Thanksgifffing...

This year we decided that since we couldn't be home for Thanksgiving, we would do our own feast! We had a couple of Riley's buddies from the station come, and it was actually really fun! Riley made the turkey (it was perfect!), stuffing and banana cream pie. I made the carrots, potatoes, and party jello. We made a great team and had a great time cooking together all morning.
Maybe we will host Thanksgiving every year... Maybe...
We really have so much to be thankful for, this year especially. Our incredible families who are still as supportive as ever (even when we are 2300 miles apart), we both have jobs that we love, we live in a great place, drive a great car, we have a great dog, and are members or the true church. And when the homesickness strikes as it sometimes does, and we are tired of work, and laundry is piling up. It is these things I remind myself of and all the blues are gone in no time!

Better than pizza crust.

I know, I know, another cheeser blog about how much I love my husband. But I had to share a little tidbit about how great he really is.
As I previously mentioned, Sundays at the Stewart home have turned in to pizza days. We either have frozen pizza, or I pick up a "pie" from this really fabulous place in town on my way home from work on Saturday and we have the left overs on Sunday. It's silly, but it's something we have both grown to look forward to.
Tonight we were having our pizza, and when I commented on how yummy the crust was, Riley took the last bite of cheese and sauce, and handed me his crust.
I couldn't help but smile. First, because the crust really was that good. Im not ashamed, come to Jersey and you will understand the heaven that is reeeeal Italian pizza. But also because it reminded me how much I truly love being married to this man. Riley is my best friend. He is everything I want to be. He is thoughtful, selfless, hilarious, kind, handsome, and fully dedicated to everything he does. He is the yin to my yang. He is better than really good pizza crust.

We've got a runner!

A year or so ago Riley asked me what my dream car would be. Now, admittedly I know nothing about cars. But without hesitation I answered "a silver or chrome 4Runner with black interior." He nodded thoughtfully, and that was that.
Then, on Monday Riley and I both had the day off and after looking around a little bit online, Riley had found it. We headed to the dealership and there she was. My baby. My pride and joy. The car was PERFECT! Exactly what we wanted. After test driving it, we made the deal, traded in our Little Mazda (I won't lie, I was a little sad to see it go), and rolled out of there as the proud new owners of a silver 4Runner... With black interior! I couldn't help but get a bit emotional, my sweet husband found my dream car, and while it may not exactly be his dream, he knew how happy it would make me. Seriously, he should teach a class... Husbanding 101.
Anyway, Take a looksy at the new addition!

Manhattan Mayhem!

Since moving to the East Coast, Riley and I have started a few new traditions... Frozen pizzas for lunch on Sundays (don't worry, we usually cook a nice meal for dinner), walking Bronx on the beach by our house (and going on a bit if a treasure hunt looking for cool things that have washed up in the bay), and watching Modern Family and Ridiculousness (don't judge) on the nights we are both home. My favorite recently adopted tradition has been our day trips to Manhattan to attend the Temple.
We usually pick up a quick breakfast and eat it on the Ferry ride over to the city. We are lucky enough to live just a half an hour away and with our military discount, the ferry is far more affordable and convenient (and fun) than taking the car and trying to find parking amid the mayhem that is New York.
We then catch a cab (or spend 20 minutes trying to) to Central Park, and since the Temple is just a few blocks past, we walk through to park and people watch a bit on the way.
The Manhattan Temple is so beautiful. It sits right on the corner of W 64th Street in a super busy part of town. It is so noisy and busy but the moment you walk in the front doors it is so quiet and peaceful. I think that's what I love so much about it, the peace amid the chaos.
After the Temple, we usually get lunch at this little gem of a restaurant called Carl's Steaks. We found the place while the boys were here visiting, and it is truly amazing and has quickly become one of my very favorite places to eat. There is nothing like a good Philly Cheese Steak, and until we moved here I hadn't experienced the bliss that comes with a cheesy greasy sandwich, and a Diet Coke.
We then stroll around the city a bit and head back to catch the ferry and get back to our little blue house in time for dinner!
I have loved spending this time with Riley. We have grown so much closer together since making the big move. I truly feel like he knows be better than I know myself, and I am so thankful that I will always have these adventures to remember our first couple years if marriage.
Here are some photos of our latest temple trip and walks with the canine.
Xoxo