I AM BACK!

Sorry that I have not posted in awhile. I have an excuse.   It all started when I took a shower a few weeks ago. I got out of the shower and Katie had this certain look on her face.

She gets this look when she has been up to trouble.  I started looking around to see what she got into and this is what I found...

At first I though that she and Drew had made little alphabet letter cards or something. But that thought lasted for exactly one second before I realized that they were pieces of my keyboard!  AHHHH!  These are just the ones that I could find.  It WAS a really old computer that barely worked anyway but it was mine!  So, my excuse is that I haven't had a computer the last few weeks.

I am back because my sweet hubby surprised me on December 25th with a fabulous brand new laptop! I love it! Now that I have my own computer I have to catch up on everything that has happened the last few weeks:  decorating our tree, decorating Poppy and Grandmom's tree, our visit from Robin and Dylan, our fabulous night out at the Opera, Christmas Eve and Christmas, the big snow storm here in NYC, our 8th wedding Anniversary celebration and our visit from Meghan, Chris, Riley and Piper.  Lots to catch on so please stay tuned!

All about Santa

Drew is all about Santa this year.  They are buddies.  Friends for life.
My mom was in town last week and we took the kids to Target in Queens to do their pictures for our family Christmas card.  Drew was also really into the photo shoot.  It was so funny---he did everything that was asked of him while my mom and I just stood there in amazement.  Katie on the other hand, was as cooperative as you expect an 18 month old to be at a photo shoot.  Somehow they still got a good shot. Thank you Target.

Back to Santa, we headed next door to the Queens Center Mall and waited in a line for exactly three minutes before we saw the big guy. Drew was so happy!  Katie screamed and would not go near him.  Drew told him that he wanted more Christmas tree ornaments (he is really into ornaments), a train and a plane for Christmas. He then just sat next to Santa and they chatted for awhile.  Not sure what they talked about but Santa seemed pretty into it.  It was adorable.

Drew and his buddy.

This past Sunday we headed to 110th and Fifth Avenue in Central Park for an Victorian Holiday Lighting.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but it turned out to be a really cool event. It was put on by the Central Park Conservancy for kids in the area and it was very crowded. We got lucky and got there early and beat the lines.  Santa was there and Drew was again really into him.  Katie screamed "No, Santa, no."  I am seeing a pattern here. We made and decorated ornaments and decorated and ate yummy Christmas tree cookies. It was really well organized and staffed by lots of volunteers who were all in the holiday spirit and seemed to love my children. The kids loved running home along the Harlem Meer while I pushed their empty double stroller behind them trying to keep up.



Drew hanging out with Santa.

Making and decorating their birdhouse ornaments.

Eating their delicious cookies!

Running home in the cold.

Close as can be

I love to watch Drew and Katie play together.  They have so much fun!   It makes this momma very happy!



Going down a slide together!



Drew hugging Katie while they watch their fish.



They love climbing in and out of my laundry cart.

So cute!

Helping me shop at the grocery store.

Sharing a snack.



On their favorite tire swing at the playground.

One, two, three, GO!









To M & D

Mom and Dad,

Thank you.  I love you.   You are the best parents in the world. 

Love,

Your daughter

Holiday traditions in Collingswood Part 2

On Saturday morning, we all bundled up and headed down Poppy and Grandmom's street to watch the holiday parade.

Our crew at the parade.

Drew giving Frosty a high five.





PopPop and Gram

Poppy and Grandmom

Drew and Emma were very happy to collect all the treats that were thrown at them during the parade.

Four cousins

Can you tell that Katie really likes lollipops?

The General Lee

A mummer's string band.

The grand finale!

The parade is very big for a small town in New Jersey - it lasts 1.5 hours!

Holiday traditions in Collingswood Part 1

For the past few years we have been going to my hometown of Collingswood every November to participate in their wonderful holiday traditions.  Collingswood has all the fun events that you would expect in a small town and it does Christmas the best! The streets are lined with lights, carolers are singing in the center of town every weekend, and they have a really good holiday parade complete with Santa on a firetruck!

However, our favorite tradition takes place the Friday night after Thanksgiving.  Everyone gathers in the center of town while the local choirs sing holiday songs and fake snow is falling from the sky.  Then the big guy arrives!  We all look up and Santa appears at the top of the Town Hall building.  He then waves and makes his way down via a firetruck ladder.  The kids (and their parents) all go wild with excitement!  He then hands out candy canes to all the children. 

Waiting to see Santa!

Santa making his way down the ladder.

Katie and Grandmom having fun.

Drew really wanted to get a candy cane!

Drew and Molly all bundled up!

Uncle Mike, Emma, Poppy and Drew

Emma, Drew and Molly posing in front of some of Poppy's decorations.