D.C., NYC, and Philly

So, Thanksgiving vacation started out with a quick trip to Maryland, where Steph and I had dinner with total strangers. Alyssa Janis, who was friends with Steph in D.C. and in the MTC with me, invited us to her husband's parents home. Random? Yes. But it turns out quite a few other random people were invited, so we ended up having a great time.


We borrowed a car from Alyssa's fiance and drove to Virginia, where we spent the night in a cabin with one of Steph's former mission companions, Lauren, and her family. The next morning we drove to Lauren's house in New York.

Steph was very excited about having friends to Lauren and Dave's for a fondue party. We dipped pretty much anything even remotely possible in broth, cheese, or chocolate fondue. Steph has random acquaintances all over the East Coast who drove out to Brooklyn for the bash.



And finally, Philadelphia. Not West Philly, as the Fresh Prince and I had hoped, but a historical tour of Philadelphia. We only had a few hours to see the sights, but it was definitely my favorite part of the trip.

Painting.

Yikes. Lots of work, but the end result turned out cute.

Nikki's bachelorette

We had pedicures, ate at Agave, had Nicole do crazy things around town, and went dancing at the Suncoast.
Good times. :)
I love Nicole and wish her and Evan much, much happiness.

Jenya and Gena in Vegas.

Ryan Broderick and his girlfriend came with me to pick up Jenya and her husband, Gena, from the airport.

Making verenokee.

(Fine. Jenya actually MADE the verenokee, but we all helped eat it.)

Los Angeles Temple

The Tabernacle in Salt Lake.

Le Reve

Amazing. Simply amazing.

I Love Sushi

I Love Sushi. This place is amazing. Really. If you're willing to make the drive, it's as good as Sushi Fever and some of the rolls are a little bit cheaper. If you want something other than the regular favorites, I'd recommend:

Area 51
Cherry Blossom (it's like the Happy Birthday Special, but without the lettuce)

If you work it right, you may be able to find a nice, older gentleman to buy your sushi for you. ;)

Orlando

I was technically there for a Collegeboard conference, but... Here's pics and video from Disney World and Epcot Center. The Aerosmith impersonators were a definite highlight. :)