What Happened to May?

So, it seems that May has come and gone with no posts from the Bears. It's crazy season here at work for me, so now that I've made it through another end-of-the-school-year, I'm ready to give you all an update.

May included so much fun. I hosted a co-ed shower for our small group friends.

Ryan went to AZ for Kent and Jaci's wedding, I closed the residence hall, and even more exciting, Mom, Dad and Erin came to visit. They were here for a week, and what a whirlwind. I think we're all going to sleep great this next week.

They got in on Tuesday the 27th and got to meet Meri. I think Meri got more camera time than Ryan and I. I guess it's helping us prepare for children someday. Tuesday night I made dinner and we went out for ice cream at this fabulous place with mind-blowing flavors called Grom (http://www.grom.it/eng/index.htm).

Wednesday Mom, Dad and Erin headed out for Times Square while Ryan and I went to work. I took a half day and met up with Mom and Dad at Ellen's Stardust Diner (http://www.ellensstardustdiner.com/). Think Ed Debevic's with aspiring Broadway performers. Then, we were off to Hairspray! We scored $25 front row tickets through the lottery system and there we were, front and center with Ashley Parker Angel a foot away from our faces. It was a great show and I highly recommend it to anyone. That night we went down to Little Italy for dinner and enjoyed pizza at Lombardi's.

Thursday Mom, Dad and Erin spent all day at the Metropolitain Museum of Art and that night we went to dinner at Brother Jimmy's (http://www.brotherjimmys.com/) , a BBQ chain in the city. Good BBQ and funny atmosphere.

Friday the fam and Ryan went to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. They really seemed to enjoy it. That night was Dad's birthday, so we celebrated by going to Les Halles, a personal favorite and having cake and ice cream at our place.

Saturday us gals headed to Union Square to hit up our favorite shopping. Forever 21 was great and we all got some great deals. All was fine until the rain hit. It derailed plans, but we met up with the guys at Big Nick's here on the Upper West Side and enjoyed burgers and pizza. That night we went to Ryan's work to see the open house of other artists in his building. It was great seeing the work that goes on in Ryan's building and to show the fam what Ryan does.

That night we stopped for dinner at a funny little diner called the Shining Star.

Sunday we went to church at Redeemer's east side service so that the fam could hear Tim Keller speak. It was enjoyable and from there we headed down to the financial district. We did lunch at the famous Wall Street McDonald's and then saw Wall Street, NYSE, etc... Let's just say, Ryan tool the bull by the horns. We also perused Chinatown on the way back, but crashed out for the rest of the night as we were pooped!

Monday the fam did the MoMA and for dinner we went out with a bang at me and Ryan's favorite place, Kashkaval, in Hell's Kitchen. Best chorizo around and the baba ganoush is amazing! We ended the night with ice cream and watching the season premiere of the Mole on ABC. It's going to be a great season. I'm so glad they brought it back.

Mom, Dad and Erin, tearfully left this morning. It was a great time and full of fun memories. Now, I'm headed out to Westfield, MA Wednesday through Saturday for the NEACUHO conference, but will be back in plenty of time to celebrate one year of marital bliss with Ryan on Monday.