*sigh*

It's been too long!

Hope you haven't forgot about us; I've been terrible about blogging!  I'm determined to be more consistent again.  We have some exciting visitors coming our way over the next month, so I'll have some fantastic material.  If you're reading this and you're not part of the "exciting visitor" crew, IT'S NOT TOO LATE.  We would love to have you!

Ok, back to our happenings.  Last Thursday we flew to Orlando for a wedding.  One of my most loyal friends said "I do" in an absolutely beautiful setting.  Take a look at some pics from our whirlwind weekend...

We hit up Downtown Disney on Thursday since we had the day to ourselves.  Shout out to Tony Juliano - this is one of his favorite places to eat in Downtown Disney.  

Nothing tastes better than your 1st beer on vacation, albeit a mini-vaca. 

Cheers!

That night we went to the ALE HOUSE!  When I lived in Orlando (for about 2 seconds after college), my friends and I hung out here ALL THE TIME.  So I just had to take Wes.

We had the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner on Friday.  Here we are waiting for our ride.

Check out the venue!  If you squint you can see the Groom and his Groomsmen taking photos on the sand.  This is a shot I took from the bridal suite, which was super cute and cozy.  A perfect place to get all glammed up while sipping mimosas before the big show. 

Laurie and Tom were married under the pergola.  It was really breathtaking - you would never know how freakin' cold it was!  By the time the ceremony started it was high 40's - low 50's but with the wind felt well below that.  Luckily, it was a short and sweet ceremony and we were able to wear shalls over our dresses (a last minute, much appreciated decision).  

And finally - the beautiful bride!  She was absolutely S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G.

Professional Packers and Un-Packers, for Hire.

Seriously, as we unpacked Sunday afternoon, for the ummmmm, 5th time in 6 weeks??, Wes commented that we're getting pretty efficient at the traveling process and all it entails.  Here's a look at another fun weekend!

We arrived at the hotel (Renaissance Westchester) early enough to grab a DELICIOUS lunch.  Best hotel food we've had in a while - compliments of the 80 West restaurant.

This photo really doesn't do this view justice.  Overlooking the Long Island Sound, the Coveleigh Club was GORGEOUS.

BEAUTIFUL Bride

xo

The HAPPY couple.

RIDICULOUSLY talented Manhattan College Pipe & Drum band.  A surprise for the Groom. :)

Life-long FRIENDS.

One of the great things about a Friday wedding, is that you have Saturday FREE!  Check out this street artist we stumbled upon in Washington Square Park!  Rolling your baby grand down New York City streets to entertain the masses - no big deal.  God, we miss New York.

LOVED the color of this building - definitely stood out among the drab brown buildings surrounding it.

We stopped at Grape and Grain, the restaurant my sister worked at while she lived in Brooklyn, for a bite to eat.  HIGHLY recommend this place if you're ever in the neighborhood (lower east side).  It's super tiny, very mellow, and completely satisfying.

Check out the CALM ambiance.  

Homemade pretzels with sunflower and pumpkin seeds and a mustard seed something-or-other sauce.  As if that's not enough, add homemade garlic pickels and FREAKIN delicous cheese. 

We tried to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, but there was too much construction happening on the path that blocked the STUNNING view, so we turned around in the middle.  Next time we'll make it to Brooklyn.

I edited the photo to fade out the beads of sweat running down our faces.  Can you say HOT & SWEATY?  Luckily, he already proposed. :/

Yet another successful weekend trip!  However, we've decided to stay put in DC this weekend.  :)