Christmas in New York

We took the train to New York City on Christmas Eve to spend Christmas weekend with cousin Sadie. We had lots and lots of fun.

First we hung the stockings by the front door with care . . .

then we got caught eating the cookies and carrots we put out for Santa and his reindeer.

I was so excited to see all the presents on Christmas morning and loved ripping off the wrapping paper.

We ended the day with a walk to the East River.

Snow Snow Snow

I was so excited to see lots of snow on the ground when I awoke this morning. I lined up my chairs in front of the window so Teddy, Mickey, Minnie, and I could watch the falling snow. Then, I decided I wanted to go out and play. I had so much fun last time it snowed, I wanted to go out again. Mommy and Daddy weren't ready yet, so I took business into my own hands and tried to put on my own shoes and hat. Daddy and Mommy decided to help me and we went out to play.

The snow was so much fun, I loved it, even though I couldn't walk too well since the snow was past my knees.

I helped daddy shovel, then I decided I was too cold. After lunch I got bundled up in my sweats and took a nice, long nap. What a good day!

There is a hill just behind our apartment and Daddy has wanted to take me sledding since last Winter. I got him sick this week so he wasn't able to buy me a sled, but to my surprise, my family's good friends heard the tragedy and brought us a toddler sled to use. I can't wait to go sledding! Check back later for photos. (Oh, and it's still snowing.)

Milk and Cookies

Daddy taught me the right way to eat chocolate chip cookies - soak them in the milk until they fall apart, eat the soggy mess, and then drink the rest of the milk and cookie crumbs. Yummy!

Live From Herald Square

We celebrated Thanksgiving week in Manhattan with Kirsten's family. Kirsten and Brooklyn took the train out on Saturday and Kyle joined the fun Tuesday after work. Aside from delicious meals and spending time with Grandma, Grandpa and Kari, some of the highlights included seeing White Christmas on Broadway (Kyle and Brooklyn missed out), watching the parade balloons get inflated on Thanksgiving Eve, and then looking down at the Macy's parade from the 11th floor just above Herald Square (thanks Kristi-Lynn). Kirsten had to work Thanksgiving night, so we took the train home together just after the parade ended.

Midweek Vacation to the Poconos

Mommy and Daddy didn't have to work on Wednesday so we spontaneously decided to take a vacation to Great Wolf Lodge in the Pocono Mountains. As you'll see, we had a blast!

We got to our room Tuesday night in time to explore the waterpark before it closed. I wasn't too fond of the water spraying from above, but I loved jumping the waves in the wave pool.

Then it was off to catch the end of story time with Willy the Wolf, and then I hurried and got my pajamas on so Mommy and I could watch the Clock Tower Show. The singing animals and dancing trees were fun to see.

I woke up earlier than usual the next morning and watched some cartoons before I remembered the fun park down the hall. I had to keep yelling at Daddy to get "uuppp" so we could go to the "pooo." Daddy and I played until I got tired. Then we checked out of our room and Daddy enjoyed a scenic drive through the Poconos while Mommy and I took a 2-hour nap.

We returned to the park and played for several more hours before we had to go home. I discovered the waterslide and absolutely loved it. I went down at least 20 times. Mommy and I played in the wave pool while Daddy went down some of the big slides. He said they were lots of fun. I can't wait until I'm big enough to go on them with him.

Unfortunately, our quick vacation came to an end because Mommy and Daddy have to work tomorrow. I was so tired from all those trips down the waterslide I slept the whole drive home.

Halloween

Fall Festival and Trunk 'r Treat at Church

This was Brooklyn first trick or treating experience. (Last year we spent Halloween on a train). After a few minutes, she got the hang of it and would take the candy, put it in her bag, clap, and then go to the next car. When she felt she had enough, she sat down in the middle of the parking lot and tried to open and eat her candy. Daddy was in Ohio for a law conference and to see his parents so he missed out.

Carving My Pumpkin with Daddy


Trick 'r Treating at Assisted Living Center


Partying at a Doctor's Ranch

We enjoyed a hay ride, great food, a scavenger hunt, and fireworks!

Pumpkin Patch

We went to the pumpkin patch on Saturday. Luckily, we found the perfect pumpkin before it started raining. Brooklyn had a great time and cried when it was time to go home.