Crossing Things Off of Our NY Bucket List

• Paying tribute to John Lennon by checking out the Dakota (the apartment building he lived in and was shot right outside of) and the Imagine mosaic in Strawberry Fields in Central Park. Check

• Exploring more of Central Park. Check

The boys had a good time playing at the Heckscher Playground. It has a really cool water area.

• Making the drive to Palmyra to watch the Hill Cumorah Pageant. Check

This was such a great experience for our family. The kids loved walking around the Hill Cumorah grounds and mingling with the cast members. Ian's favorite part was the display of the New Star for the birth of Jesus, while Colton's was the popcorn.

• Visiting every scene from every movie filmed in NYC. Well, not quite. But Check.

Taylor and I at Washington Square Park. Searching for Bobby Fischer, I Am Legend, When Harry Met Sally, and August Rush

• Be a "The City" wannabe for a night and go to a restaurant I saw Whitney and her friends go. Check

We had a GNO with some girls from the ward and I picked the restaurant CAFETERIA that I repeatedly saw on "The City". I had the Waffles and Chicken. Sounds weird, I know. But it was sooooo good. BTW, that little oval cushion that I sat on was cute at first, but not comfortable after the first 30 minutes.

• Top of the Rock. Check

This was so unbelievable. We loved it. It was better than the Empire State Building. It was cheaper, had a better view, less crowded, and had an observation deck with no glass. They also had a fun elevator ride to the top where they showed you NBC scenes of iconic shows. They also had a room that was called the Intelligent Light display where every person entering the room was assigned a color and the room lit up with your color as you walked around.

Almost Tragic

I walked out of a shower to see this waiting for me on the hallway floor. I hurriedly followed the trail of tendrils to find the victim and/or culprit. I found Ian and Colton on their bed, Ian with scissors in had. From my tone of voice, I'm sure my neighbors thought Ian was chopping Colton's fingers, he might as well have. Around this place we value Colton's locks like we do our phalanges. As soon as Colton got hold of what a calamity almost occured, he weeped for minutes whailing, "Ian cut my hair". Fortunately, it was caught in time to look like a (presentable) bad haircut and not a tragedy.

Seare Adventures 6.0

Taylor and Ian had a Daddy/Son day where they went to a Yankees game and got to see the new stadium. Ian is still talking about it. But even then, I don't know who had a better time: Dad or Son. Or even Colton and I, who got to enjoy some one on one time as well.

This was sugar heaven for our family as we started at Dylan's candy bar (where Ian couldn't get over the candy stairs) and ended at Serendipity III for their famous Frrrrozen Hot Chocolate. I love living in New York.

We had a playgroup day where we went park hopping to a few parks in the city. We concluded with cupcakes from Sugar Sweet Sunshine bakery. I love living here.

Taylor had a guys day out with a few friends and they went to Boston and saw a Red Sox game at Fenway.

The boys had their first Fathers & Sons camp out. I did something I never thought I would do again...I slept in til 10:45 a.m. Motherly Bliss. Joy of having boys.

Taylor's family came into town a few months ago. They always show us a good time. We went to the famous La Esquina to eat where I spotted America Ferrera. Taylor wouldn't let me take a picture because she was eating. I have such a considerate husband. Sorry I don't have proof, but it was her. We then went to Rice to Riches and Pinkberry for dessert. I love this place.

We enjoyed another delicious pie (pizza that is) at Grimaldi's and did the walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. This is my favorite bridge out here.

A day at Central Park where half of NYC decided to be. I laugh at the middle picture because Ian had just finished his popsicle so he was holding his stick and I asked him to give Colton a hug so I can get a picture. As I looked back at the picture, I noticed he put his popsicle stick in his armpit. Where else would you put it?

Looking at the picture of Colton at the top of the Empire State building with his head sticking out still gives me a few tickles in my tummy. On the right: enjoying a chocolate mess at Max Brenner's. Have I said how much I love the city. I do.

Cheeseburger Thoughts

For 26.2 Miles (in the rain)

For a guiltless this:

Happy, Disappointing, Ooops, Funny, and Delicious

The weather finally broke 65 and we ran to the park. It's been a long winter and even though I'm writing this and the weather is currently 50 (tear), I'm hopeful that we will have nonstop warm days ahead. So friday we packed a lunch and went to the park. Ian has been very patient in flying his Spiderman kite. I found a pack of 2 kites at Target and bought them for the boys as a part of their Easter basket. Well. Beware.






Here is Ian's kite. Not bad. He was happy with it. An even though I'm a dunce at flying kites he still had fun attempting to fly and letting it run behind him.


Here is Colton's kite. He was a bit disappointed. I don't blame him. I guess I should've read the dimensions of the kite closer but this was not what we expected. Ian asked who shrunk Colton's kite. The villains of Marvel toy company.

Same park visit we had another incident. Anybody who know Ian knows what a clean little guy he is. If he so much gets a drop of water on his clothes he wants to change them. So during his attempts in flying his kite, he looked behind him to enjoy his Spiderman kite, and accidentally slipped, fell and landed a puddle of grassy, mud water. Worst case scenario for him. His screams and cries expressed his mortification. Luckily, our friends were with us and one is in the middle of potty training, so an extra set of clothes were on hand. I know he looks a little...

We we're just happy that a great day at the park continued and our sun soaking time didn't come to an end.

And because Spring is here (kinda, still trying to be hopeful) I'm sharing one of my favorite warm weather recipes. Your family will love this and the dinner table will be full of "mmmms and yummys"

Pineapple Chicken Bowls

1 fresh pineapple

1/4c. of melted butter

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 c. sugar

finely grated zest of lime

4-5 chicken breast or 10 chicken tenders

1 jar of Fiery Jamaican Jerk Marinade from Target (Archer farms brand)

Marinade the chicken in the marinade for a good hour. preheat broiler. slice pineapple in large chunks and arrange on baking sheet lined with foil. Toss together sugar, lime zest, and cinnamon. Brush pineapple with melted butter and sprinke with sugar mixture. Broil until caramelized and bubbly (approx. 5 minutes). Grill chicken. Serve over brown rice with green onions. Enjoy!

I'd love to hear your favorite summer recipes. I'm always looking.

Small Sunshine Smiles

Come visit us for your dental needs! We'll take good care of your teeth with our experienced staff. Your children will feel as if they are being taken care of by their own friends.

Open Monday thru Friday from 9a.m.- 5p.m. closed from 1-3 p.m. for quiet/nap time

Ian became the apple of his dad's eye, as he showed his good patient skills, an interest in dentistry as he gently comforted Colton through his first check up, and his own check up that confirmed no cavities. Colton proved he'll do anything Ian will. He also showed a clean check up.