4/13/2013 Today we planned to drive into New York (more specifically, Brooklyn), but before we did we had to load up a few things to drop off at Chelsea’s apartment.
Once everyone was ready we hit the road. After unloading Chelsea’s stuff were grabbed lunch. Chelsea and I had discussed lunch options a few days before we even flew to Connecticut. She knew my love for all food and had been wanting to try out this restaurant down the road from her apartment. It had been featured on Dinners, Drive-In, and Dives (duh!). I was super excited for lunch at Valencia Luncheria. The restaurant is inspired by the owners dishwashing days in Venezuela. Their signature dish is something called an Arepa. The only way I can think to describe it is a corn pita that is deep fried. It is so light and airy and they fill it with ALL kinds of things, from meats and veggies to fruit and cheese. I ordered the Works so Zoe and I could get a little taste of everything. Zoe dug right into the black beans and rice (mental note take off Zoe’s cardigan when eating black beans, they are just like blueberries).
After every one was stuffed we jumped back in the car and we made our way to Brooklyn. I had made a special request for this trip because it just so happened that my family lives only 2 hours away from a gallery where Tommy had entered a poster into Bottleneck Art Gallery. The When the Light Go Out show opened the Friday I flew into Connecticut and is running until May 1st. So needless to say I really wanted to take the opportunity to see his work in the gallery. We found the gallery just across the water from Long Island City, in a very quiet neighborhood. We checked all of the pieces of art and then the black lights turned on to reveal the glow in the dark art. I loved seeing the art come to life when the lights went out. It was a great opportunity to see Tommy’s work on display and amongst other artists. I loved that I got to share a part of Tommy’s world with my family. I am so proud of all of his hard work. I look forward to seeing where his career takes him. 
After the gallery we decided to wander the neighborhood. It was a beautiful day and personally I love exploring new places. Plus it was just nice to be out in the sunshine. We walked half way across a bridge and then found a park for Zoe to run around in. Then we decided to head back to Chelsea’s apartment for some dinner and movie watching.
Monday Chelsea returned to work and Maddee had go back to school. So we hung out with Auntie Marg and went to visit Grams. It was such a beautiful weather that we were able to spend much needed time outside. We even got to go for a walk with Grams and have snack time with her.
Zoe even managed to fit in a work out! 
Wednesday we got up early and got ourselves together so we could stop by and say a quick good bye to Grams before we had to catch our flight. We got to the airport extra early just in case there was long lines in security or if people we were rerouting their flights through Connecticut (post explosions in Boston). Fortunately for us there was no such thing. The line through security was two people long. So we grabbed a quick bite to eat and found our gate where we waited to board. Zoe played for the first hour. Then on our last leg of our return flight she was fast asleep until we landed in Minneapolis. 
As we pulled up into the station where Zoe spied her Dada waiting for us she yelled, “HEY!” I let her out of her carrier so she could walk to her Dad, but she decided to run. She was very excited to see her Dada. I wish I had caught a picture of it, but we were enjoying the moment. So long Connecticut, until next time!
It is well with my Soul 
Fantastic entry. Loved the video and pics with Gram. So glad you do this love love love it