Insta-MommygoesonvacationtotheHAMPTONS...

So I just returned from a major bucket list vacation to the Hamptons. 

(I still can't get over it, I just spent the weekend in the Hamptons.) 

("the Hamptons"... like it was just down the road or something)

I'm a nerd.

I should also warn you - this may be a long post. :)

I caught a 9:30am flight out of College Station on Thursday which meant I got to drop these kiddos off at school with Ryan for one last goodbye before my trip. Let's all take a minute and reflect on Emmy's face. This girl. cracks.me.UP!

I arrived in Houston around 10:00am and was just two little flights away from my second favorite place in the entire world. 

And - I lucked out and got on a BRAND SPANKING NEW plane. It was the biggest, nicest plane I have been on to date. AND, no one was sitting next to me. AND, I managed to talk the sweet, kind, friendly flight attendant into free Bloody Mary's. 

Not a bad day for Katy King.

When I got to DC there was the unfortunate experience involving a cancelled flight and lost wallet. Both of which belonged to me. Luckily I was put on a different flight that was going to land earlier in NYC than my original plane and found my wallet before the plane left me. They actually opened the door to the jetway back up just so I could board. 

And then the plane sat on the tarmac for an hour because Newark wasn't letting anyone in. 

But THEN... our plane took off, safely landed, I hopped on a train to Penn Station, grabbed my bags, walked up the stairs, and breathed a sweet sigh of relief. 

There is just something about NYC. I feel so at home there - no worries about what to do or where to go. I just hailed a cab and was on my way to Niki's. 

Niki and Joe were out to dinner to celebrate their 4th wedding anniversary so Abby and I had the place all to ourselves. I dropped off my bags, ran and got a quick bite to eat and then we had some girl talk until they got home. 

(And for all of those out there that are shocked I would let a dog lick me... Abby's probably the only dog that I would let do that.)

Friday morning arrived like most mornings do and Niki took me to her favorite breakfast spot, Sarabeth's. Located directly across Central Park - kind of like heaven on a plate. 

A quick stroll to Niki's office so I could "see where the magic happens" before leaving. Niki works for Primary Wave , a music management company. In short - she's kind of a big deal. She rubs elbows with big players, attends the Grammy's and got to go to one of the inaugural balls this year. NBD, right? So, I wanted to see where all this "work" happens. :)

Oh, this guy is one of their clients. 

After a fun tour, we headed back to her apartment and we.were.OFF!!

OMG - going to the HAMPTONS!

First stop? Soul Cycle. 

What? You don't work out on vacation? Neither do I - but Niki insisted. And I am so glad she did. This class is awesome! We were pumped before...

And slightly exhausted after!

:)

But not too tired for a fun night out. We have this same photo of us from about the 5th grade in Louisiana. Our moms wanted a picture and told us to "do something" when we asked what they wanted one of them shouted, "pick each other's noses". 

So we did. 

Maturity at its finest. 

From Robinson to the Hamptons 

Day 2 started with another workout - holy cow was it hard. These NYC people are crazy, luckily there was a hammock right outside for me to lounge in. 

And a coffee shop next door to get some "juice". 

That afternoon we were planning on going to an pool party for a new hotel opening in Montauk (the town where we were staying).  I made some new friends in no time. 

:)

We got to lounge by the pool, drink some fruity beverages and just enjoy the sun. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Then we hit the beach!

Isn't her hat adorable?

And then the water actually hit our toes and we almost froze to death. So glad that Jason was able to capture this reaction!

And like I do most places, I made friends with the nice gentlemen in front of me who were happy to treat me with frosty beverages. 

We hung out, took naps, read silly magazines and then headed out for night number 2. 

Another AMAZING dinner of lobster guacamole, oysters on the half shell, pizza, fish, dessert, wine and beer. Oh - and awesome company with one of my dearest friends. 

Who just happens to love me a lot.

:)

We ate and laughed, got pushed around on the dance floor (we push back), busted some moves, scored some drinks, and caused zero trouble at all. 

We spent our last day in East Hampton (after a morning yoga session of course). This is what most people think of when they hear "the Hamptons". This is "Diane Keaton in Something's Gotta Give" Hamptons. This is where I told Niki to buy a house. :)

Every single house, shop, restaurant, and garbage can has hydrangea bushes surrounding it. I was in floral heaven and could not believe how beautiful this place was. I felt like I was on a movie set because places like this just aren't real. 

I could have walked up and down the streets for hours and been perfectly content. We popped into the East Hamptons bookstore so I could buy the kids their souvenir. Ryan and I buy a book for them every place we go. The collection is growing pretty large and it's a fun tradition to have. They really enjoy reading the books and hearing about where we have been. Recommend it to anyone!

And then much too quickly, it was time to say goodbye. 

(See - doesn't it look fake?!?)

We took the train back to the city and arrived to rainy evening. We grabbed a cab and had our sweet driver take us to pick up dinner and dessert before settling in for an evening of silly movies, deep conversation, and a menu that may have done some damage to our three days of work outs.

You only live once, right?

Niki and I had a slow morning and then had to part ways once again. I am SO so SOOOOO thankful for our enduring friendship. Her generosity, her spunk, her passion, her laugh, her determination, her beauty both inside and out make her a treasured and protected friend. I love you, Niki! Thank you so much for an unforgettable weekend. A weekend where I didn't use my "real" camera one time. A weekend where I was only responsible for feeding myself. A weekend where I got to use the bathroom alone for FOUR days. A weekend to soak up you and us. 

And as sad as I was to leave... nothing is better than coming home to these three (and their sweet Daddy).

:)