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Monthly Archives: November 2011

The happiest of happy surprises

Our plan started months ago – I would be in NYC with my family and Emily would meet us there with hers, but we wouldn’t tell any of the children.
There were so many times one of us would almost slip up as the trip got closer, we were both BUSTING to share the exciting news with our little girls, who hadn’t seen each other in over a year.

We were just as excited to see each other.

But we held strong, not even mentioning there was a surprise in store.
Neither of the girls had ANY idea – none of the kids did.

The morning of, we were texting constantly, keeping track of their progress and our whereabouts.
FINALLY, the time arrived!
I told her to text me when she got to our block.
As soon as I got the news, I innocently asked Anna if she would come outside with me for a photo.
Jeff manned the camera, and I positioned us so that Emily’s family would come up behind us.

As she sidled up alongside us, she asked, “Can you take a picture of us too?”

And that’s when the hugs and squeals and laughs began, and the missing ended.

And of course, being the dorks we are, we couldn’t help but croon to each other, “REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOOOOOOD.”

The girls were like two strips of velcro – attached at the forehead and hip from the moment they were back together.

So were we all, really…

These people are family. Ups and downs and distance never seem to matter for long.

Two days in the city together over the holiday was completely magic.

SO grateful for this time together.

gapstow bridge | central park | nyc

Jeff took this shot of us on our last stop before heading to the airport last Friday.
I can’t believe we were just there a few days ago!

I am working today, and hope to blog more about the trip later this week. For a sneak peek through my best friend Emily’s eyes (who lives on the east coast and met up with us as a surprise for the little girls), go here.

Hope you all had a lovely holiday week.

-Tara

CA — NYC

Tomorrow I leave our beautiful coastline for its sister in the East…it’s already time again for our annual Thanksgiving vacation.

Life has thrown me several curve balls over the last three weeks, and I apologize for being absent here. I see this upcoming break as such a gift, and I can’t wait to show my children the wonder and magic of New York City over the holidays. We are so lucky to be able to do this with them.

I made this image by layering two shots together. Views from my neighborhood. Straight out of camera otherwise. I think I am going to make this really big and hang it up, really soon.

Wishing you all a peaceful, restorative Thanksgiving.

See you next week.
-Tara