NYC

A few weeks ago, we headed to New York City for the girls' annual birthday trip.  Last year, it was unbearably hot and this year, it was chilly and rainy, which was fine with us.  We were in the city all day, splitting our day between shopping and the theater.  We went to American Girl and FAO Schwarz, had lunch at Junior's and then saw Aladdin, which was so amazing.  I've seen a lot of shows over the years but this production of Aladdin might just be the best performance of all.  The costumes were spectacular, the ensemble performances were insane and the genie was spectacular.  Given the number of standing ovations during the show, I wasn't the only one that thought it was great.  It was such a great day!

5:40am - ready to go! 

First stop - the hair salon at American Girl.

Emily was desperate for hair extensions for her doll (truth be told, she'd like them in her own hair too but I would never allow that!), so I relented and she was soooo happy!

So pleased with Caroline's hair!

Saige has three different colored hair extensions, much to Emily's satisfaction.

The bags look bigger than they are - I got out of the store for under $100 for the first time ever!

We love Lindt - the obsession (that's right, JD, obsession) in our house has reached a level of insanity, beginning with Lee and trickling down to the girls.  When we stumbled upon a Lindt store on 5th Avenue, it seemed like fate.  I won't even begin to think about how much I spent, but I can say that the final dollar amount rivaled what I spent at American Girl Place.  And for this photo, one that perfectly captures Elizabeth's sense of humor, it was worth it!

Tattoos at FAO!

Snowflakes in August....

A winged heart.  She's going to grow up to be a biker chick, I just know it.

The creepiest new attraction in Times Square - a dancing "baby".  It was bizarre. 

The hi-light of our trip! 

We didn't forget about Lee (happily at home); we brought him cheesecake (which he loves) from Junior's. 

This is the most staged photo ever.  Elizabeth absolutely hated the cheesecake - like her mother, she is a choc-a-holic through and through (who likes cheesecake?  blech. disgusting.  where's the chocolate?).  This big "bite" was on the heels of a smaller bite that she could barely get down.

Up since 5am; in the city for close to 9 hours; it was amazing that she made it as long as she did.

2013: Year in Review

2013 was another amazing year for our family.  We went to our first Broadway show, had an amazing summer vacation, spent some wonderful time with our friends and family.  We can't wait to see what 2014 has in store for us!!!  Happy New Year!!!

September Odds and Ends

Various photos that didn't make the blog in September:

So happy to be at our favorite hibachi restaurant.

Emily and Saige in their matching outfits.

Not interested in watching her sister's soccer game unless Emily is actually on the field.

U10 Magic

Sperry's are all the rage and Elizabeth is the lucky recipient of the first pair in our family.  In purple, of course!

Emily is my little love bug!

Emily and Killian, an off duty K9.  The girls simply love this girl.  In fact, when she was injured in the line of duty a few months ago, they were incredibly outraged and wanted the suspect thrown in jail.  Apparently, the love is mutual.

August Odds and Ends

Some odds and ends from August:

Hanging out at my office, waiting for Lee to get out of work. 

Final day of the Color Games at Camp. 

Just chillin' with Saige.

She loves ribs!!! 

Elizabeth and Caroline, in matching pajamas.

American Girl Place

No trip to New York City would be complete with spending a signifcant amount of time at American Girl Place.  As in years past, we visited the store twice - once to eat, have the dolls' hair done and shop around; then we returned later in the day, to buy.

We have arrived!! 

Brunch 

You can tell how exhausted Emily is in this photo - but she was a trooper all day. 

Heart-shaped pancakes and sausage. 

The girls with Saige, the doll of the year. 

Emily watches Emily get her hair done. 

Elizabeth Cole also got a new hair style. 

You could see what the stylists were doing in the overhead mirrors. 

Emily's complex hair style. 

As you can see, Emily rallied with the end of the day purchases.  Although I certainly broke the bank, Aunt Denise was a far bigger offender this year.  Just ask the girls next time you see them.

March Odds and Ends

Odds and Ends that didn't make into the March posts:

Selling Girl Scout cookies!!!

They love their Froyo!

Loot from the SMS Easter Egg Hunt! 

Living Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.  Incredibly powerful. 

The fairies are back! 

AGD hair styling.