New York City - Part 1

My mom, Taylor, and I just got back from a trip to New York City.  We had a great time and can't wait to go back!!!  We flew in on a Wednesday and spent Wednesday evening going to Macy's to see the Christmas windows and Santa and also in Time's Square.

 Going through "Santaland" to get to Santa.

 We rode the ferris wheel that is inside Toys R Us.

 Thursday morning we got up and went downtown to ride the Staten Island Ferry so we could see the Statue of Liberty.  It was a really foggy morning so our pictures aren't that great.

 After the ferry we went and saw the 9/11 memorial.  There is still a lot of construction going on here, but when it is done it should be really nice!

 Taylor LOVED riding the subway!

 Thursday afternoon we went to Bryant Park to ice skate.  This was Taylor's first time and she loved it.  She did way better than I thought she would too!  It was a warm day (about 60 degrees) so it was perfect for skating!

We ended Thursday by going to see the Broadway musical Annie.  It was a great show....I couldn't believe how talented those little kids were!

Thanksgiving Program

All the kindergarteners at Taylor's school performed a Thanksgiving play this year.  Taylor was a Native American woman.  They did a little play and then sang several songs.  She did a great job!

Here is part of "10 Little Indians"...

Halloween 2013

A couple nights before Halloween we carved our pumpkins.  Don't let these pictures fool you, they really didn't help much at all.  Everyone took one very small scoop out and that's it!

Taylor wanted a ghost (or a bat), not sure exactly what it is!

Ben wanted a funny face!

Drew wanted a scary face!

Halloween was cold and rainy again.  When the rain started about 45 minutes into trick or treating the boys were done and happy to stay home and pass out candy.  Taylor, however, was not slowed down by the rain!  She rode around with one of the neighbors until about 7:30!

 Prince James, Sofia the First, and the doctor

 Skeleton jammies!

 

Pumpkins and Apples

On Monday we went to the pumpkin patch and apple orchard to get some pumpkins for carving and more apples to make applesauce!

Ben with his pumpkin.

 Taylor loved using the clippers!

 Our haul...

 Next up, apples!!

 Drew wanted to eat the first one he picked, which was perfect because it kept him from running around, throwing apples, etc.!

 So fun!!!

Zoo Halloween

Oma and Opa took us to the Zoo Halloween on Sunday!  It turned out to be a beautiful day and the zoo was very crowded.

Taylor wanted to be Sofia the First this year (Oma made her dress).  She talked Ben into being Sofia's brother, Prince James. And, Drew is a doctor!

Ready to go!!!

 Oma, Daddy, and the kids rode the train!

 I think the two mazes were everyone's favorite thing (besides the candy trails)!

 

Here is a picture of Sofia and James.  Oma also altered the jacket I found for Ben, and he makes the perfect prince!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Drew!!!

Our baby is 2!!!  Saturday night we had a little party for Drew with friends and family.  I did a farm theme since he likes farm animals and tractors.  Aunt Marcy made him the cute tractor shirt!

Troy smoked pork for a pulled pork dinner!

 Opening presents...

 He got lots of fun new toys and has been very busy playing with everything, but he LOVES this chainsaw.  I am about to go deaf from hearing this thing ALL DAY LONG!

 Blowing out candles...

 This is what all that green frosting does!

 Today grandma brought a DQ cake up and we had that after lunch.  Drew blew out his candles about 5 times before we finished singing "Happy Birthday", Troy had to keep relighting them.

 The party people!

 Happy Birthday, Drew!!!

We went to the doctor today for his 2 year check up.  He weighed 27 lbs. (60th %) and is 34" tall (40th %).  He got a flu shot and finger prick and didn't cry once!  He talks like crazy and still goes pretty much nonstop all day long.  He is starting to be a little more trustworthy now as I can leave him alone for a few minutes and the house won't be totally destroyed.  Drew LOVES to be outside and "help" Daddy in the yard.  He also is an amazing scooter rider and can ride a tricycle and even a bike with training wheels if he can reach the pedals!  While he exhausts me most days, he can also be so sweet and funny and I wouldn't trade that for anything!!!