NYC

I had a milestone birthday this year that was just a couple of weeks before Mother's Day. I wanted to see a Broadway show and I thought it would be fun to bring big sis. The plan changed as we went along - big sis isn't into shows or movies - and we decided on a weekend in New York City. We scoured the internet and made a list of places we wanted to see and off we went to navigate the big city.




I'm a fan of the woods and quietness but big sis loves the hub bub of a city. This was my first time being the one in charge - usually I just blindly follow whoever I am with. It was exciting and big sis turned out to be a perfect travel companion for me. I remember the trips I took with just my mom fondly, so I am excited to pass this tradition down to my girls.



I used to think that traveling with kids was next to impossible. Turns out it's just SOME kids. At the ripe old age of almost 8, big sis is mature enough to handle travel and mixing up the schedule. It was such a luxury to only make loose plans and just do what we wanted when we wanted. Plus I'm just a kid at heart so the park and carousel were right up my alley.





Big sis often gets overlooked because of the more immediate needs of her brother and sister. I know she craves more of my time and sometimes I fear we expect too much of her. Childhood is a time to embrace and I don't want to rush her out of it too soon.

I remember when I was first married and staying in Hotel 8 was a luxury. Now with my husband travelling so much, he knows a nice hotel when he sees one. The view from our window was breathtaking. We were just above Ground Zero so it was the perfect opportunity to talk to big sis about that important day and we had a chance to visit the memorial.







We spent all weekend walking hand in hand. I didn't even take that many pictures. She was such a trooper although I did spend some time giving her piggy back rides. The weekend flew by yet it felt like we had been gone forever. I feel so lucky. My husband works hard so I get to stay home with the kids and take a weekend adventure with my big girl. I know that for years she will be saying, "remember when we were in New York..."

random

We survived a 3 day vacation to Maine. I use the term vacation loosely. Eating out in restaurants went better than expected. Sleeping through the night was much worse than expected. A 2 year old and car seat covered in puke ended the trip early by half a day. Our one full day there was rainy and cold, of course. The car ride was too long for 4 of us. But the last day was so beautiful. I wish I cold have spent more time taking pictures. Here are some shots I managed to get in.






I've been laying low since we came home. Appreciating our routine. Anticipating the changes that will happen once school starts again. Every time I clean something or somewhere, the kids are drawn to it like magnets. But watching them all play together is worth the mess they make.







My focus once the big kids are back in school is to start training this goofus. I was hoping she would be this perfectly behaved dog all on her own. Clearly that is not going to happen. I'm researching my options and deciding if I like consequences for bad behavior or rewards for good behavior or both. As much as I don't want to train her and she generally makes me insane, I know that once she is trained properly she will be easier to live with.