{new york, new york}

We reached a milestone this week, Rick and I.  It's taken us ten years, but we were able to get away for a few days by ourselves...no kids!  Between going to school for a long time, and then having babies over the last five years, it just wasn't option, but we finally got our chance!

Rick was actually traveling to New York City on business, and it would make our trip virtually cost-free.  We had frequent flyer miles to cover my flight, and with the hotel, most transportation, and all of Rick's meals covered, I knew we had to do it when he asked me to go. With our anniversary this coming week, it was the perfect way to celebrate!  Thanks to some very wonderful and generous friends who took our kids, the trip was on!

We were in the city for less than 48 hours, but we made the most of our time.  I didn't get to everything on my list (it's a big city, and I had a long list), but I loved everything we saw. 

.....

The flight

Not only had it been ten years since we'd taken a trip together, but it had also been that long since I'd been on a plane by myself...with no kids.  Reading my book, sipping my water, looking through magazines, and eating snacks other than Cheerios was a treat all in itself.  It even turned out to be quite the experience on the flight to New York, when our plane suddenly dropped several hundred feet--straight down.  Everyone screamed, including me (I think), and then it happened again, but not quite as dramatic.  I was scared. It was incredibly unsettling, as this was not turbulence--just a sheer drop.  A minute or so later the pilot came on and explained that air control had indicated that another plane was headed straight for us, and we needed to drop out of the way immediately.  He assured us that all was fine, and it was, but we were definitely on edge the rest of the flight. 

The hotel

Our hotel was in the financial district in Lower Manhattan, and directly across the street from Ground Zero.  Our room was on the 22nd floor, and out our window we saw the construction on the new World Trade Center, and the memorial fountains. It was closed to visitors, so we couldn't get any closer, but the view was incredible. This hotel also received quite a bit of damage, and was closed for over a year before re-opening.  They saved the flag that had been flying that day, and it's now on display in their lobby. With the anniversary of 9.11 only a week and a half away, security was heavy.  There were no less than five NYPD officers outside our hotel at all times, and this was not uncommon as we walked the streets of the city.  All of it was quite emotional for me, and I can't begin to explain the feelings I had as I stared down at a part of our history that I wish had never been.

Brooklyn Bridge

We arrived in the afternoon, and after dropping off our bags, went to do some exploring.  The Brooklyn Bridge was only about a half mile from our hotel, and it has a pedestrian bridge that you can take all the way across.  It provides some of the best views of the city, and the history of the bridge is fascinating. In these pictures you can also see the Manhattan Bridge--the other bridge into Brooklyn.  The morning we went for a run, and ran across the bridge and back--it was amazing.

Wall Street

Ryan's request was pictures of Wall Street, so of course we obliged.  It was just a couple of blocks from our hotel, and a short walk.  It was pretty crowded, although I quickly learned that's how every street in New York is. 

Trinity Church

If you've seen National Treasure, than you may recognize this church. We came across it as we were exploring the city, and it welcomes visitors.  The church is breathtaking on both the inside and the outside, but we were captivated the small graveyard on its grounds.  The headstones have survived hundreds of years, and they each tell a story of someone that lived and died, most dating back to the 1700's.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

On that day that Rick was working, I walked down to Battery Park caught an early boat over to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. These were both on my must-see list, and they did not disappoint.  

Ellis Island was incredible. There is an almost tangible feeling that still remains from those that left an indelible footprint on this island.  I found tears streaming down my face almost the entire time, sometimes without even realizing it.  The courage it must have taken, to leave everything they knew, and come to an unknown country seeking freedom and a new life--I am overwhelmed. Over 12 million people between the years of 1892 and 1924 came to this country through Ellis Island, and it's now a museum dedicated to not only them, but to those that helped them through the very best they could.

This is a picture of the registry room, where all of the people came in first. These pictures don't come close to doing it justice--it's a magnificent room.

 This particular family on this ship ledger touched me.  It was a woman about my age, with about as many children as I have, who made the trip all by herself. I just stood there, trying to imagine what that would be like--to cross the ocean with four little ones, trying to take care of them, keep them warm and fed, all while trying to be brave, but not having any idea what was ahead--or how you would take care of them once you got there.

 There are many pictures, but the next two really stood out to me.

I was there for hours, and I feel like it still wasn't quite enough time.  We've had a lot of heroes in this country, and I count every single one of those 12 million people in that category.

The Subway

I've always wanted to ride on the subway.  Now I can't even remember how I imagined it, but I'll tell you, it's a great way to travel!  It wasn't too hard to figure out, thanks to our trusty map and some very kind New Yorkers.  I am a people watcher, and this is one of the best places to do that. I always try and imagine where they live, what they do for a living, and where they're going--I wonder how often I'm right.  

 

We met the cutest little family from Turkey one night on our way uptown to dinner, and struck up a conversation.  After dinner, and after a night on Times Square, it was a few hours later on the way home that we met them again!  What are the odds?  It was so fun to see them, and they introduced us to their family that they were visiting.  They called us their "American friends", and asked for a picture.  Of course we obliged.  And I had to get one for me too.  (the subway does not make for the greatest pictures...)

The Food

New York (a.k.a. So Much Food, So Little Time) has the best food, and it's everywhere you turn.  You can't walk down a street without seeing at least three restaurants you want to try.  We talked to our concierge quite a bit about where to eat, because we just couldn't choose!  The first night we wanted Italian, and he sent us uptown to Greenwich Village where we had the most delicious homemade pasta and yummy bread.  The next night we requested Mexican food recommendations, since we are seriously lacking them here. He made reservations for us at a place uptown in the Theater District, near the Lincoln Center and Central Park called Rosa's, and a half an hour later I was eating the most heavenly homemade guacamole (made at our table) EVER. The rest of the meal was just as amazing, and definitely set a bar that I don't know can ever be reached.  I ate way too much, but I couldn't help it!  We were also celebrating our anniversary, which is next week, and it was the perfect way to do it.

.....

I can't wait to go back.

{last trip of the summer}

We had time to squeeze in one more trip this summer before school started.

Our friends asked us if we wanted to go to Cedar Point (a huge amusement park--largest/fastest/highest in the world), and we jumped right on board.  Yes, taking all of our kids to a place like that could have been crazy, but hey, we are crazy, lol.  It turned out to be a really great day--we couldn't have asked for better.

There was plenty to do for the littles (even Jack and Henry), and really no lines for them to speak of--which definitely contributed to the smoothness and ease of the day.  Standing in long lines to ride on the Snoopy Camp Bus wouldn't have been quite as fun, lol.

Rick and I were able to get the big rides in (can I just say AMAZING!!!! There really is nothing like going from 0 to 120mph in 3.8 seconds while going straight up in the air 420 feet) and between our families, everyone was able to do what they wanted to.The only person that had a hard time was my Kate.  She wanted to ride every single ride and roller coaster, and she fell shy of the height requirement by about an inch and half.  We took her on every ride possible, and she loved it.  She's already talking about next year, when she grows up. 

It was a long day--we got up at 4am to leave by 5am, then didn't get home until 2am, but they were all troopers.  Watching movies and eating snacks in the car doesn't hurt either.

Kate was thrilled to be riding the sky tram.

 This ride was a hit--my boys are both crazy about cars and trucks!

 I thought Henry would be more nervous, but he wanted Rick to turn the wheel faster and faster.

 Holding hands, ready for the next ride.

 

 

 Trying again, but still not tall enough.

Our families were large enough that we qualified for the group rate, lol.

Another VERY good reason I love Cedar Point.

We had dried off a little at this point, but we were wet from head to toe!

Jack jack held on longer than the rest, but not too much longer.  

I love summer.  It's going to be hard to see it end.

{you are important}

You are kind.

You are smart.

You are important.

These three phrases deeply impacted me after seeing "The Help".  The movie resonated with me on many levels, and I came away with the goal to strive to be more kind, more compassionate, and a better mother. I resolved right then and there that I would be, and decided to write a list to remind me of the mother I want to be.

.....

A mother that instills courage, self-worth, kindness, compassion, honesty, self-reliance, and gratitude.

A mother that makes sure each of her children know that they matter--that they are important.

A mother that teaches her children that they can do anything they want to in life--that they have choices, and if they work hard, they can achieve their goals.

A mother that helps her children understand it's what's on the inside that really counts--both for themselves, and others.

A mother that encourages her children to do hard things, to overcome their fears, and to accept challenges, because she knows how much it will strengthen them and help them to grow.


A mother that teaches her children right from wrong, and shows them the courage to make those choices even when it's difficult.

A mother that does everything she can to help develop the talents of her children--to encourage and support that development, then teach them to share those talents.

A mother that teachers her children where they came from--their divine nature--and their purpose here on earth.

A mother whose eyes light up when her children come in the room.

.....

Each morning when I first see each of my children, I hug them, and have them repeat those three phrases after me.  Whether they are in this house, or away from me,  I want them to have the knowledge of who they are, where they came from, and that they are loved go with them.

I {love} being a mom. To find joy in motherhood is sometimes the easiest thing in the world, and sometimes it's the hardest, but the journey is always worth it.

{our other garden}

Every year we plant two gardens.  One of them is in our own yard, and the other is at our local community garden.  It's a sprawling area, with acres and acres of beautiful gardens, paths, streams, plants, and lakes.  There is also a children's garden, which is one of my kids' favorite places to go, and that's where our other garden is.

Our gardening class is once a week, and we get to go and listen to Miss Melissa teach us interesting facts from her vast knowledge of plants and gardens.  I don't really think there is anything she doesn't know, and she is so good with kids.  After the presentation for the day is over, we're off to water and weed our small garden, then harvest anything that's ready.  Ryan has pretty much been the in-charge guy when it comes to the garden--I'm usually chasing a little boy or two.

When the gardening is done for the day, we stay and play.  A full-size playhouse, sandbox, squirting fountains, and a giant bubble area are only a few of the things to do, in addition to exploring the large children's garden area.  They are allowed to pick anything they want, as long as it's going to be used.  We've tried so many different types of plants--ones I never would have otherwise.

Summer just wouldn't be the same without it.

{cereal for dinner}

It started out as a hard day.  Rick had been home only four days out of the past three weeks, and my patience was running low. 

When it was time to make dinner, I was just not feeling the love.  The kids were grumpy and tired of being inside, and I knew I needed to pull it together and do something fun and feed them at the same time.

I piled everyone in the truck and headed to the grocery store.  Once inside, we went straight to the cereal aisle.  Yes, cereal for dinner. I do lots of easy meals when Rick is gone, but cereal isn't something I usually do, so it was extra fun. Each of them got to choose their very own cereal, and could get anything they wanted.  Oh my goodness, you would have thought I had given them the moon, they were so excited.  I only buy boring, non-sugar cereal, so this was a big deal.

 

As  you can see, they took full advantage of my offer...

Cereal?  Check.  Milk? Check.  Paper bowls, spoons, and napkins?  Check. We were off to one of our favorite parks, one that my girls call "the fish park".  We ate cereal at the picnic tables, and they polished off a lot of cereal. Kate even asked me if they could have as much as they wanted, and I said yes.  Why not? This was cereal night!

After we finished eating, we played at the park for a long time. The temperature was absolutely perfect, and we even ran into some friends to chat and play with.

It ended up being such a great evening, and when we got home, it was late and the kids went straight to bed.  Ryan and I watched a movie together, and I couldn't have asked for a better ending to what started out as a really hard day. 

{the problem, according to amtrak}

Rick and I were laughing so hard when this error popped up while we were trying to book train tickets for our family to Chicago.

Just imagine their faces when we actually get on the train. 

{in charge}

Jack and Henry are pretty sure they're in charge around here.  

This morning they woke up quietly, came downstairs, and went to work. 

They added a little color to my flower arrangement...

Cooked a lovely rice breakfast on the stove...

decorated the house (with more rice), and even cleaned out the freezer. (Apparently they didn't think we needed baking soda, hamburger meat, frozen veggies, Gogurt, or cookie dough.) I've been finding those things all over the house today--it's been quite the adventure.

I'm trying not to think about the fact that they could have turned on the burners, started a fire, filled our house with gas, or escaped out the sliding glass door (Henry is now big enough and strong enough to open the lock and door--all other doors are latched up high). 

I used to think "double trouble" was just something people said to me in line at the grocery store.

It's not.

{catching up}

You know those friends that no matter how long you've been apart, when you're together it feels like no time has passed?

Yesterday my friend Kristin came up with her kids to visit us for the day, and the instant we saw each other, we were right back where we left off.  We met Kristin and her husband Jake while we were in grad school, and we became fast friends.  We each had one little boy around the same age, and we spent a lot of time together. Then we each moved--to opposite ends of the country--and haven't seen each other for a long time. 
She's back in state to visit her family who lives a couple of hours from us, and  were able to meet up at one of our favorite places--the beach. They don't live near any water, and she really wanted to introduce to the Great Lakes.  The water was perfect for playing in--2 to 4 foot waves, and not too cold.

 

and just because Henry was cracking me up...

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed catching up on each other's lives (and the six children we've added to our families!), reminiscing about "the good 'ol times", and talking about the future.  We missed Jake, who was back to work already, but absolutely loved seeing the rest of the family.  Our kids meshed immediately, which was really great to see.

After a day at the beach, we went to dinner, then headed to our house to play some more.  The kids didn't want to stop playing, and even at 10:30pm it was hard to tear them away.  I so wish they could have stayed longer, but I'm grateful that we were able to steal away a little time to be together.

So, here's to friends...and how much they enrich our lives whether they are near or far. And if anyone else would like to come visit, we would LOVE it!!!

{birthday boys}

Two years went by way too fast.

These boys bring me such joy. I can't imagine life without either one of them, and I'm so grateful for the second biggest surprise of our lives.  :)

Jack

Jack Jack, Jack Sprat, Peanut

Playful, and a big tease

 Happy and content

Persistent

LOVES:  any kind of ball--it was his first word, treats, being held, his "baby" (teddy bear), to talk

Henry 

Henry B., B. Dog, Big Dog, Dogger, Hagrid, Chewie (the last two courtesy SS)

Teddy bear--big and soft (and emotional)

Easygoing

Funny

LOVES: books, eating, being outside, trucks

.....

We were able to celebrate last night, and we had such a great evening.  The boys (see, I'm trying to stop calling them "the babies"!) would live outside if I let them, so of course a campfire was right up their alley.  We roasted hot dogs, ate yummy food, and sat around the fire. The kids played and played--it really doesn't get any better than that.

The theme for their birthday this year was "1 Fish, 2 Fish".  I thought it was appropriate, considering there are two of them, and they were turning two!  I didn't have time to do a lot--but the things I did manage to get finished made it really fun.

They loved the cupcakes, but weren't so sure about the candles.

They have no presents yet, because I still can't decide (out of the two we've narrowed it down to) what they would like the best.  Seriously, they're two...I just need to pick something!

.....

We love you, sweet boys!  Happy Birthday!

All those of you that have also put a diaper through the wash can cry with me now.

42-hundred little pieces of super absorbent fluff covered my floor, counter, every piece of laundry, the inside of the washer and the dryer. 

I did learn that vacuum works really well on the inside of my washer and dryer. 

Good to know.