friends

celebrating a birthday on the patio out back of our apartment

india themed party with friends

branden and i were talking the other day about what has made new york such a wonderful experience.  while the city can be a great adventure with so much to see and do, it can also be impossible.  hauling around kids and all the stuff that they need can be exhausting.  (honestly-i'm hoping that i will be less exhausted physically once i am no longer pregnant.  i mean, i know i'll be exhausted and sleep deprived, but hopefully it won't feel like i am walking around with sandbags attached to my body...)

hugo's buddy scott (that's what friends are for right?)

more celebrations with friends...

anyway, we realized we love new york because of the people.  it's our dear friends that make it special.  the highline park is fun-but it's even better with friends to enjoy it with (and to laugh with when our kids run into the tourists walking the other direction).  picnics in the park are fun-but without someone to lay out in the sunshine and revel in the skyline-it's easy to forget to look at the skyline.  the food is incredible-but without someone to split the levain cookie with or to debate which is the best donut at doughnut plant-it's hard to remember to revel in its deliciousness.

i guess it comes down to this-a life that is not shared with friends and family just doesn't feel as real.   so thanks friends for keeping new york real.  we are so lucky to have you.