New York, New York!

Matt and I recently tagged on a new york vacation to my cousin's wedding in Connecticut. John and Tracey got married on Friday, June 11 and had the most amazing ceremony/reception. We were so happy to get to share their special day with them. And a special touch was Tracey's "something borrowed" was my veil, so that was fun.

Saturday morning we took the train with my dad to New York. It was great getting to vacation with my dad and spend some good, quality time with him. New York was a blast, and due to the hardcore tourists we were, I was exhausted by the end. Some highlights included: 3 broadway shows (Memphis, Mary Poppins & The Fantasticks), Statue of Island and Ellis Island Tours (where I got to look up my great-grandfather), Times Square, Puerto Rico Parade (which was very random - but we got to see JLo and Marc Anthony), Central Park, Little Italy (where we watched the Italy World Cup Game and had some amazing food), Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Brooklyn Bridge and more.

Mike n Ike Beer

Ingredients: Mike n Ikes, Beer

Matt and I ditched our new Friday Night regime for a BBQ with Brian and Jimmy. Jimmy and Matt went to high school and college together and he was in town for work. Brian just got back from Barcelona so we hadn't gotten to do our usual steak dinner in a few weeks. So our homemade dessert activity turned into a BBQ potluck. Matt marinated steaks overnight, Brian brought veggies and beer and Jimmy (knowing Matt well) brought 4 large bags of candy for dessert. After an amazing dinner, the boys decided to make their own dessert beer so they dropped Mike n Ike's into their beer - causing small explosions. It was hilarious.

Memorial Day Vaca

This year for Memorial day we started a few exciting traditions. Matt, Lemmon and I drove to Jackson to enjoy the long weekend with family. My dad flew in as well and we got to enjoy some quality family time, competitive activities and good food. Highlights below:

1. Friday: Arrived Friday evening and had a long family dinner at Keifers (greek food)

2. Saturday: Early morning walk for Lemmon, Brunch at Broad Street, Shopping (Boys went to the driving range), relaxing outside, dinner and fun at the casino in Vicksburg.

The MS river was really high - so fun to see.

3. Sunday - Another early morning walk with Lemmon (Matt went solo). 8:27

and 8:34 tee times for the "First Annual Nathan Trifone (Invite Only) Golf Scramble". Sporting Sky Caddie blue and navy shorts was Team Nathan (Nathan, John and Alex). Team Mark "aka Sunday Red" included Mark, Linda and Matt. Friendly trash talk has been going on the last 3 months - and as Nathan wrote in several emails "this is a competitive scramble." After a full 18 Team Mark won 79 to 80

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Golf was followed by LOTS of resting and our first dinner party at Nathan's new house (which is so perfect for him!!!) He cooked a Trifone classic: Spaghetti!

4. Memorial Day Monday: Errands, Shopping and a 6 hour BBQ. Mark and his sous chefs made smoked ribs, homemade BBQ sauce, Baked, homemade Mac n' Cheese, Corn on the Cob and his own special coleslaw with apples. Delicious! (I have plenty more pictures but this blog is long enough!)

5. Tuesday: A long drive home with a tired puppy. What a great weekend away.

Lemmon Love

For Memorial Day weekend the three of us loaded up in the car and drove to Jackson. It was Lemmon's first major car ride and she was amazing. Napped the entire time and NO ACCIDENTS! She had a great time exploring around grandma Linda's house free to run around in the backyard. Plus...she got LOTS of love and attention.

She even pitched in helping Uncle Nathan unwrap his Birthday presents!