happy birthday daddy!

Today is Michael's birthday. He really wants no part of it. He deleted all records from his Facebook account and told me not to tag him in any posts. He should know that I don't listen when it comes to birthday's.

Happy Birthday to a wonderful husband and an amazing father. We love you!

intervention

Morgan is addicted to anything Apple. Not the fruit. Apple electronics. While we were in Tennessee she found an iPad lying on the couch. I looked over and she was learning how to fly a plane.

We took the iPad and put it in a place that we thought was out of reach. Then we came home one day and five minutes after walking in the door I found her under the table. I guess she thought I couldn't see her.

Last night we got home and the girls were playing in the living room while I put some groceries away and started dinner. I can hear Addison in there coloring away, but Morgan is no where to be found. Michael was out mowing the grass so I thought maybe she snuck outside. She wasn't out there. I went room to room until I ended up in Addison's room. I see the closet door closed and think maybe she is playing dress up. Nope. I found her spread out on the floor with the iPad watching a Strawberry Shortcake video.

We monitor what they are doing and the time is limited. Only recently has she found our hiding spot. They love coloring and puzzle games, listening to children stories and watching short kid's videos. They also love Matty B songs. This one is their favorite.

It's time to find a new hiding spot for the iPad. Maybe on top of the refrigerator.


You're welcome for getting that song stuck in your head!

goodbye new york

Addison's sleep schedule was off the entire trip. She did it with no naps and bedtimes around 10 or 11 at night. We had a few meltdowns and frustrating moments, but all in all she did great. But it did wear her out. I woke up to start packing Monday morning and she was so out. The noise in the apartment didn't effect her at all.

That morning we went into the city and did a little shopping at Foot Locker. We met some of Shannon's co workers and had a quick lunch at Macy's. Shannon rode the train with us to the airport tram stop and then it was time for goodbye's.

Waiting for the airport tram to pick us up. I was pretty tired myself. Then I caught Addison taking one more look at New York.

Our flight was delayed about two and a half hours and I had a migraine. So we went for coffee and donuts.

We did some coloring before take off. This almost ended in a tantrum because one of the markers fell as we were pulling up off the ground. It had to be the purple one. It rolled back and was never to be seen again. Then Jet Blue turned on the TVs.

Five minutes later and she was out. I made her more comfortable and she slept like this until we reached the gate in Jacksonville.

Overall, a FABULOUS trip! My next one may be by myself. I missed not going to Shake Shack. There was no way Addison could handle the line. But I'm glad I got to experience New York through her eyes. I consider myself lucky to be able to do these kind of things with my children.

Lastly, a big thanks to the hubby for taking care of my Morgan while I was gone. He was stuck in the house most of the weekend because of Tropical Storm Debby. He did a really good job keeping her active and taking her to do inside activities. I loved getting text and pictures of what they were doing. They went to Chick-fil-a one night, but it just wasn't the same without mommy and sissy.

nyc: brooklyn

Day 3: The last day.

We were going to walk the Brooklyn Bridge after the 9/11 memorial, but it was already late afternoon and I was pretty sure Addison wouldn't make it. Shannon's friend Jonathan met up with us at the memorial and he drove his car. He was kind enough to drive us over the bridge and take us to the park for a carousel ride. Addison pulled her usual and didn't want pictures. I just took them anyway.

Then she perked up a little.

Near the bridges was a perfect picture opportunity. She had to pose with her mini Statue of Liberty.

I don't like the trash can in this picture, but you can see the carousel in the back on the right.

Me, Shannon and Jonathan taken by Addison.

The park was just yards away. Addison had been so great the entire trip that it was nice for her to just play and not have to do touristy stuff. We ran around the park for an hour before heading to the nearest subway. It wasn't where the map said it was and we wound up looking for one for almost an hour. Addison was beat by the time we got to the train. This was probably the only time she didn't swing on a pole.

Then we settled in for our last night at Aunt Shannon's.

nyc: 9/11 memorial

Day 3 continued:

This was special for me. Walking in and seeing the memorial pools made me a little teary. There I was standing where so many had died. All of these years have passed and it's still very emotional.

I briefly explained 9/11 to Addison. I kept it simple and tried to use words that she would understand. Instead of terrorists I called them bad guys. That kind of thing. I'm not sure how much of it she really got, but she's smarter than I give her credit for. I know she doesn't know the meaning of a lot of it now, but 9/11 will forever be in her history books. I think it's neat that one day she can go back and look at these pictures and talk about it.

Right before we left we walked over to one of the pools, away from all the people. We happen to look down and there was Todd Beamer's name. He was the passenger on Flight 93 that after talking to emergency services and realizing what was going decided to try and stop the hijackers. The last thing the operator heard him say was "Let's Roll". Notice that his name is worn from all of the people that have probably touched it.

The three of us at the Survivor Tree. The only tree planted at the towers that survived the attack.

Glad I got to share this day with some special people in my life.

nyc: lady liberty

(Sick of my pictures yet? Not too many more.)

Day 3:

When we talked about going to New York one of the things Addison really wanted to see was the Statue of Liberty. I've actually never been to the island to see her up close and personal so we added it to our to do list. While waiting in line for the ferry you eat a snow cone. It's a must. Then you catch every angle as the ferry passes by.

Shannon and I thought it would be neat to have a picture of ourselves with the city in the background. Big fail. Addison took the second one of us at the island. She was a pro with the camera by the end of the trip.

We stopped for more ice cream (replacement for the half eaten snow cone that fell on the ground) and posed for a few pictures. Addison took the first one. See. Not bad.

The statue was closed for renovations so we couldn't go inside. We walked all the way around her and Addison marveled at how big she was. We also saw a little girl lost from her group so I used that as an opportunity to again teach Addison what to do if we ever get separated. She still talks about it.

Here we are heading back to Manhattan. At this point, all of us were over it.

Here's a travel tip. Years ago, right after 9/11, I went to New York. At that point they weren't letting anyone near the statue. We hopped on the Staten Island Ferry, rode across and back again. Short and sweet. Maybe you're dying to go to the top of Lady Liberty and tour Ellis Island and if you are, have at it. Keep in mind you wait in line a lot. And then there is just a mass amount of people. I'm glad we did it for Addison, but I probably won't do it again. Next time I will take one of the "cruises" they offer that go around the island. You can get a good view and great pics. That's enough for me.

nyc

Day 2 continued:

We had to be on Broadway for the 2 o'clock showing of Sister Act. I really needed Addison to eat something so I took her to McDonald's. It's not the healthiest, but it's something she knows and I hoped she would at least eat. The closest McD's was Times Square. Man that place is a money making machine.

We headed over to the theatre for the show. Raven-Symone (the girl from the Cosby Show)is playing the lead in Sister Act. The whole show was fabulous. It was bright and showy for Addison and still had the over her head adult humor that Shannon and I loved!

After the show we stood and waited for some of the actors to come out. I figured we had the perfect in for pictures since we had a five year old with us. But, like usual, she didn't want to take pictures. Up there is me and the actress who plays the shy nun. Here we are with Sweaty Eddie. I didn't know he did this until I saw the picture later on. I though it was cute.

After the show we headed over to my cousin Jason's house. I always talk about making it by to see him while in town, but it has yet to happen. Now that Shannon is in Queens and two train stops away it's a lot easier. Addison and I got to meet Arden for the first time. They were best friends by the end of the night.

Jason and Lisa hosted a barbecue in their backyard and the kids got to play in Arden's little pool. I'm not sure what's going on here, but they had a blast.

We left Jason and Lisa's and went to the street fair around the corner. We played a ton of games and Addison never won. Eventually we had a very upset little girl who really wanted a giant stuffed animal. Jason was kind of enough to win this purple monkey for her. It only cost about $20. I tried so hard to convince her that the monkey needed to stay in New York, but she wasn't having it. Somehow I managed to get this thing stuffed in my suitcase and it made it home.

It was so great to spend some time with Jason, Lisa and Arden. Shannon, Addison and I had a blast!

nyc: central park

Day 2:

Ice cream was the first stop on the list. It was hot and the stands were everywhere. How could I deny her?

We skipped the carnival going on at the park because Addison was just as happy climbing big rocks.

A quick stop at the Friends fountain before heading for the row boats.

We rented a row boat and paddled around for awhile. Addison took a quick turn at rowing, but she was happy being the captain.

Shannon rowed out.

Then we took a break under the trees so Addison could update her Hello Kitty diary she got the day before.

Shannon and I stopped for a picture.

And then I rowed back. For some reason it seemed a lot harder getting back than it did going out.

We ended our trip through Central Park with...

You guessed it! More ice cream.