It has been an eventful, rainy, and special week! My parents were here all week, so the four of us have been piled up in our little apartment for the past six days! We had a great few days exploring the city together, and on Friday we road tripped it to Penn State for the Alabama football game. After the Bama victory, we drove back to New York so we could go to a church service and be here on the anniversary of 9/11. As we were driving into the city last night around midnight, there were police on every street corner, and tons of cars were pulled over on the side of the road being searched. Just like I mentioned last week after the hurricane scare, there was once again a different and interesting beat to the city. It really seems like this city has its own language…I LOVE NEW YORK!

I have been very humbled and touched listening to all of the 9/11 tributes and testimonials this week. September 11th is a day that comes up in conversation or crosses my mind pretty often, but I will admit, it has been a while since I have really spent time thinking about those affected. This week has been such a special time because I feel like the whole country has been thinking about the people and families who lost a loved one on that day, about those who bravely gave their lives to save others on that day, and about those who miraculously survived and have stories to tell from that day. Today, I thought about the little, petty things I sometimes gripe and complain about, and I felt kind of foolish! Next time you let something small or trivial get to you or if you allow bitterness to weigh you down, force yourself to stop and count your blessings. Because we have so much to be thankful for. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

A little bit more from the week…

Me, mom, and dad in front of our apartment!

We had a great lunch at the Meatball Shop in Williamsburg. I highly recommend this place…the food and the prices are good.

And the waiters are pretty cool…

Cheese lovers…head over to the Bedford Cheese Shop for a cheese education or tasting.

Check out the chicken pot pie from Tartine in the West Village. It was amazing. This tiny (only 8 tables) little French cafe has incredible food, the staff was super friendly, AND it’s bring your own wine!

My dad with one of the waitresses, Natasha, who has been there for fourteen years! Tartine has been open for 22 years…if a place lasts that many years in New York City, that means it is worth going.

It rained all day, everyday. A little rain didn’t slow us down, though!

Inside the Penn State Stadium- There was a White Out!

Miller and I at the game.

Brad gaining the first down on the fake punt. PHEW…it was close!

Brad and my dad after the game…sweet picture!

We went to church today at the Brooklyn Tabernacle…WOW. I recommend this place to anyone visiting New York. The choir is absolutely INCREDIBLE, there were a melting pot of people in attendance, I got about 15 bear hugs from strangers while I was there, and they have a cafe with the best country cooking I have had in a long time- think fried chicken, cornbread, turnip greens, and mac and cheese!