New England, Part 1

Despite our vacation having a rough ending, it started out much better. Our busy vacation began on the Fourth of July. K was an ever-so-helpful traveler. First stop: Connecticut!

We're big pizza fans in our house, so like last year I hyped up another New England pizza staple that E. J. had to try, the famous Pepe's Pizza. Soon after landing, getting our rental car and making our way to New Haven, we called in an order before settling into the hotel.

It didn't disappoint.

 After a day of traveling and a tasty meal, we unwound and watched fireworks from our hotel room.

 Especially excited for milk and cookies...in bed! When on vacation...

 Good morning, Yale.

Although New Haven was recently ranked one of the top 10 worst cities to visit, it was still fun to explore on a morning walk. Of course, I had to take E. J. by the Skull and Bones house (a.k.a. the "Tomb") on Yale's campus. I have a slight obsession with secret societies.

One of the main reasons for our visit to Connecticut was to attend the wedding of my dear college friend, Danielle. On our way to her wedding, we made a detour and I gave E. J. and Kathryn a quick tour of my hometown. 

It was a must for us to stop by the house I grew up in. It's terribly sad because the owners who purchased it from my parents got into legal trouble and it's now owned by the bank and a complete mess inside and out. I was able to peak in the windows and despite it being a wreck inside, happy memories came back instantly.

I was so excited to see Danielle and just as I imagined, she was stunning as was the wedding. I couldn't be happier for my amazing friend and her wonderful husband, Antonio!

Danielle should also be a matchmaker. She sat us with her cousins and their families and they couldn't have been any sweeter and made us feel like we were family. Kathryn loved all of the girls at our table because she was instantly calling them her friends. Plus, anyone who will get on the dance floor with Kathryn is a instant friend.

Questionable dance moves.

The beautiful bride. It was such a treat to be there for their special day.

While in New England, I usually go a bit overboard with Dunkin' Donuts, which is not exactly a place where people tend to go overboard since (especially as of late) they aren't exactly known for their high quality. But honestly, I can't get enough. Obviously. I made to sure to document each time I went during our vacation.

The day after Danielle and Antonio's picture perfect wedding, we made our way up to Vermont to my parent's!

Skype is a wonderful thing to make distance a little more bearable. Kathryn took no time at all to get comfortable at nana and pop pop's house. She made herself at home.

She's pretty smitten with her Uncle Sam

The following day, we had a great family picnic and unfortunately I didn't remember to take many pictures, but I'm so glad we all got to spend the day together and everyone was kind enough to drive up from CT!

Jen, adorable Ava and her family were even able to make it! How is it possible that we've been friends for 25 years?!

This picture has an extra special gem in it...I spy Zach and Carly!

The day after the picnic we loaded up in two vehicles and made our way to New Hampshire (this was an on-the-go vacation). 

To be continued...