Newsies in the City...

 

My parents came for a quick visit back in mid-April.  It is always so much fun having them here, and this time around was no different.  I hardly took any pictures, except for our day in the city, but we enjoyed beautiful weather, relaxing morning walks, gut laughing while watching Dancing with Stars, yummy dinners out, and a date night with just them and us. 

 

My dad is not a huge fan of the Big City, but, he offered to watch the little kids while my mom, Finnley and me headed in to catch a show.  It was such a fun afternoon/evening and I won't soon forget it. 

 

After shopping around Herald Square, it was time to head up to our theatre.  We decided to take a pedi-cab up to Times Square and had fun as we weaved in and out of traffic.  Finnley was great company and thoroughly enjoyed her time with the "big girls".  

 

After a quick sloppy joe from Schnippers, we headed to the Nederlander theatre for Newsies!  I was so excited, and Finnley was thrilled.  We sat on row two and my little lady was in awe the entire time.  She loved it.  Little known fact: Finnley is a hoarder - for real!  At one point during the show, they threw out fake newspapers.  Finnley collected about 12, and still has them. (I'll throw them out eventually....as I do with all her "special treasures"). 

 

I was sad to see my parents leave, knowing it was going to be months before I saw them again.  They were such a delight and I loved having them around - as did my kids.  Thanks to my mom for helping motivate me to get my yard in shape, and for spending many hours planting, weeding, etc.

Love you both to the MOON and BACK!

Let the Party Begin...

At the beginning of December we were lucky enough to have my parents come and visit for about a week.  It was so fun to have them here, in New York, in our home.  Our kids were in heaven with the constant attention and I loved having their help and company.  I have the best parents, and they never fail to bring the fun when they come to visit us.

Snuggling on the couch with my mom...you're never too old, right!?

Last time my mom was here she was helping us move in, painting our walls, and unpacking our boxes.  It was nice to be able to just relax and show her and my dad around our new town instead.  We started by showing them my favorite walking route along the Long Island Sound.  We lucked out with some mild weather, so we were able to get outside without freezing our buns off.  Dieter showed them how he likes to scooter, where to find the hermit crabs, and where we spent our summer days on the beach.

It was fun having my parents come along to drop-off and pick-up my kids from school, and give them a peek into my daily routine.  Wednesday, my mom was able to surprise Finnley at school as the Mystery Reader.  Finnley was thrilled!  My mom had brought a new book with her, as well as a little craft for the kids to do.  It was a hit.  At one point my mom, talking about the snowmen in the book, said "Don't they look pooped out!"  All the kids looked at Finnley and started giggling.  I asked her teacher if Finnley says "pooped-out" at school and her teacher said that she does, and that its quite funny among the other kids in the class.  Now they know who she got that phrase from!

Thursday we headed East to the tip of Long Island, Montauk Point.  We took a few detours along the way to show my parents some of the amazing homes (and hedges) in the Hamptons, as well as the top beach in the country.

Friday, it was into the city.  There's nothing like the city at Christmas, and it was fun to experience it with my parents.  Mitch was in town too, but was with his cousins attending the Heisman Gala. Pics from that to come.

We hit all the festive must-see's.  We started at Rockefeller Center, headed toward Times Square, stopped at Toy's R Us (holy busy), ate dinner at Junior's, walked south to Macy's, checked out their windows, sat on Santa's lap, and made it back to the hotel a smidge before our kids hit meltdown level 10!

Saturday was filled with the American Girl Doll store (Finnley's first, and definitely not the last, visit), ice skating at Bryant Park, lunch at Virgils, and playing around Central Park.  My parents flew out that afternoon, and it was hard to see them go.  It was especially hard knowing we wouldn't be seeing them for Christmas.  At least we got to have our own little Christmas celebration while they were in town.

Finnley is definitely a fan of her new look-a-like doll, Charlotte.  Although, it hasn't taken the place of her real-life doll, Remmy.  Mom and dad, thank you so much for coming to visit and for all the fun that we had.  We love you!