Quick Trip to NYC

Well, it's been quite a month for the Willis family. The past four weeks have been exhilarating, exciting, and absolutely exhausting. Our family blog has been woefully neglected, but hopefully we can get caught up in the next few days. Two weeks ago, Jessica and I had the opportunity to get away to New York City. Manhatten is by far one of our favorite destinations, but we'd never actually ventured over to Brooklyn before this trip. Our previous trips to NYC have been remarkably "touristy" so we decided to skip most of the sites we had seen in the past.

We were graciously given the use of an apartment for a few days in the Clinton Hill neighborhood in Brooklyn and we were pleasantly surprised. The area was infused with artistic people surrounded by historic architecture with most of the buildings and brownstones dating back to the pre-war era. We were surrounded by the beauty of the city and the warmth that resonated from the residents of Clinton Hill.

Thursday night we went to see one of my favorite bands Over the Rhine at the City Winery in Soho. Fantastic show in a great venue!

Friday we made our way to Brooklyn Bridge Park for a breathtaking view of lower Manhatten...

A bit of shopping in Soho, Chelsea Market, and the Village on Friday afternoon...

Fought the crowds in Little Italy during the San Gennaro festival on Friday night to make our way to Angelo's...

Saturday we mostly stayed around Central Park...

We rented a rowboat to go out on the little lake, which gave me a perfect opportunity to impress my wife with my rowing ability (of which, I found out, I have very little).

The weekend was filled with amazing food, which included, of course, some incredible chocolatiers. (Those of you who know my wife probably aren't surprised;)

This is her pleasantly content at MarieBelle Cacao Bar and Tea Salon, enjoying everything chocolate...

Sunday was the only day we made it to Times Square and the Theater District. As you can see, there were a few people that got there before us.

But a banana and Nutella crepe made the crowds worth it.

We made our way to the Theater District on Sunday to see the broadway version of C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters. I have to say, this production was absolutely amazing. I can't say enough about how incredibly the content of the book was adapted for the stage and how it was brilliantly portrayed by the actors. I can't recommend it enough to anyone who has the opportunity to see it.
One more food picture ;)

I had some of the most amazing french toast in Brooklyn on Monday morning... almost tasted like bread pudding on the inside of the bread. (incredible) Had to share the picture.

Of course, the only way either of us were able to relax and really enjoy ourselves is knowing that we could still tell our favorite little person in the world good night every evening! Thank God for grandparents and Skype!

(He was feeding us some goldfish in the pic below;)

We were so grateful to be able to get away together to celebrate our 5 year anniversary, even for just a few days. It's been an amazing journey full of laughter, love and deep peace! I'm grateful for every moment!