Farewell Trip to Connecticut

Last weekend Brian flew up to Connecticut for one last goodbye to the house and town he grew up in before the family heads south to Tampa.  I'm so glad he was able to go and have a great weekend with his sisters and family. 

In true Brian fashion he ate at all of the traditional Noehren favorite restaurants one last time.  Over a 4 day period they managed to get to Pepe's Pizzaria, Johns Pizzaria, Ess A Bagel, China Pavilion, Merritt Canteen and Julia's Bakery (including t-shirts from the pizza joints!).  Not too shabby!  He was a happy man!

 He was able to see Grandma and Grandpa Noehren - in their 90's and going strong!

 He also got to hang out with his sisters and meet his adorable niece Lillian for the first time!

 He and his dad spent a day roaming "the city" one last time. 

They went to the top of the Empire State building,

 and went to the World Trade Center Memorial, which was very touching - especially since Brian's dad was working a few blocks away when the towers went down.

 Brian especially like the Survivor Tree.  He said that when the towers fell all the trees were destroyed except this one.  They found it mostly dead under the rubble and transplanted it to a park where it grew 30 feet tall.  Then, it was wiped out again during a storm, but enough of it survived to grow strong again.  They transplanted it near the memorial as a reminder of the spirit of survival and is a tribute to all of the survivors. 

 Brian and his dad at the original John's Pizzaria on Bleecker Street.

 He also managed to make his way back to the good ole UCONN campus - somewhere he hadn't been since graduating in 2001.  He said a lot has changed - but not where he spent most of his time.  He said this is the exact table and chair he would study at.  Don't go asking me to go find my study chair at the library though :) 

 And this is the same old Koons Hall where he spent many hours in physical therapy school.  I'm pretty sure Haley's elementary school classrooms are nicer and more high tech than this!  Still no A/C either!  At least he got a good education!

We are excited for Brian's family and the new adventures that await all of us in sunny Florida!  So long, Connecticut - we'll miss you!!