And........Over a Year Later

What a neglected little space you are!  Last time we met we were in Washington DC enjoying the holiday of a lifetime.  So much has happened over the last year.  

I thought about opening up the laptop and tapping away at the keys almost every day but something always got in the way.  Life really.

Why come back you ask?  

Well something pretty exciting is happening over here at Splendid Things HQ.  We are expecting Baby No. 2 in just 9 short weeks!

We are all so thrilled and can't wait to meet our new little bug.  I swear things have gone a lot slower this time round and 9 weeks feel like forever away. (but of course it will be here before we all know it)

So there will be new baby to share, 4 and a half year old Gus to watch become a big brother and  hopefully lots of Splendid Things to discover together.  I think even husband will be joining up for a post or two :)

It feels so good to be back and I can't wait to share more of our little life through this space.

Much Love

Lil x

TRAVELLING BETWEEN NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON

Getting from New York to Washington took the best part of 2 days with stopovers in Philadelphia and Lancaster.  We hopped on a train at Penn station. (handy tip if you are ever traveling regionally in the US, find a red cap man.  They will take you straight down to the train, handle all your luggage, get you a great seat before any of the other passengers board, and all for a small tip.  So great)  The trip took about an hour and a half. It was cool to see the countryside (the bits that weren't covered in snow) and the towns and cities in-between New York and Philly.   It was straight into a cab after getting to Philly(wind chill was -10) and up to our hotel room.  We used this night where we were stuck in the hotel to have dinner and do Laundry.  So much laundry guys.  How do 3 people make so much dirty washing? 

 Anyhoo............. Gus and I used this time to take very serious selfies and super hero poses in front of the dryer.

We were in Philly till about 4pm the next day.  I have never been so cold in my life.  It got so bad at one stage that we had to take a screaming Gus into the Macy's entry just so we could warm him up and calm him down.  Surfeit to say we didn't see much of Philly at all but were able to brave the Arctic winds long enough to see where the Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall.  We were 3 happy Culberts when we signed for our rental car and were enjoying the heater on our way to Lancaster PA.

Lancaster is the most idyllic town.  I would love to see it during Spring or Summer but it was still absolutely beautiful under the layers of snow and ice.  We stayed at Amish View Inns just outside Lancaster and our views in the morning were White Amish Farmhouses and ploughed fields.  The hotel room was INSANE! Four poster bed, huge lounge room area and a SPA, which I indulged in as soon as I could.  We were treated to a farm style Amish buffet breakfast next to the fire in the Main room before we headed off on our way to DC. (behind an Amish Horse and Buggy for a few kms!) I really wish that we had spent more time in Lancaster but we were in a race with the Arctic Winds to get to Washington before the snow storm set in.  The last photo is snow being blown every which way on the highway.

We arrived in DC about 7pm, safe and sound.  It's been freezing, but also AMAZING!

I'll share more tomorrow.  

Love Lil xx

DAY 4. EXPLORING CENTRAL PARK.

 Central Park.  We heart you.  What a special and magical place you are.  These are a few hours we will never forget.  The Park really is a sanctuary within the sirens, and the honks.  
As soon as you walk in, all becomes quiet and everything slows down a little bit.

We strolled around, sipped hot coffee, took way too many photos of the friendly squirrels that scampered around the hot nut carts that are scattered around the park. (seriously they are not afraid of people at all)  We had been in the park for about 15 minutes when it started to snow. Slow little flakes at first and then faster and fatter and fluffier.  The wind died down and it was just the snow, falling and settling on our gloves and beanies, Gus even had some in his eyelashes!  It was really a catch your breath kind of moment.  I just stood there, arms outstretched, staring up at the sky, watching it fall down.  Seriously Top 5 Life Moment right there.

I'll let the photos do the rest of the talking, I hope they convey just how amazing this Park is. So so so lucky to be able to experience it with my loves.

Love Lil xx

P.S - If anyone ever asks if going to New York in Winter is worth it,  I would say yes.  Yes Just to experience THIS!

DAY 3. PART 2. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING.

This building lives up to the hype!!  From it's art deco lobby to the 86th floor it is pure magic.  I think that we went just at the right time too about 5.30pm so we got to witness the sun setting over the New York Skyline.  It is great to see how far the city spreads because down on the ground you feel like you are in your own little world.

Can't wait to explore more!

Love Lil xx

P.S - my hands have never been so cold in my life as they were up on the 86th floor.
P.P.S - This might just be my new favourite picture of the three of us.  Lucky, Lucky ducks!