Goodbye USA, Ola Brasil!

After almost two blissful months in the US (3 weeks for Jay), we are back in Manaus now. It was a very fun-filled time seeing our friends and family throughout the country and was definitely the longest vacation either of us has taken.
I'll try to start from where I left the blog a month ago, and I promise to be brief...
Jay and I spent a few days with our dear friends in Washington, DC, and then headed up to NYC by double-decker bus. The next week in NYC flew by between meeting friends for coffee, lunch, and dinner, and getting our fill of our favorite old spots.
The next leg of our trip was spent with family in Arizona, and we stayed super busy with both sides. It's fortunate that both of our families are in the same area, but at the same time, it adds a challenge to the planning since we all want to see each other as much as possible. We crammed in all sorts of fun adventures in AZ, including 90 minute horseback riding lessons, watching a Cardinals training camp practice in Flagstaff, eating the famous Brooklyn-style pizza at Grimaldi's, and seeing a Diamondbacks game.

Happiness on a Horse

Go Cards!

Pizza Party with the Cousins

One of the highlights of that trip was also getting to spend a couple days with our adorable niece.

From there, Jay went to see his family in Tennessee, and I went to Las Vegas with mine. My best friend since I was about 5 years old met us with her bf in Vegas, and we had a great time walking the Strip at night, eating as much as possible at the buffets, and laying out by the fancy pool at Planet Hollywood! 

BFF

Our first buffet at the Rio Hotel

Poolside @ Planet Hollywood

One of the most fun nights of my entire summer was spent in a casino with my brother, my best friend, and her bf doing karaoke and dancing til the wee hours. The memories from that night of Ms. Marlene and Antonio Winnick on stage are priceless. (Everyone needs a proper Vegas name, of course!)

On stage w/Antonio

Jay and I met at the airport in NYC next, and spent the last 5 days of our US time seeing friends and running errands. I spent a day out in the Hamptons, soaking up the good life with good friends and good food, while Jay took care of some visa business at the consulate. Our last afternoon was a very special one for us because we got to spend some time chillin with our friends that are moving to LA at the end of the month. Lucky for us, they had a going away party planned in Manhattan on our last night with other friends of ours! And even luckier for us, we got to see the sunset over the Hudson River from that rooftop party that just so happened to be the former residence of Duke Ellington! We were both totally thrilled at the idea of walking in the same place as Sir Duke! Since we had to leave for the airport at 3:30 in the morning that night, we pulled an all-nighter with some of our most favorite people in NYC! It was a totally cool way to bring our vacation to a close.
On that note, we had a good trip back to Manaus. We are happy to be here, even happier to be unpacked. And I already have my list of requests from the states started for our next trip!

ps I left my charger for my computer in NYC, so when I can use my computer again I will try to post some pics on here ;)