LIC Flea Market

Wes and I realized a couple of months ago that we rarely get off the island (and yes I realize that makes it sound like we live in an insane asylum...which is scarily true...). So when I heard that Long Island City (in Queens) was opening a flea market for the first time ever on Saturday I knew we had to go!! My co-worker lives around the area and said it is really beautiful and has great views of the city. So, I dragged Wes to LIC for another flea market!

When we got off the train we were a little confused where we were. The streets were totally empty! It was a little eerie... Like I said, we don't get off the island very often. The buildings were low and we felt like we had stepped into the Pearl District of Portland. As we continued onto the Flea Market we continued to feel like we were in Portland. This market was fun because it is not like the ones in Manhattan that all have the same vendors. This was a true "hipster" flea market. There were some awesome food vendors there as well. Here is a picture of the flea from the back (I was sitting on the sidewalk eating a yummy pulled pork sandwich!). 

And yes it was as hot as it looks... I feel we need a warning if it is going to be 80 degrees and humid when yesterday was around 55 degrees... Weather you can't change that quickly! 

After we made it through the cute flea we walked down to the waterfront. Who knew Queens was so pretty!! We were also shocked with how few people were there!! It is the little things that get us excited now... 

The waterfront had great views of the city. 

I may have been melting...

The park was amazing. It had all these park benches, playgrounds, sports courts, large lawns, and even these cool hammocks! Wes wanted to move in to the waterfront apartments instantly. Seriously though, this little park area was so gorgeous and refreshing. It is good for us to get off the island now and then, even if it is just over the river. 

Wandering Weekend

We had an odd week last week. Wes started running a fever mid Monday and was sick the rest of the week. I worked the opposite shift at work and apparently we had a Tropical Storm hit! Really it was just a TON of rain. Either way, we didn't really have plans for the weekend except that we had to pick up Wes' suits. We planned on having a really easy Saturday, but our love for markets took over...ok maybe my love for them. 

We went to Union Park to start. We came up from the train and walked right into the best farmers market! We walked up and down all the little stands with fresh flowers, vegetables, fruits, and such good things. We walked by a strawberry stand that smelled so strong I could not resist. They were so red and delicious! Somehow I didn't eat one until we got home later... Don't know how except that Wes kept telling me they needed to be washed... 

Look at how amazing they look?? I was so happy!!

Union park was such a fun little experience. There are the most intense Chess games! I had so much fun watching these guys battle it out! 

I have never seen people play Chess so fast! They kept hitting that little clock right after each other. 

I loved the older men that sat there playing. It was so movie-esq. 

We then headed up town to see what Madison Square park held. Little did we know that it was the Big Apple Barbeque! Apparently this is a huge event every summer with "Pit Masters" from all around the country, mostly the South. We were not really prepared for this huge event. 

These were some of the pit tents. We were pretty lame and didn't stand in the massive lines to get some barbeque. We are planning on going again next year and actually standing in the lines to get some amazing barbeque! 

After lunch and a fun surprise trip to Payless, Wes continued to spoil me with my first Mister Softee of the summer! It is officially summer now. These are seriously THE best soft serve ice cream cones!! 

Doesn't this look amazing??? 

On Sunday we had a nice little surprise from a fellow Oregonian! Tommy Allen, who Wes and I both grew up with, was visiting the city and took time to come and see us. In return we showed him some of our favorite things in the city. So, of course that meant the TURTLE POND!!! This is probably the best place in Central Park. Luckily for us, there were a LOT of turtles out to play. 

Don't mind the creepily yellow/green pond. Just bask in the awesomeness of the turtles!

Right across from the parks castle.

There were a ton of baby turtles. They were my favorite!

Mandatory picture for the parents.

He just wanted to be my friend! 

It is always fun when we get to see friends from outside the city. It often makes us realize that we are pathetically becoming New Yorkers. Tommy kept calling out our complaining of the trains... I just hope I haven't become rude like all true New Yorkers are! 

All in all, it was a good ending to a weird week. 

Lacrosse Love

This year marked a first for me. I was made head coach of a Middle School Lacrosse team. It was my second year with the team/private school, but last year I just there to help where I could. This year, the team was mine to run and take care of. I was so excited, but very nervous. I already knew most of the girls. The 8th graders were some of my favorite kids at the school as well as some of the best athletes. Last year the team only lost one game so I knew we had a lot to live up to. 

I quickly learned coaching is harder than I used to think, and very different than playing. I also learned that I couldn't expect my girls to run drills I was used to running at BYU, or even LO, but I really wanted to push my girls to grasp high school level concepts so they would make the transition well. Luckily, my girls were up to the challenge. The year may have been rocky for me as a coach but my girls improved with each game. 

This whole year I loved watching them grow and get excited about the sport. We ended the season 5-1-1. We blew out most teams and I often had to tell my girls to stop shooting. 

I'm sad to have the season end, but excited to watch my 8th graders play for the Upper School next year. I'll never forget my goofy 8th graders. 

Sadly, I don't have many photos but here are two that I thought were cute. 

This just makes me laugh because no one is actually listening to me. This was pretty common...

A few of my 8th graders. They are so confident and outgoing. I'm going to really miss them. 

And now I have a whole year to wait for the next season. I love coaching Volleyball and Basketball as well, but nothing will be as great as Lacrosse. Have a great summer (for those lucky enough to have an actual break)!!