Sorry this is soooo looonnnng, I don't know what made me type so much.

Pictures to come after the recap.

To start off…I have to share this with you…

As most of you know, my trip to New York was a complete secret from my family. When we returned late Sunday night we realized that we had pulled it off to complete perfection. No one suspected a thing.

But it felt odd not being able to tell anyone of our WONDERFUL time. So we agreed to very quickly to tell my younger sister. She wouldn’t tell a soul, besides I have some dirt on her.

I asked, “If I tell you something, do you promise, promise, promise, promise, promise never to tell anyone?” She eventually agreed and I made it clear that she couldn’t even tell her friends. I don’t want this getting back to my parents at all!

Like I’ve told people, my parents probably wouldn’t care that much that we went to New York or even the Luncheon (I don’t even think they know that we watch ATWT). I think I’m not giving them the benefit of the doubt, but I don’t want to take that chance. They’re homophobic for the most part and internet-phobic (even though they share phone and IM conversations with strangers). They don’t understand that you’re all my friends. Good friends.

Back to my sister, she was confused as to what Nat and I could’ve possibly done that was that big. I finally said, “We went to New York!” She was shocked. She asked what we did and why we went and how we got there. I explained that we went to the As the World Turns Fan Club Luncheon and that we rode there with fellow Michiganders Sage and Thom Harrison and with Coni Lynn from Wisconsin.

She asked if we met “them” (Van and Jake). I said, “Yes!” She then said, “Lucky!” And I asked why because she never seemed to care about them before. She said, “Van’s hot!” I said, “You don’t think Van’s hot at all! You said Jake is hot.” She said, “No, I think he’s hot!” I started laughing, whatever Janessa.

I basically told her a summarized story of the trip. She thought Billy and Van seemed like a hoot. She was so jealous! Ha! She wants to go next year. I told her that she would have to start watching ATWT. I smell a Nuke conversion on the way! I’ll try my best. She’ll be 18 by then, so I don’t see why not.

Time for the most annoying recap! My first recap so bare with! K.

Let’s rewind back now to Thursday night. I was at work by myself and Nat showed up around 6:30 to make sure I was done at 9:30 (when our caravan was supposed to arrive and I was off work). I was a nervous wreck up until 9:00 because my dad said that he might come up and go to the store to pick up cigarettes we were low on! (NOOO!) It almost ruined everything, but we called home and learned he fell asleep. We were so relieved. We calmed down and collected our snacks for the trip (forgetting Thom’s beef jerky! Sorry!!!)

Soon Jeni arrived and we received a call from Thom learning that they were running late and wouldn’t be there until 10ish. It was okay, it gave me a chance to listen to more of the hockey game and Natalie called Manny (LOVE MANNY! MANNY ).

While listening to the Red Wings’ game, I saw a woman hugging Natalie and I realized that Sage and company had arrived! I was so excited! I ran outside giving Coni Lynn (such a sweetie!) a big hug and then Sage.

We talked to for a few seconds, squealed and then got prepared to leave on our LOONNG trip! I was asked to get some quarters for the tolls that would come. Stupidly, I got dimes (okay, you have to push a certain button on the safe, dimes are next to quarters. I was nervous.) I had two whole minutes for the timer to count down so I could get the quarters. Finally, it was done and I was back outside. I said goodbye to Jeni and we were off!

We started off talking about Nuke, of course. It’s been a week, so I really can’t remember certain conversations, but I can’t share too much. Our rule, “What’s happens in the Van, stays in the Van. Ha ha, Van.” Besides, I know Sage shared a lot about what we talked about along the way.

A highlight: Snyder Sweet and Sassy Potato Chips. They were delicious and they sparkled.

One thing, Sage got us lost in Pennsylvania. I didn’t care! I saw AWESOME mountains. I think they cared more at the time, but looking back, it was a cool detour.

I remember falling asleep at 6:30 am and waking up at 8:30 am and being in New Jersey! Sage got irritated because they didn’t have restrooms at the rest areas!

Finally, we arrived at the Harrisons’ and Coni Lynn’s hotel. They were allowed to check in early and we were allowed to go up and fix up ourselves a bit. When we were done, we got ready to go to Manhattan to meet everyone for Henry Davis Day! While waiting for the bus, Coni Lynn got a text from one of the Twirls saying that they and some others went to go pick up Travis at the airport because his plane was delayed and HDD was re-scheduled to meet at 2:00 instead of 12:30.

We were all really confused, did everyone else attending HDD know of the change? So we all decided to go a wait anyway at the Marriott Marquis (where the Luncheon was supposed to be and our HDD meeting place) because we realized the others were as confused, or at least seemed as confused, as we were.

While waiting we took pictures of the sites and eventually called Barbara to see where she was. We realized that she was on the other side of the hotel waiting for Melissa and George. They were going to be there any second and come around to where we were.

Out of nowhere I realized that Melissa, George, and Barbara were right by me! I guess I wasn’t looking! I gave them all hugs and we talked for a few minutes, then I turned around to see the most adorable girl hugging Sage and almost in tears! JORDAN! The cutest thing on this earth! I don’t know how many times we called her adorable and that we all wanted to take her home.

Well, my bags began to really weigh me down, so Barbara (I LOVE BARBARA!) and George (I LOVE GEORGE!) walked with Natalie and me to drop our bags off at our hotel which wasn’t far from the Marriott. Kim wasn’t checking in until 3:00, so we could only give them to the hotel staff to hold for us. I was just happy to get rid of those damn things!

When we got back to the Marriott there were so many more people there! I won’t even try to name everyone; I don’t want to forget y’all! After we all said hi, Renee began to escort us on our HDD field trip! Our first official stop was the café from the V-Day episode. I was freaking out! My first official Nuke stop! Van and Jake actually stood and acted there!!! Barbara (I LOVE BARBARA!) treated us to the tartest lemonade that I have ever tasted. She gave hers to George.

Then we all went to the park from the V-Day episode! It was so amazing. I wish we could’ve sat and soaked it all in more, but we were waiting for Travis and company. We learned that they were still at the hotel and that we were meeting at the Cube from the Henry Davis video.

So, we all stopped by Gay Street and Christopher Street. AWESOME! Everyone took tons of pictures. It was really awesome to be in a place like that. Everyone there seemed to be so free with who they were. It’s something I won’t forget. All the pride flags and couples. It was so nice to see.

We were finally off to the Cube (what’s that Cube called!?) When we got to across the street we saw Lisa and company. We all shouted “Nuke!” and various “woots” and I think people all thought we were nuts! Especially when we all started hugging and taking huge group pictures!

We then took our human train along to go eat Sushi! I would have tried Sushi if I wasn’t so darn hungry, so Nat and I got two different chicken meals so we could share. It was chaos in the restaurant! More Nukies showed up and I think we broke the record for the most human noise in that small of a place.

After we all ate, we took the subway back and then all went our separate ways. Barbara (I LOVE BARBARA!), Natalie, and I went to mine, Nat, and Kim’s hotel to get cleaned up. After that we went to Barbara’s hotel and hung out before we had to go pick up Jenn (I LOVE JENN!) We killed time on the internet. I was finally able to watch Thursday’s Nuke episode! Yay!

Since we all were beat, and even though it was only a few blocks down, we took a taxi to Penn Station. It took us a little bit, but we found Jenn! Nat and I got some ice cream to eat and Barbara got a hot dog. We were supposed to go to Barbara and Jenn’s hotel to hang out, but Natalie and I were sooo tired, that we just went back to our hotel to go to bed.

It was 11ish when Kim arrived we said hi and talked for a few, but soon we were all asleep. The day and drive really took a toll on Natalie and I. We wanted to rest up for the big day on Saturday!

So…Saturday morning…long story short: We were going to pick up Andy with Lisa, Andy was early, and we couldn’t be told in time, so we went back to hotel to get ready for the Luncheon! But we did walk up to see Andy and the hotel and gave him a big hug!

Natalie, Kim, and I finished getting ready for the Luncheon and we were on our way! When we got there we got the most adorable ATWT shot glasses. Natalie went to buy our lanyards before we got in line for pictures, and we said hi to a few more Nukies!

We went to get back in line with Melissa and learned they were out of Nuke pictures! We were like, “WTF!” I thought we were screwed. Poor Richard, poor Robert. Then I realized they only meant TPTIS. Phew! Well, as Nat and I went to the back of the picture line, Theresa pulled us aside and said that Mindi told her that Van and Jake WERE going to the After Party! She told us not to tell anyone, but she seemed sooo happy!

Once we finally got to the table, we learned that they JUST ran out of Jake pictures, both, and only had Van ones left. Ugh! I DON’T blame Mindi, I know she felt bad, but come on, the boys are so hot, and those pictures couldn’t be resisted!

So Nat and I bought three Van pictures, but Coni Lynn aka MY HERO sold us one of Jake. Thank you Coni!!! We finally got that all situated and then waited for them to open the doors.

After what seemed like forever, the doors to the ballroom opened and we made our way inside. Chaos reined for a good couple of minutes because the tables weren’t numbered, but eventually that was taken care of and we all sat down. My table had me, Natalie, Michael, Chris, Shirphie, Melissa, Dawana, Laura, Coni Lynn, Renee (who switched seats with Kay), and of course Lisa, who actually was at the table right behind us, but she had to sit next to her twin.

Mindi got on stage and began to give us the 411 of what was going to happen. She eventually said something along the lines how she knew that there were a lot of Van and Jake fans there (sorry, I can’t remember very well!) and we all got up and started screaming and cheering! I remember Roger coming over and telling Lisa and all of us that we weren’t being loud enough!

They started the raffle. Every time a Nuke fan one, they got the biggest cheer! Especially when Melissa won the Nuke GLAAD photo (ME!!!) Mindi then left the stage and told us Michael Park would be out to announce the cast!

Soon after Michael Park did come and out and he got a pretty loud reception from the Nukies, but I love Michael Park, so it was all cool. He immediately brought out Mick Hazen to help him introduce everyone. I know they introduced Allie first, but the rest is a blur until Michael mentioned that he “was going to bring out these next two guys together.” Immediately everyone began cheering, and Michael began to explain that he knew that they were popular, and that he was proud to have their storyline on the show. He also said he knew about the controversy, “The kiss!” He opened his shirt, stuck out his stomach and said, “But those Hershey’s Kisses, have not been good!” Everyone howled in laughter and began to clap. I was thrilled.

Finally, he introduced Van and Jake, and the lovely boys were in our eyesight! This lead to a very long standing ovation! After that, they introduced Tala, and we cheered for her. She is awesome. After that, they introduced Billy. He was crazy. Lisa kept screaming to him on stage, and I got her and Shirphie to scream “Cake” to the stage. Then Eric was introduced. Michael joked about Matt and Casey being the next Nuke, and I yelled “Masey” to the stage.

When the introductions were done, each actor headed to their respective tables. Things were a little hectic, but we found ourselves waiting in Van and Jake’s line, of course. We were standing with Jenn (who was really nervous) and talking about how excited we were, which passed the time. After about 15 or 20 minutes, we were finally towards the front of the line. We mad Jenn go first, and she got over her nervousness. When she was done, Nat and I stepped up and proceeded to give Van and Jake our Wetpaint gifts (they each received two buttons, two stickers, and some silly putty – which they began to play with!)

I then pointed out the Lanyards. I asked if they got theirs yet, they said no. I said that they will. Nat told them that she designed them, and they said good job. She then pointed out the two websites. Van said he recognized VH.net (duh!), but didn’t recognize the other one. We said it was a Wetpaint Wiki, and there over 800,000 Wikis and that the Nuke Wiki has been #1 for 11 weeks. They thought that was awesome. We also said that Wetpaint helped a lot with our campaign and that the CEO even loves Luke and Noah. We got them to sign our photos (including Robert’s and Richard’s). I explained to Jake that they ran out of his pictures. He seemed somewhat pleased! We then took our pictures and then finally left the boys. Nat stuck around and got some things together, and then headed back into Van and Jake’s line. I went over to Elizabeth Hubbard’s line.

After getting Liz and Noelle’s autograph and learning that Noelle hates it when people think her name’s Nicole, I found Nat in the midst of Van and Jake’s line and hopped in. She got her coffee mug signed, and we got our note for Jake’s biggest fan, Manny. We then finished out our camera with another group of photos (and some hugs!) and some posed pictures from our boys.

Natalie went to go relax and I headed to Billy’s line with Jenn. Nat mingled with some fans, and gushed about how Jake rubbed her back when they hugged. When I was done, I had an unusually, mild cute note from Billy (signing it to “N & N”), and then Nat and I went to the girls’ line. We met Allie, Ellery and Ashley. We told Ellery happy birthday, and Natalie said that Natalie was her name.

After that, we decided to go into Eric and Tala’s line. It moved pretty quickly, and when Eric first spotted us he asked, “Is this the third set of twins I’ve been hearing of!?” We said yes, and began to get their autographs. We had small talk with Tala and she asked where we were from. We said Michigan, and she was happy to share she was from Columbus, Ohio. She asked if we were Michigan fans, because she was a Buckeye. We said yes but decided that there were no hard feelings. We happened to mention something about having “twins for Luke and Noah” banners, and she knew who we were online! When signing her autograph, she signed it “N & N” circling the “N’s” like M&M’s. Eric also decided to sign our names “N & N” but also calling us, “N-train and N-train.” So you can call us “N-train.” Someone decided to take a picture, even though we didn’t have a camera. Eric decided to call over the Twirls and Toys, who were near the front of the Van and Jake line, to have a twin’s picture. I remember calling Van and Jake to join as well. At one point Dylan popped in, and then Billy, and then some random, unknown lady in blue.

When that was done, we mingled a bit and were supposed to get back into Van and Jake’s line for Melissa, but she joined us anyway. She got a picture signed for Jenn (WhoaLuke) and we got our Lanyards autographed. We were finally done, and said hello and goodbye to a few more people before heading back to our hotel with Kim.

We were able to relax and catch the last two periods of the Red Wings game (which they won) and freshened up a bit. We packed really light, so we didn’t have to change for the After Party. We wanted to buy another camera for the party (which was a bad idea, seeing as none of the pictures turned out). So we left a bit before Kim, and Nat gave her directions that were actually correct. On our way to the Social, we ran into a man wearing a Red Wings Steve Yzerman jersey, and we walked by bumping fists, and saying “Go Wings.” His wife was happy to report that they were winning. We were more than happy to report that they won.

Finally, we could see the bar and we knew we weren’t lost. We were tad early, so we didn’t know what to say when the guy at the door greeted us (asking if we were twins…). We said we were there for the party, and he ID’d us. I explained that I didn’t have an ID, but we were twins…and I had my birth certificate if he really wanted it. He cleared us and we headed upstairs. Sure enough, plenty of people were already there, and we began to mingle. We found ourselves at the entrance, greeting everyone that walked in. We were helping people put their belongings by the table.

Eventually we realized that Barbara, Jill, and Jenn weren’t there yet. When they finally arrived, Jenn came up to Natalie and said, “Vienna and Chris are downstairs!” She later said that they were out front waiting for Van and Jake to show up. Nat and Jenn went to the bottom of the stairs to see them. Theresa and Lisa thought they were just waiting for Van and Jake when they were deciding what to do about Dylan and Ewa. Nat ran upstairs to explain it to them and they decided that they would go and try to get them to come inside.

Nat and Lisa went outside and began to ask if Dylan and Ewa would come upstairs. They didn’t want to get there before Van and Jake thinking that they would crash the party. They assured Dylan and Ewa that it was fine and Mindi said that she would wait for Van and Jake.

They came upstairs and all the fans were delighted to see them. Ewa asked me where to set her stuff down and she and Dylan began to mingle. After only a little while longer, everyone was called into the main room and Lisa began to explain that Van and Jake were there, into the microphone.

She told us to respect them because they were nice enough to come and they didn’t have to. Everyone was pretty excited, but they mostly contained themselves and soon Van and Jake entered the room.

We all cheered for Van and Jake. Everyone mingled and Van and Jake went out onto the patio. Van and Jake thanked all of the fans for being so great and supportive. It was a nice speech. Billy and Tala showed up around this time. Then we all took a giant group photo. After the picture, everyone went their separate ways and began to party.

Our first conversation was with Van. First we talked about Henry Davis. We called him brilliant in it and he thanked us. (It wasn’t just Nat and I talking to Van, there were and few other people around, but I don’t want to name names and get people wrong. The same goes for any other conversations I may mention). We mentioned that we did HDD and where we went for it and things like that.

He then began to tell us more about the inspiration for Henry Davis. He said that he shot 4 other characters for Zeke, not just Henry Davis, and that they were still out there somewhere. I told him to tell Zeke (who now lives in LA) to put them up on YouTube and he agreed that he wanted them up too.

Did you know that Van stole “Ice cream, ice cream, ice cream!”? Yup! He sure did. He explained that on the TV show “Strangers with Candy” and little girl used to scream, “Pizza, pizza, pizza!” and that’s where he got it from. But everyone let him know that he made it his own. We were just glad that we got Van to say, “Ice cream, ice cream, ice cream!”

Next we began talking about stripes and that everyone was wearing them. I pointed out that he was wearing stripes and I asked, “I thought you didn’t wear stripes anymore?” He replied, “I’m starting to incorporate them back into my wardrobe.”

I don’t know how I got back onto the topic on the Wiki. Either Van asked, “So you guys run that site?” Or we brought it up for some other reason, but basically, all I want Van to do is go there and see all the hard work everyone puts into that site. I remember he asked what a Wiki was. I explained what it was. (Hopefully you all know what it is.) He said, “Oh! Like Wikipedia!” We explained to him what Wetpaint was (the site that we created the Wiki through) and how they were 100 percent behind Nuke and that they even helped with the campaign.

We told Van that there were over 800,000 Wikis created through Wetpaint and that the Nuke Wiki was the number 1 Wiki and had been for 11 weeks! After trying to explain the site a little more, suddenly he stopped and said, “Wait! Is it the blue one!?” Me and Nat smiled and said yes. He seemed happy that he was able to figure out what site it was and that he had been there. Now that Van knows the Wiki as “The blue one”, I don’t think I’m ever going to be changing the look of the site!

I know Theresa and Jenn were right around us. We explained to Van that they were Mods on our site and we pointed out Georgie calling him an Admin. He asked what Mods and Admins were. We said Moderators and Administrators and he seemed to understand what those longer titles meant more. He then asked which one was more important. Ha Ha! Van doesn’t understand fan website authority titles! I love it!

Then Natalie and I headed back inside. I ran into Billy. I told him that I didn’t get a hug earlier and he hugged and kissed me on my right cheek. I LOVE BILLY!

The next person Nat and I talked to was Jake. I know we brought up our site again to him. I just wanted to make sure he and Van knew about it. I know, I know, we’re pushy, but hey, I love the Wiki and I want them to love it to! I remember trying to explain the concept of a Wiki to him, but he seemed to have a better understanding of it than Van.

The rest of the night was a real blur. Natalie and I weren’t really around each other that much. We remember certain moments from the night, but not really in any order. So the rest of the recap of the Nuke-a-palooza is just going to be highlights of our night.

I had brought Natalie up to Billy to meet him because I had already talked to him twice. I told Billy that this was my twin I told him about. He said hello and kissed her on the cheek. He then kissed me again on my left cheek. Yes, I got kisses from Billy on both cheeks.

I remember walking in on Angie telling Jake that she was his biggest fan. Natalie and I refuted saying that Manny was his biggest fan (I LOVE MANNY!). Another time, I remember someone asking Jake about the jumping on the bed scene and he began to jump around like he did on the episode. It was really adorable.

I ran into Mindi. I thanked her for all the hard work she did. She thanked all of us fans for being so supportive. She mentioned that we made this years Luncheon the best ever! But I think next year’s going to be even better!

Natalie and I went up to say hi to Ewa and Dylan. We both called Ewa beautiful. She said we were sweet and pulled us both into a hug and we got a picture with her. Ewa was incredibly nice. I’m so glad she came and I’m so glad I met her.

Since Tala had told us she was from Columbus, we brought Kim to talk to her about it, since she was from that area too. We told Tala she was so sweet and a great actress and we just didn’t like Ameera, but she knew that. Van boasted about Tala being in a movie coming up. He then embarrassed her by saying she did a hair commercial. (Nothing to be ashamed about, Tala! You have beautiful hair!) He then mimicked what she apparently did in the commercial by waving his head in front of him and flipping his hair around. Someone commented to Tala that she didn’t have an accent. She said, “No! I’m a Midwestern girl!” She said that she said pop instead of soda (FTW!) and sucker, not lollipop. Tala rules.

Natalie and I wanted to take another picture with Van. He commented more on twins and then asked us if we had a special language. (I know, us, the Twirls, and the Toys have complained about “twin” questions before and the “special language” question is one of them, but we all agreed that if we were asked anything like that by Van and Jake, they got a free stupid pass.) We told Van that we knew what the other was saying sometimes, without really ever having to say it, and I think he thought that was a good answer. After this conversation with Van, we took the twin picture with him. We were also talking about twins with Jake and he mentioned that his brothers were twins!

Basically the rest of the night we mingled with Nuke fans and a little bit with the actors. Tala was the first to leave and Billy scampered off eventually. Dylan and Ewa left next. Van and Jake both left around 9:30. We commented to others that we couldn’t believe that they stayed so long! It was all so exciting and I still can’t believe it happened!

Natalie and I then spent a good ten minutes saying goodbye to every single Nuke fan. We had decided not to go to Therapy or karaoke (we were sooo tired!) and for all we know, we never would see them again. I think I hugged and kissed everybody! We love and miss you all so much!

When we got back to our hotel and Kim was there. She was already on the internet sharing photos and such. She let Natalie use her cell phone and we called Manny to give him the 411 of all that went on that day! He was so excited to hear that we had gotten him Jake’s autograph! After that the three of us chatted and finally went to bed.

In the morning we were supposed to meet Andy at his hotel. We said our final goodbye to Kim. Kim, once again, thank you so much for inviting us to stay with you. I don’t know what we would have done if it wasn’t for you. Like I told you, Kim=Hero.

We met up with Andy at his hotel. There were also many Nuke fans there going the same way we were. Jammi was there, but we had to say goodbye to her right away because her ride was there. Melissa, George, Theresa, and Thom escorted us and Andy to Port Authority because we really know exactly where it was and they did. We all said our final goodbye and me, Nat, and Andy made our way to wait for our bus.

Andy pointed out that we all were wearing different Detroit sports shirts and we thought it was awesome. (I was wearing a Tigers shirt, I brought two with me! Natalie was wearing a Red Wings shirt and Andy was wearing a Pistons shirt). We all agreed it would be cool if Thom or Sage was wearing a Lions shirt, but if they weren’t the Lions didn’t deserve any of us to be wearing one anyway.

We actually very easily made it to meet Sage and company. Thanks to the brilliance of Thom who knew exactly what to do! We hopped into the van and the six of us headed back to Michigan!

Whew! This recap is already so long and now that I’m passed the Nuke stuff, there’s not much else I can type to top that! Let’s just say the trip home was looonnnng! I think it’s because we stopped so much, we ate at Arby’s and had some big pizza somewhere else. So, for the rest of the ride, I’ll just use our excuse, “What happens in the van, stays in the van. Ha ha, Van!” One of the highlights is that we were able to watch Nuke clips on Coni’s computer!

I don’t really know what else to type except that we had a GREAT time! I can’t believe I was able to go and meet you all! This is definitely one of the highlights in our lifetime! Thank you all for being so wonderful!

Well that’s it! Our long ass recap! I hope you’re all not asleep!

Here are some of my favorite pictures of the boys that we took of them by themselves. If you want to use these, please credit them.

Here are Natalie and I with some actors! (Nicole-Purple, Natalie-brown) Us, Jake, and Van. Us and Van at the after party. Nicole and Jake. Us, with Ewa, and Ewa and Dylan.