I love my family

So Hugo and I just got home from our 12 hour drive back from New York. Most people know that I'm from Long Island and moved to North Carolina when I was 16. Let me tell you, moving when you're 16, about to be a junior in high school, leaving the best friends in the world and a new boyfriend... was the WORST thing that could have possibly happened to me. I was certain my partents were out to ruin my life. Of course I was sad about leaving my family, but at 16 I wasn't really thinking about that as much as I should. 

Now, almost 5 years later.. I realize that my parents weren't really out to ruin my life, but they were actually making my life a heck of a lot better for me and my sisters. I wish I could go back in time to all the visits I made to New York within the first 3 years I was gone, and instead of spending every waking moment with my old boyfriend, I would just chill with my Nonna and watch the game show network.. (Seriously, coolest Grandma ever!)

Hugo and I have been saving our change in a jar in his apartment since we started dating, a year and a half ago. We decided we were going to use that money for gas to visit my family. He has met everyone else in my family except, for the CRAZY Italians. I knew he would have to meet them to get to know me completely. So we made the trip, and I'm so glad that we did. I got to see almost everyone in the short two days that we were there. Even though my family is loud, crazy, and dramatic I wouldn't trade them for anything. Hugo loved them and they loved him back, which just made me love him more =) Now that I can only visit about once a year and I want to spend as much time as humanly possible with my grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. And, of course I loved seeing my friends, too! 

Although I didn't take enough pictures as I should have.. I got a few with the trusty iPhone :)

My Nonno... he is seriously a HAM!

My Beautiful Nonna!

 And Hugo snapped a picture of me and my baby cousin, Sarah. It's so fun to watch her grow up.. especially when I only get to see her around every 6 months. She changes so much every time! She had me laughing to the point of tears when we were playing tea party. Funny little girl! I'm pretty sure she gets it from me ;)

p.s- LuLu, I think you are the last one the needs to meet Hugo to make it complete! Aka, get your butt to North Carolina!! :) I love you!