I apologize in advance for this being so long....Hope you read all the way through, but if not I understand! :) This is basically for me, so that I don't forget a single detail. It is so much easier to type it all here, than write it all down in a journal. (even though I do love to journal) <3
New York was so fun. We ate fancy, we ate off the street vendors, we shopped fancy, shopped of the street vendors. We did New York the best way we knew how and it was a trip to remember forever. The time that we spent there was so precious to me. It wasn't perfect, but it was our perfect. Seth made our first anniversary one for the books that I will always hold close to my heart. I want to write it all down before I forget it all....so here it goes from the beginning:
On Sunday Morning (our anniversary), Seth woke up with A HORRIBLE CASE OF PINK EYE. He looked like someone had punched him in the eye. It was terrible. I could tell he was in much pain and it was irritating him bad. After church we went to eat, then went straight to the Doctor's Care. She prescribed him some eye drops, but those didn't seem to work.....
On Monday morning, December 29th (the day before we were set to leave for NY) my phone went off at 5 am. I was scared to death. That is when I know something is wrong when someone calls that early. I rushed to open the text and my heart immediately sank. My best friend was in the emergency room with a terrible headache and an abnormal CT scan. We both watch all the hospital shows you can name, so you know my brain skipped to worst possible thing...tumor. I woke Seth up immediately and he was in shock too. I prayed and waited. I had already promised to keep my niece that day, I was suppose to be there to get her at 7:10 am. I could not go back to sleep, so I stayed up and waited and waited.
I arrived to get Caroline Grace at 7:10, and waited for her to wake up. Around 8:15, my best friend's mom called and asked me to come and get her baby, so that he wouldn't have to stay up at the hospital all day. So, I woke up CG and we went to the hospital. Still unknowing what was going on. In my mind, I was trying to figure out New York. I did not want to go with my best friend in so much pain and possibly having surgery. However, the distraction of CG and the baby was enough to take my mind off things for a bit. :) We kept them all day, even though Seth had pink eye. (Praise the Lord neither got it) We played, laughed, celebrated and sang.
Finally, we got news from the hospital that it was not what I thought. It was one of two things. A terrible migraine caused by her abnormally small blood vessels in her brain or by spinal fluid leaking into her brain from her epidural. She will have a follow up appointment soon, but as for now she is okay and there is no brain tumor! Praise the Lord. My heart was so heavy and worried, and in that instant God reminded me of who was in charge. Always.
After the Caroline Grace and the baby went home, we finally started to pack. Another one of my best friends came over and helped me. I am terrible at packing and thinking ahead on what I need. We went to bed at about 1 am. At 4 am the next morning, we woke up and were finally ready to take on to the airport to head to our DESTINATION! We got to the airport and everything went so smooth! It was like a dream. We got on the plane fine, no delays, everything was perfect. We did forget Seth's pink eye medicine going through security, but besides that we made it through just fine!
We arrived in New York at about 9:30 am. It was awesome. We found our bags and hired a cab to take us to our hotel. We got to our hotel and at first I was scared to death. Because our cab driver pulled up to this:
Thankfully, Seth knew what our hotel was suppose to look like and clarified with the man that this was not it and we arrived at this, The Lexington Autograph Signature Hotel:
It was amazing. The lobby was gorgeous. We could not check in until 3, so they let us drop off our bags and off we went! To explore the big apple! Our hotel was right in the center of everything, so we walked immediately to Times Square. We were in awe. Everything was moving so fast! We were starving and were overwhelmed by all the choices......hahaha...so we settled with one of our faves from home and went with Olive Garden. We know, We know, we were in the big city we should've eaten something different...I promise you, we ventured out on every other meal. That particular one it just was nice to sit down and get warm! :) Our waiter was super helpful in trying to telling us the must dos for New Years Eve.
After we ate, we went and explored Rockefeller center, the NBC studio tour, the Disney store, Forever 21 (which is so big it's insane), lots of little souvenir shops, the Hershey's store, the M&M world, and much more. Once it hit about 2:30 we were exhausted....our bodies were running on 3-4 hours of sleep and it was freezing. (Keep in mind we are wearing same clothes that we left in from South Carolina, except we added our coats, hat, and gloves, but at this point no layers) We ended up calling the hotel to see if our room was ready and it was. So we walked back, checked in and took a 2 1/2 hour nap. Once again, I know, I know, we were in New York. We shouldn't have wasted time. But I promise you. It was WELL WORTH THE NAP. We were able to stay up late that night and get prepared for the longest day ever that followed. :)
When I woke up, Seth was still asleep, I made us dinner reservations at a restaurant in Rockefeller center called "Pulse". It overlooked the ice rink! It was perfect. :) We got all dressed (layered this time) and went out to eat! Then, we did the Top of the Rock tour! It was so pretty! We went all the way to the top and enjoyed every minute. Seth was making me laugh hysterically, the "selfie stick" is very popular in New York and Seth and I could not get over it. The New York lights were beautiful. Everyone should go and experience the Top of the Rock at night time
On Wednesday morning (New Year's Eve, our bucket list moment), we woke up and headed out to Time's Square to get our spot. When we got there I was very upset , it was already getting crowded. ( I had a flesh fit, because I wanted to see Taylor Swift up close. I was told getting there at 11 would suffice. Ask Seth. I was a brat for a good hour, he might even say more haha) Once we realized we were not going to have the best spot we went into McDonald's to grab a super small lunch, because we knew once we had our spot we were going to be locked into the spot. and by that I mean ABSOLUTELY NO BATHROOMS. We both ate small and barely drank anything. As we were in McDonalds, the manager shut down their bathroom because it was already getting over crowded. The fire marshall made them. It was insanity. We walked out of there and went to find our spot.
We ended up moving like 2 times and then we saw some people jumping the gates to get in where the stage was. It did not cost anything to get in there, but you did have to go through security. They had already shut down security at this time. So Seth started saying let's just jump it's our only hope. haha. So at first I wouldn't, but then we met these people from an Asian background. She said, "no cops, no cops, come in". So I did it. I got jumped over the gate. I figured this is our bucket list moment. Let's make it worth it. :) We made it in there at 12:30ish and did not leave until after midnight. It was crazy fun. Although it was kind of gross seeing bottles of human "waste" (because there were not bathrooms anywhere) and seeing adults wearing diapers under their clothes, and it was freezing cold and I could not feel my toes at all, it was still so much fun! We laughed, cried (of pure exhaustion), slept against people we didn't know, shared hot hands with people we did't know, sang our hearts out with people we didn't know, danced with people we didn't know, and just had a blast with strangers from around the globe. I was able to see all the performers! They passed out mittens and hats to everyone! IT was so cold, but IT WAS PERFECT. IT WAS A BLAST. IT WAS A BUCKET LIST MOMENT!
When it hit midnight, I was so excited. We made it! We accomplished our bucket list moment. When the ball dropped, the music played and we had so much fun! Confetti fell and everyone just celebrated! :)
Afterwards, we rushed to find food. BECAUSE WE WERE STARVED. We had not eaten for 12 hours. So we went to this small little restaurant on a side road called Colombian Food. (It was Mexican, very good) They were playing the Disney World Celebration of New Years. I knew it was meant to be! :) We went back to the hotel and fell asleep for what seemed like forever...
On Thursday Morning (New Years Day), we slept in and got dressed and went to eat at Tom's Restaurant. That was what Seth wanted to do the most. For those of you that don't know, that is a famous restaurant that the characters from Seinfeld always eats at. Seth loves Seinfeld. So we took a taxi because it was not within walking distance. He had a blast taking a picture and drinking his coffee, pretending to be Kramer.
Afterwards we went walking through Central Park. We walked and walked and walked. We looked at all the beauty that God put right in the middle of that gorgeous city! It was amazingly beautiful. :)
Once we finished through Central Park, we went and searched for the Plaza Hotel--New York's most finest hotel experience! We are in love with Home Alone and quoted it all the way through the Plaza Hotel. The Plaza Hotel was amazing. It was so much more than I expected. Tons of shopping, food, and beautiful architecture! :) Although we could not go into the lobby, we were able to peek in. It looked just like the movie! Loved it!
Then, we explored more of the street. We saw Trump Tower and had Starbucks inside of Trump Bar, FAO Schwarz, Tiffany's, and much more! Then, we started getting super cold! :) So we grabbed a taxi and headed toward the hotel! I made us restaurant reservations at Don Antonio's. We had a very unique style calzone and it was delicious! :) Afterwards we walked to Rockefeller center and waited in line to ice skate. It was a very long line, but it was totally worth it. It was another once in a lifetime experience! When we finally got to the spot where we were to pay, it was even crazier busy inside. We paid, got our skates on and headed out there! It was so much fun and we didn't fall one time! :) :) :) We got someone to take our picture and then we kept on going! It was such a dream. I felt like a little girl in a movie. I looked up and saw all of the people looking down at everyone. It was perfect. Then at 10:00, the employees told everyone to get off the ice. So we started rushing off, and I noticed this one couple in which the girl kept trying to get off and the guy kept on pulling her out. Once everyone was off the ice except them, he got down on one knee and proposed in the middle of Rockefeller center. It was beautiful. :) Everyone was screaming for them. It was like for that moment everyone in New York was a family. I loved it. Absolutely loved it.
After we went ice skating, we started walking towards the closest CVS to get some medicine for Seth's eye and for his chest. He was very congested. The air in New York was awful for Seth's lungs. :( We were trying to get some Nyquil. While we were there I got a poster and markers to take with us to go see Good Morning America the following morning. We bought the meds and headed back to the hotel. Seth went straight to sleep and I stayed up and made the poster. The next morning I woke up super early to get dressed and guarantee us a spot on Good Morning America. Seth would not wake up. He felt awful. He was very sick. (This is the stuff that you didn't see in my pictures on facebook) I was so sad that we could not go and sad that he did not feel good. I felt hopeless for him, because nothing could relieve his lungs. While he slept, I finished school work on my lap top and read (still being very bitter).
Seth finally got up and going at about 11:00. We went and had lunch at the restauarnt across the street from the hotel called Ashley's Fine Foods. I could tell that he still did not feel 100% but he was trying. I still was a little annoyed and he could tell it. It was just not our best morning, but hey those happen in marriage. We forgive. We move on. So thankful that Seth loves me despite my countless flaws. We enjoy the rest of the day. We took a cab to the Statue of Liberty viewing area. It was the first time Seth had ever seen it. It was great. Then, we got on a ferry ride to Staten Island. This was breathtaking. The New York city skyline that you get to see on this was amazing. I took a 1000000 pictures and snapchatted a bunch. I couldn't help myself. Seth could breathe so much better because of the ocean water. It was like we were both being refreshed. Just everything....It showed that once we took a step back from the chaos, there was peace. Despite the craziness of the city and the people, and the bad air, we could find peace. God works the same way. We have to step back and search for Him. HIs voice is still there even in the busy streets and bad air. (sorry starting to preach a little bit, I just get so excited seeing how God can use metaphors like New York City to teach us something).
We had to hurry back from Staten Island to our hotel room to get dressed and changed for our fancy schmancy dinner before Broadway! We went to Spark's Steakhouse and it was delicious! It was so fun and different than what we are used to. They changed our tablecloth after every course. It was just too fun. This was recommended by a wonderful friend of mine's mom. Then, we went to see Broadway's The Lion King. IT WAS PHENOMENAL. Seth and I both just loved it. We were sitting next to the little boy that played the little Simba's family. Our seats were perfect. My parents gave us that as a gift for Christmas/Anniversary. It was so worth it. Anyone that has the opportunity must go see it.
After Broadway, we walked the streets of Time Square and met some crazy folks.........Seth loved every minute of it.
I just died laughing. I had so much laughter on this trip. It was the best.
On Saturday Morning, we woke up and went to the 9/11 memorial Wow. is all I can say. Such a way with everything that took place that on horrible day in history. It took my breath away. It brought tears to my eyes. It hurt my heart. The museum has a place where you can click on their pictures and hear voice recordings from their families telling about them. You can see where they were on that day, what were they doing and why they were doing it. The memorial also has a beautiful timeline that depicts the whole day explaining what was happening around the nation. My words will not ever do it justice. Seth and I loved it so much. YOU MUST GO SEE IT. EVERY ONE SHOULD.
After we went to the 9/11 memorial, we took a taxi to Little Italy. In Little Italy, we ate a restaurant that I cannot remember the name of, but it had delicious pizza! We ate and laughed about the fact that we felt like we were in the mafia. :) It was very good though! After we ate in Little Italy, we walked to Chinatown. This particular day it was pouring down rain...not to mention cold. :) We walked through Chinatown and we just kept on laughing. People were walking closely behind us whispering, " Louis Votoun, Micheal Kohrs, Coach, Prada". We were not about to follow them. I did that once before and about had a heart attack, (ask my mama or Brandi White). This time we just stuck to what they had in their shops or in bags in their shops! I still got some great deals on some beautiful pieces without going behind walls. hahahaa. After we went to Chinatown, we headed back to the hotel to change clothes and get ready for dinner!
When we changed clothes, we went and walked and shopped some more in Times Square.Then we walked to MACY'S and Madison Square Garden! Macy's was to die for. It was so many floors. It was never ending. I could have stayed in there for hours upon hours. :) Then, we went and walkt through Madison Square Garden. There was nothing happening there that night, so were actually able to do a little small self guided tour just to see what it looked like! That was pretty interesting. We had never seen it before. After we shopped, we went and ate at the one and only Ellen's Stardust Diner. It was amazing. I had eaten there with my mom once before, but it was during lunch time, so this time was a lot different. Ellen's Stardust Diner is a 50s diner that is set up for people who are trying to make it on Broadway. They sing and dance the entire time during your meal. I hope each of those sweet people get their chance to make it big! It's just so fun. I adore it. :) It stays packed in there...all the time…
When we changed clothes, we went and walked and shopped some more in Times Square.Then we walked to MACY'S and Madison Square Garden! Macy's was to die for. It was so many floors. It was never ending. I could have stayed in there for hours upon hours. :) Then, we went and walkt through Madison Square Garden. There was nothing happening there that night, so were actually able to do a little small self guided tour just to see what it looked like! That was pretty interesting. We had never seen it before. After we shopped, we went and ate at the one and only Ellen's Stardust Diner. It was amazing. I had eaten there with my mom once before, but it was during lunch time, so this time was a lot different. Ellen's Stardust Diner is a 50s diner that is set up for people who are trying to make it on Broadway. They sing and dance the entire time during your meal. I hope each of those sweet people get their chance to make it big! It's just so fun. I adore it. :) It stays packed in there...all the time…
After Ellen's we walked some more through the Square, bought some more souvenirs at a little shop. We went back to the hotel and hung out in the lobby. Seth got a smoothie from his favorite place! We started packing a little bit of our stuff.
The next morning we woke up and packed up all of our stuff. It was so sad. I didn't want to leave. We checked out at 12:00. Our hotel let us keep our bags there until we were ready to head back to the airport. Then, we went to eat at Planet Hollywood. After Planet Hollywood, we walked towards Macy's to take another look around. Then at 1:40, we headed towards the church. We were so excited to go attend Hillsong's New York City Campus Church. The campus is located in the Manhattan's city ballroom. We had to walk up 7 flights of stairs, because the elevator was so packed. It was so worth it though. The worship was amazing. I loved all of the songs and just the presence of God that they ushered in. It was so great. After worship, Jentezen Franklin gave the message. It was all about how every deed produces a seed, and we can either store seeds of mercy or seeds of iniquities for our family and children. The message was talking about where you came from and who sowed those types of seeds for you. It was awesome. He referenced King David and how he sowed seeds of mercy for his descendants and God showed them favor because of David. (Jeremiah 32:18, 2 Corinthians 12:13, Hosea 4:6, Psalm 103:17) Check those verses out. It was a wonderful message. I felt renewed and refreshed by the Spirit when I walked out of those door!
The next morning we woke up and packed up all of our stuff. It was so sad. I didn't want to leave. We checked out at 12:00. Our hotel let us keep our bags there until we were ready to head back to the airport. Then, we went to eat at Planet Hollywood. After Planet Hollywood, we walked towards Macy's to take another look around. Then at 1:40, we headed towards the church. We were so excited to go attend Hillsong's New York City Campus Church. The campus is located in the Manhattan's city ballroom. We had to walk up 7 flights of stairs, because the elevator was so packed. It was so worth it though. The worship was amazing. I loved all of the songs and just the presence of God that they ushered in. It was so great. After worship, Jentezen Franklin gave the message. It was all about how every deed produces a seed, and we can either store seeds of mercy or seeds of iniquities for our family and children. The message was talking about where you came from and who sowed those types of seeds for you. It was awesome. He referenced King David and how he sowed seeds of mercy for his descendants and God showed them favor because of David. (Jeremiah 32:18, 2 Corinthians 12:13, Hosea 4:6, Psalm 103:17) Check those verses out. It was a wonderful message. I felt renewed and refreshed by the Spirit when I walked out of those door!
Then, once we got our bags and everything switched to go to Charleston we went to the Charleston gate. At this point, we were still very unsure of how we were going to make it to Columbia (where our car was). I was sitting on the ground next to an outlet trying to charge my phone and computer. Then, Charleston had a delay. I started really freaking out. I thought this flight was going to get cancelled too. Seth was in a chair across the airport trying to find us a way back to Columbia. As soon as a sweet friends offered to come and get us (which was so nice, that's just how awesome they are), Seth had just finished paying for a taxi/limo service to take us home. So, we told our friends not to worry about it because he had already paid and we didn't want them driving late anyway, plus we were still having delays, so we really wouldn't know an exact time. Then, we had another delay until 9:40 pm. At 9:45 the plane arrived, we were the first ones to load the plane. They gave us first class tickets. Our flight attendants were hilarious. It was a long flight, but it was a fun flight. The flight attendant was an retired homicide cop and was telling all kinds of crazy stories. They gave us unlimited of everything we wanted. It was crazy. Then, when we landed we were the first people off of the plane. We went to meet the man to take us home. He was a sweet older man who drove us to Columbia. We were able to catch a little sleep, but not much. Then, we drove from Columbia to home! We made it home at 2:52 am!
We headed straight to bed and each woke up the next morning to be at work at 6 am and 7am. I would not trade one thing for it. It was the most perfect 1st anniversary I could ever ask for. God has richly blessed me with the most amazing husband ever. He fights hard through cystic fibrosis. That air was hard for him and his pink eye was acting up, but he pushed through just so that I could have a trip of a lifetime. We checked off a huge bucket list moment for him. (and me) I am thankful for these memories we are making. We don't have it all. We don't have an easy road ahead of us with expanding our little family, but we have each other and for right now...that is just perfect with me.
If you read this far, you are amazing. I love you.
Like I said, this was mainly for us to remember everything we did, but I hope somehow and someway you were able to enjoy it too. We are praying for you. We believe in you. We love you.
xoxoxox
Living to make Jesus famous,
Amy and Seth DuVall
We headed straight to bed and each woke up the next morning to be at work at 6 am and 7am. I would not trade one thing for it. It was the most perfect 1st anniversary I could ever ask for. God has richly blessed me with the most amazing husband ever. He fights hard through cystic fibrosis. That air was hard for him and his pink eye was acting up, but he pushed through just so that I could have a trip of a lifetime. We checked off a huge bucket list moment for him. (and me) I am thankful for these memories we are making. We don't have it all. We don't have an easy road ahead of us with expanding our little family, but we have each other and for right now...that is just perfect with me.
If you read this far, you are amazing. I love you.
Like I said, this was mainly for us to remember everything we did, but I hope somehow and someway you were able to enjoy it too. We are praying for you. We believe in you. We love you.
xoxoxox
Living to make Jesus famous,
Amy and Seth DuVall
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