the gift of family

We had ourselves a little adventure last week.  After a few weeks of studying trains, and reading books about the Big Apple, we finally headed to Chicago and hopped a train at Union Station and rode it all the way to Newark, NJ.  

Arriving with not much sleep but plenty of excitement we quickly found ourselves in the middle of Times Square.  The girl's eyes as wide as the Big Apple herself.

A couple subway rides and a quick stop at a deli to refuel and we found ourselves in lower Manhattan ready to ride the Staten Island Ferry.

Views of Miss Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline were such a treat.  (This is a free commuter ferry, so when you find yourself in NYC, be sure to check it out!)

After leaving the ferry we enjoyed some street performances in Battery Park and a peek at One World Trade Center.  We then hopped the subway again for a quick stop in China Town.

 It was a whirlwind of a trip to NYC, but super exciting and just perfect for two little country girls (and their country parents-with country grandpa too!). 

But now for the real reason we took this little adventure.  Family.  And goodness and was there plenty!  So much boisterous Italian love you could not imagine.  Aunts and uncles and cousins galore.  (My mom and her siblings, above) (Me with my 1st cousins, below)

Our children were wrapped in so much love and joy, their faces were glowing the entire time.  I'm certain mine was too.

 (Iris and Elsa and their pack of cousins)

Oh and the food.  There was not a moment when the kitchen wasn't full of cooks and smelling truly heavenly.  (My lovely Aunt Barb, on the left, remaining ever so graceful with her kitchen full to bursting!)

Now that's a family!   It's been years (way too many) since we've all gathered.  But how often I was in awe of how easily we all pick up where we left off.  How there is so much to say (and never enough time), how my children knew instantly that these were their people.  How the faces shined, voices lifted in laughter, and tears flowed in happiness (we're Italian after all).  I don't have enough words for how truly special this time together was.

Thank you Aunt Barb for opening your home and so graciously welcoming us all.  Your love is beyond measure.

Thank you Aunt Jackie and Uncle Butch for bringing your families, loving my children and making this family reunion whole.

Thank you cousins for remembering our connection and for having such sweet sweet children that welcomed mine without question.

And thank you Nonnie for this most wonderful idea.  This is our gift our family will never forget.  

We love you all.