the lighter side of syria

several weeks ago, we headed up to omaha for a little family reunion type of affair.  my grandpa, on my mom's side, was born in the US, but his parents (my great grandparents if you are following along) were from syria.  every summer, and usually on easter, there is a pretty massive syrian dinner that commences.  in light of recent events, i thought a few uplifting photographs representing a little taste of syria, were in order.  so put on your stretchy pants and see who can fill their plate the tallest, this is the 2013 syrian family picnic.

see entire album HERE. 

new york, new york: part 1

it is my most favorite place on earth.  the sites.  the sounds.  the way every inch, corner and crevice houses something new, something artistic, something bat-shit crazy and something so very nyc.  we spent 5 days there last week and it was everything we imagined it would be.  i've been on several occasions, almost always during march, for work, for fun, for no reason at all - twice now with evan -  but this trip would mark the first time alex has been and the first time we were there together, as a family.

we arrived by 10 am saturday morning and we had nothing but time to look forward to.  hosted by our good friends nick and mandy, whose home captures the most beautiful views of the city, we set out to discover all that it had to offer.

day 1 guided us through central park, on our way to the museum of natural history, where alex would see every animal and dinosaur that her little heart could handle, hail her first cab, find a ginormous pinecone, over-indulge with an italian dinner and marvel at this wondrous place i have been telling her about since birth.

all of us being awake since 3:30 am that day and still going strong, it truly lived up to its rep as the city that never sleeps.  we caught up with great friends and all but fell over dead - 20 hours later for her, a full 24 for us - exhausted, exhilarated, and totally enchanted by the endless possibilities that were up ahead.

this is our nyc spring break vacation, part 1...