hello, beautiful

Oh, this city.  

I don't think I've been more blown away by the beauty of this neighborhood than this spring.  It's been absolutely celestial.  If I imagine heaven.... there's got to be this many cherry blossoms, magnolia trees, etc. everywhere.  These pictures were from our anniversary weekend.  Nelson surprised us with a picnic at Piers Park in East Boston.  I wish I could have spent every day there during this blossoming part of the year.  In a bittersweet moment though, it's been starting to fade.  Neon pink turns to baby pink to white.... to green.  Not just any green, but the brightest green you've ever seen.  It's fascinating to see this vivid of colors everywhere and I do love the green, but there was something so magical about cherry blossoms floating around you.  A light pink snow enveloping you in it's airy music.  Breathtaking.  

I guess it's about time we say it..... but in a blink of an eye, our time here in Boston has come to an end. We will be spending the next chapter of our lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina!! Another pretty portion of this country.  We really are lucky to be putting roots down in some gorgeous places.  The thought of moving brings pangs of all different emotions.  One hand, I am so sad to leave this place. our home. especially since seeing this spring.  It saddens me that Auden is leaving before being able to comprehend and experience Boston.  The other hand, Chapel Hill is so alluring... with it's siren song of comfortable, more suburban-like living.  Oh, but I have loved living in this city!  The fact that we essentially only use the car once a week has been fabulous.  So many activities available at the tip of our fingers.  So attainable.  But Chapel Hill feels right.  We know this is where we are supposed to be, and because of that, the pain of saying goodbye lessens a little bit.  For those who haven't been able to see us while we've lived here.... don't worry!  A part of us will always be here and we'll be happy to come visit with you. Also, anyone up for renting a beach house along the coast of NC?  Won't that be a bucket full of fun?? :) 

P.S. I realize that these pictures are very similar to our Forest Hills Cemetery adventure...

I guess I like to throw nature in Auden's face?? ;) He sure does love it though. 

the day we said "yes"

Sunday was our anniversary.

The day we said "yes" to eternity to together.  The day we remember the unconquerable feeling of bliss.  April 28th was the day that nothing did or could have gone wrong.  When I look back at our pictures from that day, I feel like we look like babies.  We look so young and little; completely unaware of the journey ahead.  But most importantly... that reminiscence of beautiful ignorance, brings smiles.  That glorious, sunny, perfect day was an absolute.  Nothing was going to stop us from being happy.  I need more of that.  Every day I feel like I am burdened by the items on my to do list I haven't done.  I need more of that bliss I felt on April 28th because that was heaven.  I get other bits of heaven when I am with Auden, but it's still different from that momentous day.  Auden is an escape and a haven.  April 28th was a day of love. and love is all we need, right? love conquers all, right? With perfect love comes a perfect brightness of hope.  When I became a mother, my love for Auden was automatic and complete right as I met him.  With Nelson, it had to grow and continues to be refined.  But April 28th was a cherry on top.  A burst of freshness.  That is why I will always love my anniversary.  Because it reminds me of that bright, beautiful, spiritual, wonderful, and miraculous day.  Every year I have a day to remember.  Thanks for choosing me, Nelson Pace.  Thanks for letting me choose you.  Thank you for going on this adventure with me.  In the wise words of Buzz Lightyear, "to infinity and beyond!"  

photos by the talented jacque lynn

previous anniversary post: here

my last New Haven post....

Last, and definitely, not least: the food.

I'm pretty sure we ate our filling of grease for the month during that weekend trip.  but oh man, was it worth it.  Thinking/writing about all that yummy goodness makes me want to head on over to Yale-country right. now.  There's something about greasy food at midnight that go hand in hand... I learned that during my college years.  Major-life-lesson-learned-in-college: check. ;) Back to the restaurants.... ok, pretty much just one of the places.... please indulge me and let me go on and on about this amazing, amaaaaazing pizza place.



it's delicious. it's a huge serving of pizza.  Seriously. if you can, go. Go to Frank Pepe's.  If you can, go now. why are you still reading this!?! :D

and if you are a friend of Nelson's and recently received an email/video about how sodas are the death of society.... don't listen to him for this one trip.  because this soda is so so good.  the bubbly goodness will make you smile.  This cream soda flavor is Nelson's favorite... but I liked the Gassosa (lime flavor).  If you really want to go traditional-New Haven, get the White Birch.  It tastes like a sweeter root beer.

this boy grew up so much during that week.  He was a little toddler at dinner. watching him was fascinating.  and sad at the same time... but more fascinating and hilarious.  He kept howling at the ceiling and then laughing.  and then slamming his hands on the steel table.  we just happened to sit at the one and only table that was the least baby/toddler-friendly. 

game face, guys. game face.

bring it when you go.

look at that thing!!!! 

Fun fact: it is argued that Frank Pepe's is the best pizza in the world. 

did you get that, friends?? 

the world. 

10 {cool} points to Gryffindor the Paces!

This little cottage... we unfortunately could not eat there... but this is the birthplace of..... the hamburger.

*cue angelic music*

The wait was 45 minutes for a burger.  I love you, burgers.  But my temper when my blood sugar is low is not pretty. at all. we had to head elsewhere.

but, my ode to Louis: 

Thank you.  You saved my life during college. Because of you, I have McDonalds.  Love live the burger.  

Love live.... the Big Mac. 

 Instead of Louis Lunch, we went to Shake Shack!  Didn't even have to go all the way to New York to try the famous Shake Shack!  We were so hungry, we didn't get any more pictures.  It was good... but we are still true to our good ol' Tasty Burger here in Fenway.

So, especially for those who knew me "when I was in college," can you see why this was my kind of trip?? But in all seriousness, thanks, my dear sweet husband, for making Valentine's 2013 extremely fun, memorable, and greasy.  ;)  To more Valentine's days!! cheers!!~ 

New Haven {part 2}: details of Yale

{part one here:}

I know these are a lot of pictures of Yale... but I can't help it.  That place is so majestic.  It's like you've stepped into the wonderful world of Harry Potter... but your brain feels like it's soaking up all the intelligence that exudes from the walls and students.  it's awesome.  And for those hoping there's a good dose of Auden channeling his inner Einstein... I will let you know that there aren't a lot of that.  In fact, there aren't any.  We're really trying to not support any racial stereotypes. ;) [i really hope you are laughing with me... and not shaking your head and finger at me...] 

Making our way to Old Campus. This is where most of the freshmen live.  During high school, living here was my dream.  I dreamed of Yale. I am proud of admit it.  I went to a school that was quite similar though: "Y" for Yale and BYU... Blue school colors... Helaman Halls vs. Old Campus.  I'm pretty sure Helaman Halls wins. 

What does this tower remind you of?

Me: LOTR, The Two Towers. 

I am open to your opinions! 

Although it is breathtaking, the architecture and the weather just made everything monotone.  I loved this beautiful pop of red.  I'm not sure if the bumper sticker is something that is inappropriate though.... if it is, I'll apologize now and not send out a formal apology through my PR rep. ;) 

 

sorry BYU Special Collections... Beinecke wins I think on this one. 

 Ah.... and the gem: Yale Law School. 

Seriously. A gem.  I stood in awe in it's glory.  All hail, Yale (law school)! 

 We are so classy.  We get there and we do these poses.  Really brings out our intelligence.

Nelson holding up the ceiling. 

this was above one of their main doors entering the school.  I guess this is their interpretation of what law school is like?  Whatever it is, it was awesome.  Anyone have a real answer? 

We weren't able to visit every part of the school so this will have to suffice: all the schools' crests:

I hope you enjoyed a little tour of Yale through our eyes!  If you get the chance, go!! I guarantee you won't regret it.  To make your trip more enjoyable... good food. But that's for next time!  stay tuned!!
[seriously, we ate good food. you can't take me anywhere unless I have that....]