The Koellings Visit Boston

This past weekend we had such a fun time with our friends Pat and Lindsay. Several weeks ago they decided to come visit Boston, and then the timing worked out perfectly because we're moving next week! Getting to see them before our move was such a treat. We loved every single second we spent with them.

It was our last carefree weekend appreciating Boston, and we couldn't have picked more fun-loving people to be with. It was especially fun to see Lindsay because she and I are exactly three months apart in our pregnancies!

7 months vs 4 months

Settlers of Catan

Since moving from Utah, Johnny and I have really missed playing games at Johnny's parents' house every Sunday night.

While Bobby and Caitlin were here, we played Settlers of Catan four times! I know, that sounds a bit excessive. The problem was that Johnny kept winning every time, and we had to keep playing in hopes of beating him. It never happened.

At first, we weren't sure where we'd have room to play in our tiny apartment, but then we decided to sit on blankets and play on the kitchen floor. It worked out perfectly!

I loved playing a game every night, and it makes me want to play more games! Do any of my NYC buddies enjoy board games?

A Sunday in Central Park

On Sunday Johnny, Bobby, Caitlin, and I headed up to Central Park. Central Park is my favorite place in the City, and I love taking visitors there. First, we took them up to the reservoir, my favorite running spot.

Next, we went to the Great Lawn and watched a softball game for a few minutes. During this time, Caitlin and I decided to see how much time Johnny and Bobby would spend talking about sports during our walk. It was at least 50% of the time.

During our walk, Johnny and I took lots of pictures of Caitlin and Bobby. They are perfect little models.

Please ignore the frizzy hair. It can't be helped.

We ended our stroll by watching this talented little street artist. He is one of the best I've seen out here! Caitlin and I couldn't resist giving him money.

Afterward, we went back to the apartment and relaxed, just in time for an afternoon thunderstorm.

Caitlin and Bobby's Visit

 Johnny's sister Caitlin and her husband Bobby stayed with us this past week. We had such a great time with them, and when they left, our apartment felt empty. Johnny and I were working most days, but on Saturday we were able to go out and explore the city with them.

We went to Grand Central and saw Johnny's Tropicana work!

Then we went to Greenwich Village and SoHo and walked around.

We saw a coco helado cart and had to get some!

And of course Caitlin and I had to stop in Madewell.

Next, we explored Chinatown. For some reason I decided I wanted to try fresh coconut juice. It sounded really good, but it didn't taste good at all! Johnny and Bobby liked it, though.

We ended the day at Doughnut Plant. I'd never been, but I'd heard good things. I got a peach doughnut, and it was delicious!

our visitors for the week

My sister Sarah and her friend Angelle arrived Wednesday night, and they just left this morning. They were the most gracious guests. I felt like they were showering me with gifts left and right. I received candy, a gift card, and they treated us to dinner. Oh, AND they washed all my dishes while they were here!! I would come into the kitchen, and all my dirty dishes had disappeared. It was so great!

They were pretty self-directed during their stay, and it was fun to hear about their adventures each night. I love hearing tourists' take on NYC because it reminds me of how great this city is.

While my sister was here, Persie slept in our room. She and her toys, food, and litter box are normally confined to the living room at night, so this was a real treat for her (not us). Little does she realize that tonight that treat will come to an end :)

I know. I'm awful for doing a smiley face. Poor kitteh. She's just too hyper at night.

Persie on her throne in our bedroom

We ventured across the Brooklyn Bridge with Sarah and Angelle on Saturday night, and we strolled through Central Park on Sunday afternoon.

Despite the cold weather, we enjoyed every second. Thanks, Sarah, for coming to NYC!

Mr. Rick Came to Manhattan

Once there was a big brother named Rick. He came and visited his sister out in New York, and it made his sister very happy.

This story begins on a Wednesday. Rick arrived at around 5:00pm, and he and I headed down to Midtown to meet up with Johnny.

Rick

We went to the Rockefeller Center. The ice skating rink is up and running!

Then we went and had some delicious street meat at a nearby cart (the best in the city!) and headed home.

Johnny and I were working on Thursday, so Rick was pretty much left to his own devices during the day. On Thursday I was able to spend a little bit of time with him at the Met during my lunch break.

I had no idea the Met had roof access. There was a really neat bamboo structure, and the view was great. I highly recommend going up to the roof if you go to the Met.

On Thursday night, we went and explored Little Italy and Chinatown. We ate at Nyonya, a yummy Malaysian restaurant.

Then we went to Little Italy and Rick bought some delicious pastries. He and I ate them all in one night! They were soooo good!

 

Rick was sure to keep me filled up on bakery goods throughout his whole visit :)

On Friday, Johnny and I had work (again) but Rick went out exploring on his own.

He took the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. (Why didn't I steal more pictures from his camera??) He also revisited Chinatown and bartered with the street merchants :)  

On Saturday Rick had the opportunity to go sailing with our Uncle Pat. I think this was Rick's favorite part of the trip.

Rick the sailor!

On Sunday we went to Central Park, which deserves its own post, and it will get it.

I can't believe Rick is already gone. It makes me sad! I wish I got to see him more frequently. Rick, we'll see you at Christmas! Love you, big bro!