Thanksgiving

I love this time of year for so many reasons but one of them is that Cory takes vacation every year at this time so we have a ton of family time together. From this time until the end of the year we are always busy with activities and with the kids getting older the schedules are just becoming that much fuller.

For Thanksgiving we headed down to Longview for three days to spend with both of our families. We stayed in "our" hotel that we always do and the kids really seemed to enjoy it with swimming, Alyssa slept on the top bunk in their bedroom and they both loved watching cartoons in there all by themselves. I think it was the all you can eat free breakfast that they enjoyed the most. Why you ask? Because there were chocolate doughnuts! I don't normally give the kids that crap but on occasion it's nice and they loved it!

The first day we spent it with Cory's family and we all just hung out, enjoyed a great meal, listened to music and enjoyed plenty of good conversation. We also enjoyed watching Knox suck down every ones pie including his own. I'm not joking I think he probably had at least two whole pieces himself. This kid can eat!

We went to my parents house the second day and enjoyed another good meal. They guys all watched football as I snuck in once in awhile to see the scores and visit as well. It was also good to see my sister and hang out with her. Unbeknown to me, my mom decided to give the kids their Christmas presents since for whatever reason she had would not be seeing us during Christmas. We were unprepared so they didn't get their gifts but the kids seemed to enjoy opening theirs. Knox got some cars that he loves to play with and his own chair for the family room. Alyssa received some games for her Explorer, and a princess tent that she loves.

When we got back to the hotel we were exhausted after two full days and went to bed kind of early. The next day we headed out pretty early and were back home by noon just to start the next activity. Our neighbor came over that night and we had some pizza and beer and enjoyed a nice evening.

A Tour Of NBC Studios..And Dinner With Mr. Anthony Bourdain....Day Four

I think this morning we were a little tired from the night before but we needed to get up and head to the NBC Studio for our tour. We were pretty excited because the tour was going to consist of inside tours of the studios where they do the Today show and SNL.

We arrived down there and there were two older gentlemen waiting. My first thought was that it was kind of weird that they were on this tour just them. Then I thought don't judge you don't know anything about them. So the tour got started. The guide was talking all about the art in the architecture and we were looking at all the buildings inside and out and hearing all about The Rockefeller's. This continued for almost two hours! We learned some interesting facts but lets just say this wasn't what we signed up for or what we wanted. Especially since we were so tired and having to somewhat pay attention to get it all.

When it was finally over we kind of figured out what happened with the miscommunication from the concierge. It so makes a difference in who you talk with. We had one amazing concierge and another one who had a lot of learning to do. Anyways we grabbed a quick bite since we hadn't had breakfast and headed back to the room for a quick nap before we headed out to dinner that evening.

When I asked Cory what he wanted me to bring back to him he just told me to go check out Anthony Bourdain's restaurant. We are a fan of his so I told him I would since he isn't into trinkets are anything.

The restaurant itself I thought was very cozy, dim lights, music playing. Although the music that was playing didn't really fit the theme of the restaurant and was kind of loud. I was excited to get a meal here because to eat at such an opinionated food critics own restaurant you think you are going to have the meal of your life, right?!

We got some brie for an appetizer which was phenomenal and a bottle of wine. There was nothing too special about the wine. Our waiter, eh...he never put any effort into it. I mean he came by and took our orders but there seemed to be a little something missing. Our food came and I have to say wasn't anything that I expected out of Mr. Bourdain's restaurant. I honestly expected to walk away with having the best meal of my life. Not the case. Mine was so so. I had mussels and frits. I don't remember the broth that the mussels were in but it was good but living in the NW what was I thinking getting seafood?!?!?!?! The frits that he is supposed to be known for or the restaurant, they are fries, well they weren't bad but weren't oh my god I need more!

With that I'm no foodie but I was highly disappointed in Mr. Bourdain's restaurant. Especially knowing that I could have gone to several other places and had a much better meal. SO when I hear him taking cracks at Paula Dean for her cooking or Bobby Flay which I'm thinking are awesome cooks. Yeah maybe some aren't the healthiest but I hope Mr. Bourdain takes some ques from his own reviews.

If you were to ask me if I would go back I would say yes. I give everything and everyone a second chance atleast. No one is perfect and sometimes don't make great first impressions but I wouldn't be putting it on the top of my list to drop the dough there.

Now back to the hotel and looking forward to day five!

Macy's, The Russian Tea Room And An Unexpected Night In Time Square...Day Three

Macy's. I have been to several and they are all different. Some of them really suck some are great BUT the flagship store in NYC, AMAZING! Seven stories of heaven. Again, the whole first floor was shoes, accessories, and handbags. Really!? I didn't need to go any further but we did.

Gail and I both bought some clothes and got some good deals on the items. She also got a beautiful watch it's starting to become a tradition when she comes to NYC. We were there for awhile. Now the thing that makes this store especially different than other Macy's is the designer brands it sells along with everything else.

Once we were done we took a cab to The Russian Tea Room for our tea. The Restaurant was empty. At first we were the only ones there and a few others trickled in shortly after. For me the food was OK but it was more the experience and history of the place that I enjoyed the most. I did try caviar for the first time though. There were two different kinds and I honestly don't know what the hype is all about. It was OK but I don't think I would go out of my way to spend my money on it. I guess it's more of a status thing.
Anyways, our High Tea was very good with lots of good conversation as always. Afterwards we walked back to our hotel and relaxed for a little while. We didn't really have any plans for the rest of the night. We were sitting there and I thought I don't want to just stay in for the rest of the night so I thought hey why don't we do a comedy club. Gail agreed since she had never been. We decided upon one that was pretty popular, Caroline's Comedy Club. We relaxed for a little while longer before getting ready.

There were four comedians that night and I thought all were funny except for the last one. After about twenty minutes of him I was done but it was still a good time and we had pretty good seats. I was a little worried at the beginning because it was packed in there and it looked as though we might be sol, but that was not the case. We got some wine and some appetizers, nothing special, but it was a good spur of the moment thing to do.
Once the show was over we headed into Time Square. It was honestly kind of magical. Being there at night and I didn't think it was crowded at all. We saw some people dressed up as robots and I got my picture taken with them. I don't think it turned out. I have several of them. We hung out there for a little while taking it all in and then we decided to go get a drink somewhere.

We came upon this Celtic pub and thought this was the place. Immediately walking in we met a really nice Irish man who we talked to for awhile and then some Asian men who were telling us about their lives. They couldn't believe I was there with my mother in law because that wouldn't happen in their country etc. They thought that was pretty cool. The Irish man bought us some drinks and before we left gave Gail a kiss and he settled for a hug from me.

Our hotel wasn't too far away so we started our journey back. It started to sprinkle and then it opened up and it was a heavy downpour! We had umbrella's but nothing prepared us for this. It was coming down so hard and so fast that it was standing on the streets. I was wearing flats and my feet were soaked. At one point we just started laughing because what could you do?! Eventually us drowned rats made it back to the hotel around two in the morning.

What a fun and unexpected evening! We were looking forward to our tour of the NBC studios the next morning so it was time for some shut eye!

Shopping And No I Won't Bust.....Day Two NYC

Today we ended up sleeping in until around 1030 or so. It felt so late there but in reality is was only 730 for us. Our beds were absolutely amazing! We managed to drag ourselves out and get ready and head down to do a little shopping. I love to shop. It doesn't matter what it's for or for who. I honestly would be content going to Home Depot and buying nails. I just love to shop and what a better place to do it than New York City!

Since 5th Avenue was right down the road from us we walked down and our first stop after getting coffee was Bergdorf and Goodman. Now I probably don't have to say much about that place but for those of you reading this there isn't much there that any of us could afford. When I say "us" I'm meaning the people I know. It's very very expensive but so so nice and if I could would shop there in a heart beat! It's a department store with high end items. We only made it to two floors accessories and cosmetics. After I found a purse I wanted and it was beautiful and I saw the price tag over $3g's I decided I would just be dreaming because I don't think I could get away with explaining to Cory what the charge on the credit card was for that! He hates my obsession with purses and thinks it's so unpractical...silly boy doesn't get it! We did fall upon some nice perfume at a great deal that I kept contemplating about going back and getting but never did. Oh well next time : )

Once we left we headed out and found FAO Schwartz. We wanted to do a little Christmas shopping for the kids and new they would mail packages home so off we went. That store is simply amazing. When I say we spent all day there we did just that minus the two hour lunch we had. Three stories of toys and they had some pretty amazing stuff. Main floor was stuffed animals, candy, a little dessert area, and a place you could make your own Muppet puppet! It was so cool. I wanted one but besides sitting on a shelf what would I do with it and the kids wouldn't understand how cool the Muppet's were. Cory and I both grew up watching them and loved them.

Downstairs was baby stuff and some toys for younger kids. They suckered me into getting Alyssa this print out with all the Princesses' on it. You input her name and anyone Else's names you want and it labels it all around the picture. It's pretty cool. She was excited when she saw it so now she has it hanging on her wall in her room. Then we found the wall that had all these Caillou toys on it. Alyssa loves Caillou so her Nana Gail decided she was getting her a doll. It's cute and creepy at the same time and Alyssa loves him. We went upstairs and checked it out and were simply amazed. The reading corner was very cool where they do story time. I was a little disappointed in the selection of books. I think they could make that area a lot cooler. We saw the piano from the movie Big. There was a line to play on it and I had no desire to. The one think I though interesting though was I thought it was a lot bigger than it actually was...hmm...The Lego displays they had made up were very cool and hard to believe it was just Legos!

We checked out the rest of upstairs, cars, Barbies, dolls etc. kind of got a game plan and decided to go eat lunch. Doesn't everyone do better on a full stomach!? We wandered around outside and found this restaurant Tao and decided this would be our big meal of the day. Until I went here Nobu was my favorite restaurant but this is very similar to that and I think gives Nobu a run for it's money. The food is Asian inspired and delicious! We got several dishes and shared them. A must was some tuna. Now some people may be crinkling their noses but you have to try it. Nothing is better than having something that melts in your mouth and taste so good and healthy for you! No there is no fishy taste. There never is if you cook it right, FYI. One of my pet peeves is people who say or refuse to try new foods. Anyways we had so many good dishes, wine and dessert. Complete heaven. Our waiter helped us order and recommended items and did not steer us wrong!

After our meal we headed back to FAO and made our decisions and purchases. Dolls, books, cars were all on the purchase list a long with a few other very cool items. In the doll area when you adopt your baby they take care of it like in the hospital. Showing you how to change it etc. Very cute. The employees all over are dressed in costume. There was also Captain America there that I wanted to take a pic of but you had to pay $20 for it and I don't think he is all that so I passed. Seriously you can't take one with your own phone. Several times someone would jump in front of him and announce that was not alright. Geez! Anything for a buck I guess.

We made our way to the register purchased and mailed our items and headed back out for a walk back to our hotel. We got a little turned around and went the wrong way so our very close walk ended up being a little longer. Eventually we made it back and called it a night and relaxed. Now when I said earlier we spent all day there we did, it was almost eight when we got to our room!

There weren't any big plans for the following day except for our reservation for High Tea at the Russian Tea Room. So, we decided to do a little more shopping and check out Macy's. Now, time for sleep!

Day two was done!

NYC....And I'm In Love....Day One

This has taken me awhile to write about just because of time! Where does it all go? Anyways, October was my big trip to the Big Apple. I was slowly getting excited for the trip and about a week before it really hit me. Or maybe it was my shopping trip for the trip itself. Anyhow the time arrived and I couldn't wait! I wasn't sure if I was more excited for the trip itself or the freedom! I love my munchkins more than anything but how nice was it to go to the bathroom without anyone bothering me or to go grab a cup of coffee without getting cake pops and milk.

The flight there didn't seem bad at all but it was a long day. We left early in the morning and arrived in the evening there. It was beautiful flying in because we got to see some of the foliage in New Jersey. Once we got there and finally got our shuttle we ended up arriving at our hotel around 8 or so. We ordered room service and called it a night. We knew the next day was going to be early and long.

The next morning we were up and at it bright and early. We headed downtown to go see the 9/11 memorial. It's located in the financial district so we decided to take the subway, which would be quicker than cab or bus at that time since it was rush hour. I felt like a New Yorker already. The subway was very easy to use and not as "scary" as one would think. Honestly I don't see why there aren't more of them around! We got down there in no time and found a Starbucks and got a little breakfast.

We then headed to the memorial. It's amazing to see how big the area is where the Trade Towers stood. It was definitely cool to see but a sobering moment just to take it all in and reflect. They have done a great job in creating this beautiful memorial and there is still a lot of work going on for it. It's free to see so if you are ever there go see it!
We were there for probably two hours if that. I saw someone placing flowers and shedding some tears for a loved one and it tore at your heart. Such a emotional place.

After we left there we walked to the Stock Exchange to check it out. Now looking at maps places look close. New York blocks are like Vegas blocks and if you don't know what I mean by that well let's put it this way when someone tells you two blocks in reality it's like twenty! Anyhow, we got to the exchange and checked it out very cool but was disappointed because all the damn protesters everything was blocked off so we couldn't go in or get really close to check out. Bummer! We then went into Tiffany's and did a little browsing....ahhhhhh.....

Around noon we meandered back to the subway got ourselves back and relaxed before heading out for our boat trip. It was a three hour tour....and it was only three hours all around Manhattan. I really enjoyed it and the weather was perfect. I had no interest at going to Ellis Island so this was perfect....we went by it I got pictures and done. Same with the Statue of Liberty. I don't know why I didn't but I saw her got my pictures and we were on our way. That was another moment where I got goosebumps seeing her. Very cool especially for everything she stands for. I enjoyed the tour and learning about all different things around the city, buildings, and people.

When the tour was over if I remember correctly we just headed back to the hotel. I can't recall what we did for dinner that evening. I think we may have grabbed appetizers and drinks in the bar and called it a night!

After this long day we were exhausted! Since the next day we didn't have anything planned we decided to wake up whenever that may be and decided to do some shopping!
On a side note the first day we were there my camera broke! So all the pictures I took were from my cell phone argh! Thankfully I have a good phone that takes amazing pictures but could you believe it!!! I just used that for the rest of the trip instead of going to find a new camera and figure out how to use it.

Sweet Dreams!

Toy Story 3 On Ice

This summer we received a coupon in the mail to receive a free ticket on opening night of Toy Story with the purchase of one other. We jumped on the chance since it fell on Cory's day off and we would all be able to go as a family.

Alyssa was so stinking excited and talked about it all the time. She was pretty funny in that you would think she would be excited to see Buzz or Woody or even Jessy but no she wanted to see Ken and Barbie. I should have known. We had great seats and once the show started both kids were glued to it. Knox loved the springy dog, I can't remember his "real" name, of course and the army men. They were pretty cool.

Watching these things always amazes me at the talent these people have. We got home a little after ten and a good time was had by all. Now that it over Alyssa hasn't stopped talking about her next show, The Nutcracker. What a spoiled girl!

A funny little story. I was getting ready to make the kids lunch one day and this is how our conversation went.

Me: What would you like for lunch
Alyssa: Grilled cheese
Me: OK, could you grab the cheese out of the fridge for me

Alyssa goes and opens the cheese drawer and looks in it looks at me

Alyssa: No cheese mom
Me: Yes, it's right there. The big orange block.
Alyssa: Icky
Me: Well what kind of cheese do you want?
Alyssa: Brie
Me: What?! You aren't having Brie. We don't even have any.

Alyssa thinks for a moment

Alyssa: OK, brown goat cheese?
Me: We don't have any of that either. You can have cheddar.

It was really pretty funny. I tell you our kids have been exposed to EVERYTHING, well almost everything food wise and I'm so thankful for that because we don't have picky eaters at all. This just cracked me up but I also don't blame her either : )

I have been slacking on getting everything posted and I'm trying to get all caught up. I still need to put my trip to NYC on here. We are also very busy these next few weeks so I will try and keep it updated as much as possible. I hate getting behind!

Knox is doing amazing. He cracks me up and puts a smile on my face everyday at the stuff he does. He tries so hard to be a big kid that at times I forget how old he really is. He is talking a lot and throws new words out almost everyday. I'm getting very excited for Christmas for these two it's going to be a lot of fun!

A Week Full Of Celebration

This last week was a very busy week for all of us. With all our usual activities going on we also were very busy celebrating Halloween or going to Harvest Party's like some call them. Whatever it is you choose it was a very fun time for all the kids.

Monday we had a Halloween party at the house for the kids. It was a lot of fun. There were eight kids and the party ended up lasting five hours! There were arts & crafts, cookie decorating, pinata, snacks, a festive movie, music/dancing, along with a lot of other play.

It was very nice because all the kids played together so well and had a lot of fun together. Alyssa and Knox had their besties there so I don't think anything else mattered.

Both kids were very excited for the party when I was decorating. Alyssa told me when she first saw the decorations, "Wow Mom, cool!" Melt my heart! Knox of course loved all the spiders and skeletons I put in the webs around the house.

One party down....and here comes another! Friday we were invited to my friends daughters party. Alyssa and I ended up just going since it was later in the evening. Alyssa always thinks she is so cool going over there because they are older kids, 10ish. There were all kinds of games and treats at this one too. Alyssa's favorite of course was the decorating of the pumpkin. She also liked bobbing for apples. I'm not a fan of it, never have been, but she was so funny after watching all the big kids do it she couldn't wait for her turn. She put her head down and slid her hand down and put it in her mouth. It was the funniest thing. She thought she was pretty neat stuff. She is a character.

Friday was also Orange day at Preschool and they were to wear something with Orange in it and they got to paint pumpkins. The teacher handed out a little sack with a spider ring, sticker, and candy at the end. Very exciting for them : ) Alyssa had her pumpkin black with "magic sprinkles on it" aka glitter! I hate glitter! She loves it so what do you do when your a mom but embrace it.

Saturday night we attended the Harvest Festival at our gym. We met up with my friend Kim and her daughter Alyssa. It was pretty fun. They had all the bouncy houses set up, games, crafts, obstacle course, and prizes. The staff there know me and the kids and were so excited to see us. They love the kids in the day care and couldn't wait to see their costumes.

Alyssa enjoyed going booth to booth and doing the activities. Knox on the other hand enjoyed running the floor of the gym and getting chased by one of the ladies there. After Alyssa had done everything I was beat from chasing Knox around and since I was getting a cold wasn't feeling the best so we headed home. One of the girls was disappointed we weren't sticking around for the costume contest but oh well.
The next morning I received a text from my friend saying my Alyssa won something. I wasn't sure what it was because I didn't enter anything. When I went to the gym the next day I found out she won the coloring contest. Yay, for her! They had her color a picture one day while I was working out. Anyhow she ended up winning a t-shirt and a month of gymnastics! Yay!!! So excited for that...now let's see when I'm going to fit that into her little schedule : )

Sunday I bailed on the Halloween adventure I had planned for them and just rested and got caught up on things. Monday Halloween what a fun day. We went to the gym that morning and I did the Halloween Spin class to Halloween Music, different but fun anyways. That afternoon we took the kids to the mall and did our trick or treating and met up with friends there. Once we were home I took Alyssa out and just did our neighbors we know. I have a hard time telling my kids not to talk to strangers or go to peoples houses they don't know except this one day of the year and you get candy?! So, we just did the people we know. Which was plenty and then she got to come back and hand candy out.

Not sure which she liked best. She was pretty funny. When we were leaving some kids were coming up to the door. She told them "this is my house, the candy is good!" The parents were laughing. Then when we were coming back a big group was leaving and she said "No, don't go! Stay and play!!"

She was hysterical. When she was handing out candy one little boy came up and she actually blew him kisses and waved goodbye to him. Hmmm...she must of really liked his costume! I don't remember what it was but it was so funny.

I love the holidays with little ones. She is really getting excited for Christmas. Well that was a full week of Halloween activities and I was honestly happy to see it end and get all the decorations put away! Alyssa is already talking about what she wants to be for next year!