NYC

Last year, on my mom's 59th birthday all she asked for was that we go with her to NYC to see the Nutcracker for her 60th birthday. She said she was asking a year in advance so we could plan. We could not make it on her birthday (Dec. 7), but went December 22. Nathan and Bernie were on kid patrol all day. We left Elizabethtown, PA on the 8:15 train.


We arrived in time for lunch and a little site seeing. We had planned on what we were wearing for days. We didn't want to freeze while walking around, but we didn't want to sweat in the theater or restaurants. We also wanted to be somewhat dressed up. Our first thoughts were courdory skirts with tights, but even a long skirt would not have kept us warm. We ended up with dress pants and cuddleduds (long underwear). I wore thick socks and hiking shoes (I only have my sorrell boots and they are anything but dressy or comfortable walking in.)

We found this nutcracker on the way. Mom was so excited, so Teresa and I got our pictures taken with him.
We did not have much of a game plan. We wanted to, but there is so much to do in NYC, especially at Christmas time. We tried to see Cirque Du Soleil, they had a show at 7, but we never would have made the last train home. We tried to go to MoMA, but it is closed on Tuesdays. Who would have thought, especially during the holidays.Even though the kids were not with us, we gravitated towards things the kids would have loved. We went to FAO Swartz to look for Legos. It was a pretty lame display for FOA. We ran into ToysRus and had to go in. They have a Ferris Wheel and all the cars are different (firetruck, ScoobyDoo bus, Lego truck, etc.)
Just having fun being in NYC, but always thinking of my kids. This is for you Everest.
Mom and I at Times Square. Teresa really wanted to see Times Square. It was so busy. We almost missed our train. I looked at the map and found Grand Central (only a few blocks away). When we got there we realized we were at the bus station and NOT the train station! We ran about 8 blocks in 20 minutes. When we got there, our train was delayed by 45 minutes!
We had a really good time. We arrived in Elizabethtown around 12:30am. Mom had a great time. The ballet was beautiful. And we got to spend some girl time together. We said we would try it again in a few years, and who knows, we may get to see Cirque Du Soleil.

TMJ

I went to an ear, nose and throat doctor on Friday. I was sure I had a sinus infection with an ear infection. Turns out I have a virus and TMJ. The doctor told me specialized dentist deal with TMJ. I made an appointment today to talk to my dentist and sure enough it is TMJ and I have to see a specialist an hour away. Not sure what all they can do for it. Any know anything about TMJ? All I know is that it hurts and I can't open my mouth very far without a lot of pain. Fun times!

Hurray for Papa!

Our family has been sick. Leaf had to go to the doctor for croup and Everest has a terrible cough, he can't seem to shake. Nathan has a cough too and is not feeling well at all. Nathan will not slow down, he still rides his bike to work every morning at 6 or 6:30 (yes, in 6 degree weather and snow...he says "I'm dedicated"-this is the most true statement about him in every sense), he still works all day and helps out so much at home. I have not been feeling very well either, but yesterday and today have been really bad. Nathan called Papa yesterday morning and asked him to come out and help. He is on a plane as we speak (or read). We love you so much Papa. I was thinking he would stay the weekend, so Nathan and I could sleep. He surprised us and is staying a week and a half. Hurray!!!!!! He is going to flip when he sees the disarray that is my house right now. We literally have been "getting by" for 2 weeks and barely leaving the house.
We give Papa a hard time every change we get. He deserves it =) But what would we do without Papa?????? We love you. Thanks for rescuing us Papa!

Cleaning the bathroom

So it seems cleaning mom's bathroom is a tradition with my boys. This picture was taken when Everest was about 16 months old.This was Everest over Christmas. At his age, there is a good reason he should help out cleaning the toilet. Most of the time he tries, but I have been in the bathroom, more than once, when he starts talking and turns his whole body, while peeing. So much fun boys are!

Leaf had to get in on the action. Mom assured me his rag only had water. He had so much fun cleaning the cabinet. He has started wiping himself (most of the time, he wipes his belly, but he is trying) while I change his diaper.
Between watching his brother do this, and watching me do this, Leaf has decided he wants to help clean the toilet. We have caught him with his hands in the toilet, and Everest's toothbrush. He even stole the scrubber from the dishwasher the other day and headed up the steps. I caught him on his way up. He just giggled. He is quick!

Polar Bear Express to the North Pole!

December 19, 2009

We went for a ride on the Polar Bear Express (a.k.a. Middletown-Hummelstown Railroad) with the Gill family. The kids were so excited to ride a train all the way to the North Pole and see Santa!
Mark, Raegan, Braden and Bryce tried to get tickets with us, but they were sold out for Sunday, so they went Friday night. They told us the train was a little cold, so we bundled up very warm. Fortunately for us, we were in the seat that had the heater blowing up under our seat. Most of the ride Leaf was in his onesie and Everest in a t-shirt.

The Gill family- Aaron, Heather, Ashlynn and Jack.

Us. Nathan was at his first commencement as a professor so he missed the train ride. Papa opted not to go, he watched the game instead.


Leaf and Nonnie looking at all the Christmas lights outside. The train (literally) went 2-3 miles an hour. (We could have walked to the North Pole quicker!) The conductor read a story called the Christmas Wreath on the way to the North Pole. Then they had an accordion player come into each car singing Christmas songs.
We are finally at the North Pole! You can see Santa's house in the background!The kids waiting for Santa to walk through the train car. He handed out a book to the older kids and a stuffed animal to the babies.


Happy to finally see Santa and start back home. Everest loved the train ride!
Ashlynn and Everest waiting for Santa to come back through for pictures.
Santa with Everest and Leaf.

Leaf with his polar bear. It is almost as big as he is.
We had fun, but this is not a trip I would take again. It was fairly expensive and VERY unorganized. The idea is great, but we left 30 minutes late. Do you know what it is like to have a train full of 1-5 year old cooped up for 30 minutes waiting to see Santa? It was nuts. We missed our dinner reservations and by the end, all the kids were so hungry. And Santa was quite grumpy. Everest said "Merry Christmas Santa", Santa looked the other way and as he was walking away said "Yea, whatever." Nice!