We headed out of New York City in a rental car and bravely began our drive to New Jersey amongst the New York drivers and Friday/weekend traffic. Some people say the California freeways are confusing and difficult, but the roads out west seem logical and planned out compared to the freeways in and around New York and New Jersey! Here's a shot of the Verrazano Bridge we had to cross- that was exciting!
Here's another view of the bridge.As you can see, it reveals the reason we came in first in The Amazing Race...I mean the reason we didn't get lost: the built in GPS system! Indispensable! (At times felt like we were participating in The Amazing Race...)
Ironically, we, the West Coast-ers did arrive at the wedding hotel before all the New Englanders. (To be fair, though, I should say that the New Englanders were coming from a different direction and had to deal with alot more weekend traffic. At one point the mother-of-the-bride didn't think she would arrive in time for the rehearsal dinner and received a ticket for driving in the Diamond lane which did not help matters. Be careful, the NJ highway patrol expects you to know that contrary to CT's, RI's, and NY's two passenger Diamond lane requirement, NJ has a three passenger requirement...and it doesn't matter that you're not from around there with RI plates!)
The dinner took place at a really nice Steak restaurant in New Brunswick - not far from Rutgers University. Here's some pictures from the dinner-
The happy bride and groom on the eve of their wedding.
Here is where the wedding was held - The Palace at Somerset. It was quite the venue!
Photos from the dinner reception.
It was a wonderful celebration and it was so great to be together with my family.
And, oh yes, one more picture...... This couple looks in pretty good shape for the amount of glasses in the foreground.... You know, it was a very formal dinner with glasses for everything and empty ones just in case....really!
The next day Chris, Kristin, and Eric left to fly home and Natalie and I drove home to Connecticut to spend a few days with my Mom and my sisters. So, Pt. 4, "Connecticut" of the East Coast trip is to follow - hopefully shortly!
Even though this post was long in coming, it was worth it: we are now able to reveal the reason for the mysterious absence of Chelsea. Hmmmm... Well, she was not able to make the trip because she was dealing with alot of morning sickness. Yes, WE ARE GOING TO BE GRANDPARENTS!!! So, more on that in another blog installment soon!
