Day Four -NYC

On Wednesday we took in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Michael did surprisingly well. We especially enjoyed the knights in shining armor, the musical instrument display, some modern art, the Chinese garden, and the Egyptian temple.


Michael wanted to be like the artists doing replicas of the art. We took some time to let him sit and work on his own paper.
Jared got to join us again in the evening for another "free" museum called the Sony Wonder Technology Lab.

Here are some random photos of the tame finches in the park, a view of the Chrysler building, streets and subways.



This is the really nice and cozy Manhattan apartment we were able to get for three days.

The old fashioned stairway and elevator

Day Five-NYC

In the morning we made a quick and much needed trip to the laundromat down the street from our apartment. Then we got on our way to some of the mid-town Manhattan sites.


This is the New York Public Library. For any of you PBS moms aka "Read Between the Lions."
They had the best selection of foreign language children's books I have ever seen and a fun bean bag room to lounge and read.


We walked through Times Square and some of Broadway and on to the Rockefeller Center.

Here is Michael at the ice skating rink. The weather had gotten progressively warmer throughout the week but this was a windy spot. We stayed very bundled up since we spent a lot of time on the street each day walking.


Jordan's naps became regular again during the week--usually around three to four o'clock. Our faster pace and longer days did him in whether we were walking on the street or more often taking a long subway ride.


Yea! We were finally able to meet up with Jared around 4:00 at our LDS temple at the Lincoln Center! What a haven in the city! We stopped by Ground Zero-the World Trade Center Site and then found a NY style pizzeria for dinner. Our version of night life during the trip was to find our way home before we dropped and have a smidgeon of family peace and quiet before bedtime.

Day Six -- NYC

Snow Boots in the Sand Pile
The boys and I spent the morning at the Brooklyn Children's Museum --another attempt to make the trip kid friendly--and another free choice for us.

Jared joined us in the afternoon and we went to the bottom of Brooklyn by Coney Island. The Russian emigrants chose a great area for their gathering spot called "Brighton Beach." As soon as we found the subway stop there were Russian-speaking people and signs in Russian everywhere. We found a book store to browse, a market, some friendly people and a yummy cafe for dinner--all Russian style.


Michael Chasing the Birds
He loved seeing the pigeons everywhere in the city and the seagulls on the beach.


The playgrounds in NY are squeezed in between intersections, skyscrapers, streets, schools and here on the beach. The boys got to play on some neat ones.


One of the rare photos of me --with the apartment buildings behind the beach. I'm talking to Christi on the phone to arrange our departure for later that evening.


Goodbye NYC!!
We were so grateful to soak in some new places, people and experiences.
Now we head back home for more (low-key) adventures....

some preschool friends and a fieldtrip

Four busy firemen fighting fires!!!





Michael was too busy running around being a hero to take pictures....

p.s. Tyler, we were thinking of you and wishing you were there!!

my favorite moment each day

I'm a morning person. Maybe I have trained my kids also. We seem to be more positive and energetic after a good night of sleep. Michael and Jordan usually wake up half an hour after Jared and I, one child after another or at the same time. They run to find me in the kitchen or bedroom and shout "Good morning, Mom!" Jordan has come out of his room a few times grinning, "I love you, Mom." They are so happy to see me and each other. We give hugs and kisses. Of course then they find dad too.... I love this moment, because it is really the only ideal moment of the day!

Mornings aren't fun for lots of people, but do you have a cheerful routine or habit?



--first thing this morning after our hugs!

Jordan spotted his hair in the mirror a few minutes later and said, "My hair is really cool."

Guess Who's Expecting??

The due date is mid-September....

Our House

Michael's latest pasttime is drawing and writing. He can spend hours at the table working. This is amazing because he has never had a favorite activity that held his attention more than a few minutes. This photo also features the robot Michael made at preschool!
Jordan's usual entertainment involves a Lightning McQueen car in one hand and another superhero action toy in the other. He has learned to set them down during mealtime, prayer, and bedtime. --Or Mom will.
We are having fun finding outings and activities that keep us warm on these cold winter days.