Day 2 in NYC!

Walking in Central Park

Columbus Day Parade

Tavern on the Green Carriage Ride

We got up early to walk Central Park on Monday morning. Brian forgot pants, so had to go in shorts...it was quite chili in the morning! After walking for about 2 hours, Brian asked "Weren't we going to walk to breakfast!" Monday was Columbus Day so we got to witness a New York City parade (still haven't figured out why they carried Italian flags in the parade?!?) That night we had dinner at Tavern on the Green in the Crystal Room. After dinner we took a carriage ride through Central Park (our horse took off without the driver when we first sat down!) Such a great day...lots of walking!

What a Surprise!!!

My AMAZING husband....surprised me with a trip to New York City for my 30th birthday. I have been BEYOND curious for the last few weeks, because NO ONE has been talking to me about my birthday. Last Friday night Brian finally agreed to give me a hint on Saturday morning. Around 7:00 a.m. with all the boys in our bed Brian gave me a hint..."In 24 hours we will be doing something." After about 20 minutes of questions I came to the conclusion we were going to New York City for the next 5 days! AHHH!

We got to New York City about noon, so we had the whole day to sight-see! We stayed in Time Square (first picture). We decided to go see the Trade Center sight, and took the subway downtown. (Brian holding his first subway ticket) We had dinner at Mr. Chow's (one of Jake and Kourtney's favorites...we COMPLETELY agree!) Then we finished our night by walking Time Square at night! I couldn't stop screaming/jumping/smiling all day long!!!

Boys LOVE their dolls?!?

Ella got quite a few wonderful dolls for her birthday. She actually really loves them. This afternoon when I picked her up from her nap she said "Baby!" (She had her little baby in her bed with her) As much as she likes her dolls, the boys like them even more! JuJu got Ella a beautiful high chair and bassinet, that they boys LOVE!

Here are a few stories of my sweet boys:

-I came in their room the other day and found that they had moved all of the furniture and dolls into their room. (as seen in the picture above)

-I came in the other morning and Haynes was sitting on the couch holding a baby and giving it a bottle. He said, "My baby is hungry Mommy!"

-When I drop Haynes off at BSF they have a baby waiting for him. That is the way we get him to go in without a fit...They say he is very nurturing!

I am very confident that my boys will be just like their daddy, who at one time LOVED Cabbage Patch Dolls and Strawberry Shortcake;-)

After School Buddies!

We got to pick Dax up from school a few weeks ago. The boys were SO excited Dax was coming over to play, I had to break it to Haynes that Crew wasn't going to come this time. Sometimes when Port gets in the car from school I have to be a little creative in my questions to hear about his day. When these two got in the car they didn't STOP talking! On our way to get our after school treat they decided to take their shoes and socks off in the back. As I was ordering their drinks I gasped at the smell coming from the back of my car!!! OH MY!!! All I could think is "This is just the beginning! What will they smell like after football practice in a few years!" I love you boys, but learned a valuable lesson that day.

New Rule: You must keep socks and shoes on at all times when in the car:-)

SpiderMonkies are done for the season!

Brian giving Port his medal

Last huddle!

We had a pizza party instead of practice last week!

We have had a great time this fall playing soccer with our friends and family. I can't believe it's already over! The boys have improved so much over these few weeks, we are so proud of each of you. Great job coaching Daddy, Uncle Jade, and Uncle Jake!

Carmel Apple Night

It is starting to feel like fall around here with is SO fun! We made soup and grilled cheese for dinner on Monday night, and for dessert we had carmel apples. I let the boys unwrap the carmel, which of course turned into a competition, just a preview of what life will look like in the future I'm sure. The boys actually didn't even eat the carmel, but loved the apples. (I have nothing to complain about there, since Brian and I LOVED the carmel) Brian fed Ella some apples which she loved, until it was time to put everything away. She was absolutely heartbroken, and I was so kind hearted I took her picture:-)

Oh sweet girl, we LOVE your emotions! Super fun family night!!

Birthday Roses!

My Granma and Granpa have always given me roses on my birthday, one for each year. It is one of my favorite traditions! I can remember getting them at school, in my car, at the Kappa house, and so many other memories. It is always so fun to tell people about the sweet tradition my Granma does for me each year...even still as I am about to turn 30! Love you Granma!

Well since my little girl just had her first birthday, Lolli and Champ started the same tradition for her. My mom's only request was that I would do a better job of taking pictures of Ella with her roses each year. So here is Ella's first birthday rose!