Pabbiefest

We recently went on a trip to NYC via DC for the wedding of our dear friends, Abbie & Pat.

[ That's not Abbie & Pat... that's us...just thought I'd throw in this pic :o) ]

Our friends Caleb and Kenisha were kind enough to let us crash with them for a night in DC on the way up and it was great to see them and their new house (and their new puppy, Sadie).

We also got to go see the Sunset Parade, in which Caleb performs in The Commandant's Own United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps... which was O-MASING.  Seriously, it was awesome.  And free to the public, so if you're in the area during May - August, it's every Tuesday night at the Iwo Jima memorial in DC at 7:00 p.m.  Check it out.  You won't be sorry.  We had a great time chillaxin' with them, eatin' ribs and buffalo chicken dip.  :o)

We then forged on to the Big Apple to meet up with our friends for Pabbiefest, which was a week-long celebration complete with good friends, good food, fun times, the sweetest wedding, and a very detailed itinerary...which we didn't follow...at all.  But it was a great idea!  It's the thought that counts!

It was great to see all our friends and to see everyone come together from all over the world to celebrate with Pat & Abbie on their big day.

Their wedding was so beautiful, and so personal.  That's what I loved about it the most.  It was so true to them, from the bridesmaids and groomsmen dancing, (yes, dancing) down the aisle, an amazing speech by Abbie's father, poetry readings, beautiful music, to the most touching vows I think I've ever heard, written by the couple to each other.

Daniel and Abbie's sister Claire played 'Over the Hills & Far Away' by Led Zeppelin on the guitar and violin and did an amazing job... seriously, there were people on the street cheering them on!

Overall it was just such a happy occasion and so filled with love.  After the wedding was over and everyone was saying their goodbyes, Abbie started crying because she was so happy that everyone had come out and so sad that the week was coming to an end.  That's the great thing about Abbie, she feels things so passionately her heart just can't hold it all in!  And Pat is such a genuinely nice person, and so easy to talk to, he instantly makes you feel comfortable and as if you've known him forever.  So great to see such a wonderful couple in love, makin' it official!

We got to do a little sightseeing while in NYC as well.  Times Square, the Subway, Central Park, the Subway, Grand Central Station, the Subway, the Freedom Tower, the Subway, Brooklyn Bridge, the Subway, The Highline Park, the Subway, the Statue of Liberty, the Subway, and various other sights around Brooklyn and NYC... did I mention we were on the Subway a lot?  Oh, and we did TONS of walking.  In 100 degree weather.  Our ice-cold, air-conditioned hotel room sure felt nice after walking all day in that heat!

Incidentally, this sign was on the building right next to our hotel... yikes...

It was a whirlwind, but fun.  After getting cheated in a major way at a parking deck on our last day... [boo parking deck]...I was ready to come home to my quiet house in the country.

We got to see some pretty countryside on our way home.  We took the long way through Lancaster, PA and saw some beautiful farms in Amish country.  It was nice seeing all that open space after being in the city all week.

Finally, after 16 hours in the car [did I mention we took the long route?] we arrived back at home sweet home.  Back to reality at Casa de Bruce.  Although it meant I had to go back to work [boo work], there really is no place like home!