Family snuggle.

Love these guys. xx

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year I am so thankful for my family and for one of the best, most fun Thanksgivings in recent memory. Skating, hot chocolate, a museum visit, a parade, and cousins going absolutely bananas. Oh, and lots of food. Already missing Adam, Holley, Rowan, Aurelia, Grandma and Pop. Looking forward to the next visit. Happy Thanksgiving! xx

School morning antics.

A bit of Thursday morning silliness. Fancy Nancy sunglasses on and we're ready for school. P.S. Grandma, you can't see them but she's also wearing the cute black patent ballet flats you got when you came and went shopping with Lu.  She loves them! xx

Kitty Kat.

While we were away, Grandma took the kids to the Earth School Fall Fair and Lulu turned into a kitty kat. (Or is that little stinker a skunk?) Apparently the face painter's beautiful work was sullied shortly after this photo was taken when Lu got her hands on some ice cream and popcorn. Sounds like fun! xx

Vacay 2.0

Last year, Grandma was crazy, I mean, nice enough to come stay with the kids so we could get away for a few days. Imagine our surprise when she agreed to do it all over again this year! A quick, direct and shockingly inexpensive flight (and a twisting, turning, roller coaster of a car ride) landed us in most amazing spot on the island of St. Lucia situated in between the majestic Pitons mountains.  The view from our cottage in the cliffs was of the Petit Piton on the right and the Gros Piton on the left with a lush carpet of jungle rolling down to the Caribbean Sea below.

We were surrounded by all manner of green and colorful flowers including almond trees, starfruit trees, palms, bananas and countless other beauties. It rained a bit which didn't trouble us at all. In fact, a particularly voluminous downpour produced three gorgeous waterfalls sliding down the Petit Piton and one incredible rainbow.

Although we're pretty content to plunk down on a lounge chair by the water and while the hours away with a good book, there is so much more to do on the island. Snorkeling, hiking, sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and horseback riding are just a few of the things that you can do in between sipping refreshing Watermelon Coolers and a lunching on curried fish roti. Here's Greg setting off to get a new perspective of the Pitons (and a nice view of some spectacular hilltop homes) by Hobie Cat.

We were happy to have a few days just to ourselves but we also knew right away this was a place the kids would love. So it might be so long St. Lucia for now, but we're coming back with the brood for Spring Break 2104! Can't wait to see you again. xx

Gettin' up there.

First of all, a massive thanks is owed to Grandma for braving a few days flying solo with the kids while we were away. THANK YOU!! Second of all, the 11 year old is, in fact, NOT standing on a stool. He really IS that tall. Grandma isn't a short lady and look how close he is to being just as tall. It won't be long before she's looking up at him! (Grandpa Tom requested photographic proof so here it is!) xx

Story of the Week.

Each week in Lulu's Pre-K class a child has the chance to write a story to share with the other students.  Last week it was our dainty and delicate Lulu's turn.  We were alarmed amazed by her ferocity creativity and we congratulated her on crafting a tale we're sure Timothy Leary would approve of.  Ahhhh, the remarkable mind of a child. And in addition to learning about her gift for spinning a yarn, we also gleaned insight into her lofty career ambitions when reading her author biography.

You go girl! xx

BB and BG (Big brother and the birthday girl.)

Since Lulu's big gymnastics party isn't happening until a week after her birthday, she decided that on the actual day she wanted to make pizzas at home. Daddy was assigned the task of figuring out how to cook them on The Big Green Egg while the kids got to work eating candy and making a giant mess in the kitchen. Lulu was delighted that her tongue turned purple after eating a handful of jelly bellies.  (Thanks for sharing Lu.) And happy 4th birthday to our baby girl!

Middle schooler.

It's official.  As of about three weeks ago this tween started sixth grade and became an official Middle Schooler.  He started the year off with new sneakers, a new 'do, a new helmet and a new set of wheels, which he got for his 11th birthday. So now instead of walking to school every day, he rides (with a very uncool grownup trailing slightly behind).

Not to be outdone, Lulu kicked off her pre-K year with a mini-manicure.  Pink, of course!

Beach day.

Here's what's rad about today: #1 It's officially summertime. #2 You can live in NYC and decide at the last minute you need a beach fix and actually make it happen. Same day. #3 With a simple click on your smartphone you can get a car (thanks nifty Hertz iPhone app) and have it picked up, packed and ready to go within 45 minutes. #4 In a half an hour your toes are in the sand and your kids are running wild like crazed beach rats. 

We fell madly in love with the down-to-earth, rough-around-the-edges Rockaways last summer and we were so happy to be back there today. Sandy dealt a cruel blow but she didn't make off with the beauty, spunk and spirit of this place. Families, kids, lovebirds, surfers, people old and young, black and white, populate this sandy stretch and it just feels timeless. Old school somehow. Comfortable.

And now, here we are back at home. It's 5pm and we're sun kissed and sand rinsed. Frosty beverage in hand as I blog. Prepped and ready to grill some fresh lobsters on the Green Egg.  Life is good indeed and we're reminded yet again of why we so dearly love this crazy town we call home.

#greatday

Congratulations graduate.

It's been a big week in our house. The final report card yielded a round of applause and then it was time to prepare for the 5th grade graduation and the first school dance. It truly feels like it was just yesterday when my little man first walked into Nest+m to begin his kindergarten year. There were lots of tears in those first days. Apprehension and nervousness. But over the years, in addition to learning things like math, science and writing, he also gained confidence and developed an infectious sense of humor. He fell in love with baseball and basketball and made lots of friends. And in the blink of an eye six years have passed and I'm watching my baby walk across the stage and into the next, momentous phase of his life.

And naturally I cried like a baby.

After watching his little sister's end of year performance it was time to rest up and get ready for the big 5th grade dance.  He met up with some of his pals for a pre-dance dinner and off they went. By all accounts it was a good time. Maybe not much dancing this year (girls are still slightly icky) but definitely lots of goofing around and laughing til the wee hours (of 9pm). Its been so amazing to watch these kids grow. I've known many of them since Cavan's years at My Little Village.  They were 3 then, now they're Tweens! I remember 6th grade well and I couldn't be more excited for the exciting things I know await my little man. I love him so much. My heart swells with pride. Life is a series of adventures. Here we go Cavan Shane!

Last Day of School.

It's been a great first year of school for the little ladybug. She loved every day of it. She adores her teachers and has made some great friends along the way.  And just like her big brother before her, I'm sure we'll be seeing many of these kids grow into little ladies and gentlemen in the coming years.

To celebrate summer and the last day of school, parents and friends got together in a local garden for a performance by the caterpillars and a potluck lunch with insane amounts of food.  The kids ran amok and created little houses and forts in the greenery.  The parents chatted and complained about the heat.  Everyone was tired at the end.

I'm so glad that Lulu got to have the same amazing experience at My Little Village as Cavan did.  Next year she'll move up and go to pre-k at Earth school with her pal Julian.  And with any luck she'll follow her big brother's footsteps all the way to Nest+m!

MVP.

This little dude may not have been on the best team of the season but his skill and sportsmanship shone through nonetheless and he was selected to be on the All Star team.  And today he proved that he earned that spot.  There was a BIG WIN for the red team and, as you can see, a big toothy grin to top the big event off.  So proud of  my little man, not just today, but every day.  We love you so much Cavan! You're the MVP in this house! xx

El shed.

My weekend warriors trucked out to Brooklyn to find some reclaimed wood and in two (blisteringly hot) days they completed this gorgeous shed for our rooftop garden.  Somebody bring these guys some lemonade!  (The one in the middle didn't do much exccpt complain about the noise of the saw but she insisted on being in the picture too.) xx

Bear hug.

When you're having one of those weeks and you're feeling down and maybe a bit scared there's simply nothing better than a little pair of arms round your neck to help remind you that everything's going to be ok.  I love my family more than anything in the world. #blessed

First recital.

Overall, Lulu's first performance in front of an audience consisting of real, live people as opposed to a dozen or so stuffed animals, went off without a hitch.  There were no real "deer in headlights" moments, and in fact, she seemed to relish being in the spotlight.

(Who's the ham-iest of them all?)

The only real issue arose towards the end of the number when the dancers were to return to their assigned spots on the stage.  In all of the movement and excitement a few dancers got confused and  returned to the wrong places and, being Type A and somewhat bossy (no clue where she gets that), our little Lulu decided there was no time like the present to discuss the fact that the dancer next to her was, in fact, in her designated area and this would simply not do.  In the brief moment of silence after the music stopped and the applause began, the words heard loud and clear round the room were "that's MY spot!"  Way to steal the show doll.  Brava.

Giants, 2013.

Official 2013 Giants photo.  Solo and together with the team.  

Go Giants!

Story time with Daddy.

It just doesn't get any better than this.  Lulu is a lucky little lady.  #daddyslittlegirl

Mama.

Thinking of this beautiful, intelligent, kind and inspirational woman today.  She's always been there for me and I'm lucky to have her as my best friend.  Love you mama!  xx

Budding filmmaker.

Cavan took his love of Playmobil a step further by creating a stop motion movie, carefully positioning and repositioning the parts so that the airport truly came to life.  We think its quite good for his first film!

Pitcher's mound pileup.

Victory! The Giants were so overcome with joy after their first win of the season that they hurled themselves on top of the pitcher's mound and got sand down their drawers.

Dress rehearsal.

Lulu is ready for her theatrical debut.  On May 5th, she will play a flower in the "Save the Rainforest" ballet recital.  We know she loves her costume, but will she have stage fright?  Stay tuned for a complete review of the production. xx

Batter up.

Baseball season is officially in full swing.  A parade complete with drums, bagpipes and an appearance by former New York Yankee Cecil Fielder kicked things off a few weeks ago and the Giants are ready to give it their all. Go Giants!

Spring has sprung.

Or so we hope.  Its amazing what some new lanterns, a few sunny days and a bit of rooftop gardening can do  for a person's state of mind.  Gonna clock some hours out here this summer.  Yes, indeed.  #lifeisgood

Chillin' with my homies.

You know.  Its after school and I'm kickin' it to the park with my bestie Sasha.  She's not as fly as I am yet cause she's still in her stroller, but whatevs, we still look fresh.  Word.

Sugar crash.

This is what happens when the Easter Bunny comes and you have one too many chocolate eggs.  One minute you're flying around the beach cottage like a whacked out rabbit and the next, your ears are a mangled mess and you're drooling in your carseat.

King of the World.

Portrait of a 'tween.

Montauk, NY.  Easter weekend 2013.

Taxidermy transport.

This is how we do it in the big city.

When Grandma Comes to Town...

Strange things happen.

(Thank you Grandma for helping us make our anniversary weekend so special. We love you!)

xx

Billye Jean + Linda Louise

This evening, in a brief moment of solitude, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and as I often do, I studied my own curious eyes.  They're somewhat mismatched, a crazy color and, most amazingly, an almost mirror image of the eyes of my mom and my Grandma. Outside the bathroom door hangs this photo. My Grandma gave it to me and wrote on the back of it, so that I'd know my mom was "about four" when it was taken. About the same age as my little Lulu. I look at it often and am always filled with a sort of pride and big love for these two remarkable women, in whose faces I clearly see myself and my history.  

I see the gorgeous and glamourous Billye. Her stylish hair, beautiful shoulders and Hollywood lips.  I see my mommy's little feet and they look like my daughter's. These women represent a past that existed long before I drew breath and they are the future. In my son and daughter, and their families to follow.

If I have the good fortune, one day, of seeing a set of unusual, green-ish speckled egg eyes in a grandchild of my own, I'll say "Hello, Grandma. I love you."