A City Thanksgiving

I had a pretty quiet Thanksgiving weekend in NYC

I normally travel for holidays (or have company) but for multiple reasons I decided stay in thec city and company free this year.  

The holiday started out Wednesday night with a party at some friends apt who live above the Museum of Natural History where they blow up the balloons. 

we had an amazing view and were able to see the span of balloons from above

After the party my friend Misty and I decided to take a late night walk around the ballons.  

If you ever have the opportunity to see the parade in person I think watching them blow the ballons up on Wednesay night might be better than the actual parade.  

The museum was lit up beautifully as the balloons surrounded. 

 The wizard of oz balloon was new this year.  

 The classic Macy's balloon

 It was such a fun (and cold) night and made us excited about the big parade the following day.  

 Thursday morning we woke up relatively early (nothing crazy like the tourists do) to go out and see the parade.  Thankfully the parade begins in my neighborhood and so you only have to walk a few blocks from my apt to see the action.  

 I think my favorite part was watching them release each of the balloons.  They make an annoucement over a loud speaker for each one and wish it on it's way.  It's actually really cool. 

 We stayed in the uws and watched the balloons and floats go by one by one.  For walking out there 30 minutes before the parade began, I would say we had a decent view.  We didn't try to fight the crowds and get too close, but the beauty of this parade is that you don't have to be super close to have a view.  

After seeing all the balloons up close and watching a few go by along with some bands and floats, the cold got the best of us and we went indoors to watch the rest on tv. 

As a little girl I watched the Macy's parade every year and always dreamed of seeing it in person.  It's still unbelievable to me that I live blocks from it and that I've seen it now 3 times.  I think this was my favorite view when I got to watch it from my office (unfortunately they changed the route and the view isn't as great anymore)

I spent the rest of Thanksgiving hanging out with one of my favorite families, the Taylors, playing games and watching football.  After an afternoon with them I went over to my friend Erin's to join a group of my friends for a nice Thanksgiving dinner.  It was a great day and nice to have a somewhat relaxing day in the city!  

Friday I braved the crowds and did my first ever black Friday shopping.  Although It was somewhat miserable in the process, I got some amazing deals that in the end made me appreciate it.  I totally see why people do it.:-)

Other than my shopping extravaganza I had a quiet and restful weekend at home.  I was able to catch up with friends, do a couple photography sessions, sleep, and just take a breather from a very hectic fall.  

December is here and so is the crazy holiday season.  

The month will be filled with a huge event I'm in charge of, several christmas parties, my mom coming to visit, enjoying my favorite season in the city, traveling, and most importantly celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior.  I really love the holidays and pray that my heart will remain focused on the coming messiah in the midst of a non stop schedule this month.  

May your heart be focused on the coming king as we begin this advent season