JERSEY GIRL & CENTRAL PARK

Sure I've been to NYC plenty of times growing up for all the major site seeing, musicals, etc. but if you can believe it, I've never hung out in Central Park. Our weekends to visit my parents in Jersey are limited or maybe done and getting a trip to NY one more time with the girls was a must. So while we were there the 1st weekend in MAY I had to check a few more things off my list. Luckily the weather cooperated and we had an excellent taxi driver (MY DAD) and tour guide (MY MOM) that made it possible for us to get a ton done!

I still can't believe how huge this park is and that it's located in the middle of this crazy city. We began with eventually finding our way to the boat house and heading out as a little family in our own row boat. Sky assured me he could take care of the rowing if I could keep the girls seated. We quickly learned that he needed a beginners coarse and both discovered how tricky rowing can actually be. We only went around in a circle twice, with some hard laughs and were then on our way. We had an amazing time and felt like we were in our own movie. The scenery was gorgeous. Not many places where you are surrounded with trees, water, bridges, flowers and then skyscrapers behind you. We grabbed some great shots, all worked on our rowing skills, discovered turtles, fed ducks and even managed not to fall in.

Can you beat this perfect DOUBLE STROLLER?

I loved walking around spotting different scenes from so many movies, especially Enchanted as those songs are often heard on our radio.

My parents then showed us the gorgeous tulip gardens.

and I thought about how much I've loved only having them 2 hours away!

Sky and I were also able to get in another great visit to the NY temple and then with no thanks to the lovely New York traffic we all made it to the FAO Schwartz famous piano. Sky had a blast watching me make a fool of myself running around with the girls and with the HELP of my mom play a basic "Merry had a little lamb"why did I ever stop Piano lessons?

Can hanging out with family ever get old?!!!!!

HEART & DREAD

I HEART
1. Jumping back into a warm cozy bed knowing you still have a few hours to sleep after you had to get up to go the bathroom.
2. Rediscovering the world from a 2 year olds perspective.
3. A hot chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream on top
4. GARAGE SALE SEASON
5. How GREEN pennsylvania is and beautiful Spring days

Things I'm Dreading this week but HOPE go REALLY well and have an AWESOME outcome!
1. Preparing for and Taking family pictures
2. Leaving Sky alone while he continues to study for the Boards
3. Having our home immaculate for another Open House
4. Waking up early for Garage Sales
5. Saying Good-bye to some great friends

Watch out Ky...Tattle tale Lexi in the making...

I feel like I have to preface this by saying Kylee and Alexis have an amazing relationship and it is so much fun watching them on a daily basis interact with each other. It is special to see Kylee watch over her sister, listen to them laugh and watch Lexi being Kylee's little shadow. Lexi just lights up when she gets time with Kylee and is a whole other person on the mornings Kylee doesn't have preschool.

Now with all of this comes the beginning of the "love hate" relationship, the "I had it first" line over and over or Kylee giving Alexis stern instructions that she must follow or Kylee gives her a consequence...Why does she think she is the mother? (I can't wait to watch her be one down the road)

I've been worried about teaching certain gospel principles and the other day had this...

SCENE: Kylee and Alexis playing trains downstairs while I'm working on the computer. Ky's frustration rising as I hear Lexi constantly messing up the track.

Alexis: Hysterically crying as she comes up the stairs to me..."Mom Mom Mom"
Mom: "What happened sweetheart?"
Alexis: pointing to head "Kyie, Kyie"
Mom: Did Kylee hit you?
Alexis: "Yeah"
Mom: (yelling down the stairs) "Kylee what happened?!!!!!"
Kylee: "Be quiet, I'm saying a prayer for Heavenly Father to forgive me for hurting Lexi!"

What do you say next? Looks like all that Easter discussion maybe did pay off. Unfortunately we did have similar situations repeat over the last few days with not nearly the same reaction but hey it is in there somewhere and now Ky must beware of her tattle tailing sister who won't let her get away with anything.

Next scenario looking for some help on...

Today all of a sudden Kylee's eye begins stinging and hurting
Kylee: "Ouch, my eye is hurting really really bad!"
Mom: "Ok, I'll be there in a second"
Kylee: "Dear Heavenly Father please help my eye to stop hurting" (I'm impressed)

She proceeds to wash it out with water and I look inside and tell her to put a wet wash cloth on it.

Kylee: "Why isn't Heavenly Father answering my prayer?"
Mom: "Sometimes it doesn't happen right away"
Kylee: "But I thought he was magical and it is still hurting really bad"
Mom: SPEECHLESS

With a little bit of time I did explain that some answers come quickly and others may take awhile. Later that evening her eye was fine and we did point out that her prayer was answered. What do you do when it's not? I know some of mine are taking a LONG time. I just think the faith of a little child is amazing and love watching little pieces of the gospel come together for them.