New York, New York!!

In turned the big 3-0 back in June. We had hotel points and sky miles, so Ryan took me on a birthday trip to New York at the end of August. We got there on Friday afternoon, hurried to drop our stuff at our hotel, and headed out to the Mets game. Ryan has a goal of visiting all of the MLB fields, so we checked another one off his list.

 On Saturday we went to Battery Park and checked out the Statue of liberty from a distance. There was a little park there with these cute beehives designed like houses, which Ryan loved. His dream is to have our own beehive someday....It's not happening, ever.

Then we headed to Time Square, checked out all of the crazies, including the Naked Cowboy. We got to see Once on Broadway. It isn't a huge production, and I didn't love the story, but the music was AMAZING! There was no orchestra, the actors all played their own instruments. It was more like a concert with a story run through. We both loved the music, and Ryan loved that the main character was also a main character on Dr. Who!

 After the play, we went around Rockefeller Center, inside the Plaza Hotel, and into FAO Schwarz.

 We loved FAO Schwarz! It is an awesome store. We spent about an hour in there checking everything out. We even discovered this diamond encrusted etch-a-sketch for a bargain at $1499.00!!

We went to the 9/11 memorial. We didn't have tickets to go inside, so we just went in the gift shop. I was in tears in the gift shop, I would have been a total mess inside the actual memorial. There is an indescribable feeling there.

This was in the business district, which I loved! It reminded me a lot of Chicago. We found a little park right in the middle of all of the buildings, I could have sat there all day! We also found this little cemetery, which was beautiful.

We started off Sunday at the High Line Park. It's a walking path built up on the old train tracks.

Then we went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Then off to Sarabeth's for an amazing dinner. I had the french toast and it was to die for. Ryan was a little disappointed when he ordered a scone with his and ended up with a biscuit, ha!

Then we walked across the street to Central Park. Okay, I had no idea Central Park was SO. INCREDIBLY. HUGE! I thought it was just a regular park. Um, no. Anyway, we found a nice spot on the grass, and I took a nap, while Ryan read a book on his phone. It was seriously heavenly.

 We ended the day with a walk by the Temple and some cookies at Levain's bakery. 

 Monday was our last day, and we ended the trip with a little shopping in China Town and lunch in Little Italy!

Then we picked up our stuff and headed to the airport.

It was definitely an action packed, activity crammed trip, but it was so great! We were able to see and do so much. Despite the huge blisters on both of my feet, I loved it!

A big thank you to my parents who made it possible by staying with our 3 stinky kids!!

What a great birthday present. It made turning 30 not quite so tragic!

4 year old superhero!

 Cole wanted to have a Superhero party for his 4th birthday, so we had all of his friends dress up! Iron man Cole loved it!

Cole's good friend, Mac.

 We played games, including pin the bat symbol on Batman.

 Cole was spoiled by all of his friends and got some fun toys, like a switch n' go dino and an airplane! Ryan and I got him a much anticipated remote control car. It was a big hit!

 Cole made it easy on me this year. He picked cupcakes with batman tops on them. Easy peasy and he loved it.

I took Cole and Sophie to see Planes earlier in the day and then Grammy took him to lunch and shopping. It was a fun filled day for this much loved boy. Happy Birthday, Iron Man Cole!

First day of First Grade

 Hayden started first grade back in August. She was beyond excited! 

 She's officially a Riverview Otter. She is in the Chinese Immersion program there. It was really stressful on all of us the first 2 weeks. Hayden was always ornery, tired and difficult! Before she started the class the teachers warned us this would happen due to all of the initial stress of starting the program. After those first weeks, she got in a groove and is doing an amazing job. It really is so amazing to see how quickly these little 6 year olds can learn Chinese. Hayden can count to 100, sing many songs including Happy Birthday, read and write many Chinese characters. It's really impressive!

She spends half her day in Chinese with Mrs. Ackerson and the other half in English with Mrs. Helm. 

Hayden is doing so well in school and loves to read, write and do math! She is a little smarty pants!

Little Gymnasts!

Hayden and Cole were taking grmnastics at Gymcats. Hayden went for about 6 months and Cole did about 4 months. Back in August they were able to do a performance with their classes. Both sets of Grandparents and Brynli and Brogan were able to come support them.

 Cole loved running and jumping around. He is really nervous and afraid of heights, so it took a lot of courage for him to do a lot of the moves. I'm so proud of him for trying so hard and improving a lot! 

Cole was most excited about getting a medal! Love that smiley boy!

 

Hayden is a great little gymnast! She is usually very shy and reserved in these type of settings. But during this performance, she was very confident and self assured. It was so great to see!

She loved to learn new moves and spend time at home practicing them. She even learned to do a kick over!

  

I'm so proud of these two. We've been taking a break from gymnastics for the last few months. Hayden may start up again soon, because she did a great job and loved it!

Cole with Ms. Kim

Hayden with Ms. Laurel

This little princess just hung out and enjoyed the show :)