Weekend Getaway: Branford, CT.

we spent part of memorial day weekend in the beautiful town of branford, ct.

the home we stayed at is a dream!

 it was built in 1834 and is simply perfect.

the owners are a great family from our ward.

they generously let us stay in their connecticut home for a few nights.

the weather was not ideal, gloomy and rainy, but it was so refreshing being away from the city.

 we filled our time watching movies, ridding bikes, and hot tubbing as much as possible.

Sleepover in Connecticut.

After an afternoon of apple picking we made our way back to Lauren's beautiful home.

 (pictured below)

So excited to be in a house and have a break from our tiny apartments, Lauren gave us the grand tour. We ventured into the guest wing where we found a loft without ladder access . The boys immediately had to prove they could climb up with out one. Jeffrey got up okay but Eric had a few set backs... haha Shayly tried to be supportive and help her husband... poor girl. We couldn't stop laughing as Shayly did her best to help Eric up...

Victory! 

We enjoyed great sandwiches at Tony's for lunch.

Went on a beautiful drive.

passed this house and made Lincoln stop the car. 

Amazing, right?!

One of the first school houses in Connecticut. 

We then stopped by Lincoln's Uncles house and had some fun in the backyard.

Shayly showing off her cheer skills. I was impressed. 

Boys playing basketball and tennis. 

That evening for dinner we grilled lemon chicken, asparagus and pineapple and had rice and a delicious salad. It was a feast... so much fun cooking and eating with friends. 

We even set the table for this special occasion. 

for dessert we made burnt marshmallows for s'mores. 

The finished product. So good. 

The rest of the evening was spent watching movies, hot tubing, and enjoying each others company. We woke up early the next morning and took the train back to Manhattan, just in time for church. We had the most amazing weekend. Thank you Lauren & Lincoln for everything!!

Apple Picking.

A couple weekends ago I experienced apple picking for the first time. It was simply wonderful. I knew while living in New York we'd have to take advantage of all the Fall festivities. Apple picking was number one on my list and it ended up being the best day! It was so refreshing to take a break from this crazy city for a day and enjoy the beauty of nature. 

 A few of us took the train to Darien, Connecticut where my good friend Lauren is from. We were able to borrow a car from her family and make our way up to Silvermans's Farm & Orchard. 

after we purchased our bags we took a fun ride up to the apple orchards pulled by a red tractor.

we made it.

let the apple picking begin!

 Lincoln & Lauren

we ate so many delicious apples right off the tree. i've never tasted such crisp apples before. YUM.

they had bins filled to the brim with apples picked fresh and ready to bag/eat.

so happy. 

Eric & Shayly.

we ran into Dwight's cousin Mose Schrute! 

the whole gang. 

my sweets & me.

 after we filled our bags full of apples we made our way to the pumpkin patch. 

they had a play area for children, which I naturally climbed into, full of corn kernels. kids were making "corn angels" and swimming through the sea of kernels. it was pretty great. 

cute Lauren. 

the boys are ready for pumpkin carving. 

autumn in full bloom. so pretty.

this was one of my favorite days since moving to New York. I sometimes can't believe we live in this amazing city and call it home. we've been fortunate to have so many wonderful experiences with some pretty great people. I don't ever want to leave. :)