Tootling along

Feliz Cumpleaños Jack

2011-04-02T20:41:00.003-04:00

Our baby is turning 4 next week and I wonder where time has gone. He is so aware of his birthday this year, he is counting down the days. Last week he got his first birthday card in the mail and he was so excited he could hardly stand it. He held on to his card and kept it close to his chest. He showed it to all of us several times and would tell us how much he loved it. So who was the wonderful person that made Jack's year with this wonderful card?

A big "Thank You" to our health insurance company.

Thanks to Jack's wonderful card we know how to keep him healthy in English as well as in Spanish. He could care less exactly what it says. He is just so glad that it was addressed to him and that someone took the time to remember just him and notice that he is really getting bigger.

It makes me think of Elder Ballard's talk today, that we need to keep life simple. If a little boy can find joy in a simple card....I know that I am missing out in finding the joy in simple things.

Mr & Mrs Smith come to NYC

2011-03-21T19:54:00.003-04:00

For Matt's spring break we had visitors come to us so that we did not have to go far for fun. Scott and Christy graced us with their wonderful smiles and sense of humor. It was a bit cold since Spring started on Sunday but the Lord was looking out for us and we were able to walk around without scarfs and gloves.

While the Smith's were here we saw all of the usual tourist sights. We went on the boat to get a closer view of Lady Liberty. We visited the MET the American Museum of Natural History, Time Square, FAO, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building and Central Park. There were plenty of sights along the way to keep us busy.

For Saint Patty's Day we ventured out to 5th Ave and were almost taken over by the huge green mob. So we raced into Central Park and visited the Penguins. Then we went on a treasure hunt and found Belvedere Castle.

Another day we wandering about Time Square and fun more chocolate than you can dream of. For dinner we went to PJ Clark's and ate until we could no longer move. After dinner we went and sat on the steps of the Lincoln Center. People watching, looking at the temple and keeping the planet safe from the steps... what more could you ask for.

Claire enjoyed making faces while I had my camera pointed at her.

And then there were the boys on the steps of the Lincoln Center. Lance and Jack recruited Scott as one of them to defend the galaxy from the Dark side. The "boys" crawled all over the steps shooting each other, falling apart, and being rebuilt all over again to keep fighting.

Thank you Smith's for sharing some of your last kid free days with us. Thank you for the trampoline in our living room, the iphone games, the hugs and kisses!

So I have washed the sheets, our new dishwasher is installed and we are ready for visitors again!

2010 Wrap-Up

2010-12-11T21:37:00.012-05:00

What an amazing year this had been. To fill our friends and family in on our recent happenings I thought that I would do a 2010 wrap-up.

Central Park November 2010

Our year starting out with freezing cold weather that invited us to go outside and throw snowball at each other and the passing neighbors. Claire was enjoying Kindergarten and Matt was enjoying studying the Classics at Columbia University. Lance, Jack and I enjoyed exploring the city. The American Museum of Natural History became one of our favorite places. Lance and Jack can tell you exactly what floor Rexy and "Dumb dumb you give me gum gum" are on.

When the weather warmed up we craved a road trip and headed south to Washington DC. We loved spending time with old friends and making new friends like Abraham Lincoln. While Claire was learning to read, Matt was learning to read and translate Latin and keep up with remembering the Greek that he learned in the Fall semester.

In the Spring we lost a wonderful man in our family, my Dad, J David Fraser . It was this bitter sweet event that took Matt and I to California for the week...kid free. It was wonderful to see family and share tender memories. We come home to 3 little children that enjoyed their week long slumber party and missed their Mommy and Daddy. We used some much needed family time we toured Virginia and our little ones were able to walk where great men walked.

Brooklyn Bridge

As Kindergarten was wrapping up for Claire, Matt was starting another round of classes, so the kids and I packed up for California (and less humidity) We had a "to do list" a mile long and I am not really sure what we did but we came home tan, missing NY city and most of all Daddy!

Cousins

September brought more changes to our little group. Four new classes for Matt, 1st grade for Claire, Kindergarten for Lance, jack being the only kid home....and a move to Manhattan for the whole family. We loved living in the Bronx, leaving our friends and community was tough, but we loving being in the city.

We went from a 3 bedroom 2.5 bath with all the modern convinces (garbage disposal, etc) to a 2 bedroom 1 bath and the cutest dishwasher I have ever seen...Matt. There has been much adjusting, but some things never change.

Jack is quite the story teller and thinks that he is just as big as his siblings (except when it comes to riding in the stroller) He loves to build wonderful forts and train stations out of his wooden blocks. Jack also enjoys doing "homework" and complaining about it like the rest of us. I love having him home to myself and touring the city with him.

Lance is our comedian! He loves to act out scenes from various movies and keeps us laughing. He loves to build and create cities with blocks, legos and every car and train in the house. He is also a hard worker and will work until the job is done perfect. We hear shouts from his friends excited to see him as we walk to Kindergarten. He breezes through his homework and often asks for more. I wish I could bottle his excitement and energy!

Steps of Lincoln memorial where MLK gave his speech

Claire is our princess, in every sense of the word. If something does not go her way she lets us know about it. She is also so sweet and loving and makes sure that her brothers are taken care of. Claire is our ballerina and turns circles all over our apartment and down Broadway as we walk home. She is always asking to help to clean and make dinner. She is quite the little mommy with all of her babies and keeping the boys in line.

Matt and I, well we just try to keep up with our babies. Matt does this while carrying a full load at Columbia (which includes memorizing Greek and Latin every semester among other things). He also keeps our Missionaries in line as the Ward Mission Leader. I love to run all over the city, find new thrift store finds with Jack, and laugh and learn with the Relief Society sisters in our ward.

This year has been a year full of unforgettable moments and moments that I wish I could hold on to a little longer. Looking back I remember how lucky I am and how good I have it!

Here is to many more years of memory making...cheers!

Yankee Games

2010-10-22T22:31:00.001-04:00

We living in NY...we had to attend at least 1 (or 2 or 3) Yankee game. Yankee Stadium is in our back yard, we do live in the Bronx after all. So we dawned Yankee blue, packed the backpack full of food and headed to the game.

We arrived early so that we could find our seats, and tour the new stadium a bit. Getting to the stadium was part of the fun part. We parked a mile away and walked with all of the other fans past where old Yankee Stadium stood ( you can still see the rubble through the cracks in the boards). It is just such a neighborhood feeling if you can say that about a thousands of closest neighbors.

Jack chose cotton candy as a treat to share. He was so excited that he asked if we could open it all the way to our seats.

Lance was so excited to be sitting in his own seat of a Stadium that we drive past often.

The food was also a draw for Claire.

When the game lost it's interest the kids found other ways to entertain themselves. Jack sang songs and drove his cars along the seats.

Another boredom buster were Mommy and Daddy's ipods...

Fun was had by all. There was singing, dancing, a fight and beer poured on us. Ah, the stuff that family memories are made of.

In the end the Yankee's won and we walked home with our neighbors...all of us in a very good mood.

Months later Matt and I had a chance to attend a Yankee playoff game and we jumped at the chance. Thanks to 3 wonderful friends we were kidless and ready to scream ourselves horse!

We were one row away from the tip of the top, but we did not care, we were at a playoff game...with the Yankees!

As the sun went down the game started to get exciting, the temperature started to drop and we were kicking some tail.

In the end we (yes we are officially Yankee fans!) won that game. We drove home with our bellies full of hot dogs and garlic fries and less voice than we had when the game started. Just to hear Frank sing NY NY, is such a treat.

Apple Picking

2010-10-10T21:30:00.003-04:00

Apple Weather! This was our 2nd Annual apple picking trip up to Connecticut to Silverman Farm. Many of our friends that went with us last year have moved so we brought along car loads of new friends to create memories with.

This year we noticed that they had added new tractors to the petting zoo. There were many places to hide and climb on top of those great tractors. Jack jumped in the driver seat and made himself at home.

We loved feeding the animals and the kids giggled as the goats, sheep and lamas licked the feed out of their hands. Claire the social butterfly enjoyed visiting with her friends.

Lance made himself at home and took in the sights and sounds.

We borrowed wagons to pull the kids along while waiting for the hay ride.

At the top of the hill the apples were plenty and the sun was high. Lance was a trooper carrying his full bag of apples. It became his trophy as he showed off all of the apples that he had picked.

The kids were hard workers and ate their fill of apples.

Great memories! The hay ride back to our cars showed the dirty, apple juice stained smiling faces and a great days work.

After the picking the apples came the second hardest job, deciding what to do with all of these apples?!

Beach Babies

2010-09-09T20:40:00.001-04:00

Besides Grandma's house one of the kids favorite places is the beach. So one night we went with the Feist's and Gma to Laguna Beach and had a dinner picnic. The evening was beautiful and the kids were so excited to get their toes (and possibly their whole bodies), in the water.

As it got darker and darker the kids would not give up the chance to be in the water. With soaked clothes, chattering teeth, goose bumps and sand between their toes they were all happy campers. As I pulled them away from the sand to wash them off and put on PJ's, Jack said, "And then I want to build a sand castle". When I broke the news that it was 9 at night and that we were headed home, stamping feet and crocodile tears followed.

Adventure Playground

2010-09-08T21:18:00.004-04:00

One of the many items of fun on our "To Do List" while we were in California was to go to Adventure Playground, or as the kids call it "Mud Park".

Wearing cut off jeans and borrowed shoes Claire was eager to jump on one of the Tom Sawyer rafts. Last year she figured out how to use them right when it was time to go home. She needed no help with year as she pushed her raft through the 2 feet deep puddle.

Lance found a great pair of Nike shoes in the pile and jumped on a raft as well. He handled that raft with great skill and took his task very serious.

He took a break from the raft and tried his hand on the mud slide. Although he made it more of a mud skid as he used his feet to wiggle down the steep slope.

When it came time for Jack to take a ride on the rafts Lance was all to glad to show Jack exactly how it was done. Eventually Jack tired of the work and went along for the ride.

As the raft become more and more waterlogged it started to scrape the bottom of the pond.

It was fun watching all of the kids cross the rope bridge and all the different skills that they enlisted. Each time Lance went across he tried a different technique.

Jack took it slow and steady and did it over and over again until he could make it across in record time.

Then it was off to the wood pile to create tree houses and what ever else they could make with a hammer and 4 nails. Claire was very proud that hers looked like something she recognized...hum.

Once again Lance was a great big brother in showing Jack exactly how it was done.

What a great day to spend with cousins and to become as dirty as you could (in fact Mommy encouraged it!) I wish we could have more days like this!

First Days

2010-09-07T22:49:00.002-04:00

They did it...they made it to 1st Grade and Kindergarten. And they were both bubbling with excitement! We took a first day picture to show how much they have grown from year to year.

Don't worry Lance you will pass her up someday!

Claire is such a sweet girl and I found the perfect dress to let her shine. She was so excited to put on her first day dress that she put it out weeks before. Look how big she has grown from her first day last year!

Lance was given a new watch as part of his "1st day of School Countdown". It just matched his big kid look. He woke up with the sun and asked every 2 minutes if it was time to go. Yeah, he was a tad on the excited side.

We left the apartment 20 minutes early because he could not stand waiting any longer! To stretch out our wait we counted to steps across the bridge and the rungs on the fence around the school.

Lance used his hand to aid in the counting.

This Kindergarten thing in hard work, but Lance will figure it out in the end.

All Wet!

2010-09-05T21:42:00.004-04:00

What would a trip to California be without many visits (entire days) to the pool. Grandma's pool is 2 blocks away and Aunt Karen has one in her back yard. We all went from NY pale to CA bronze in no time.

When we first arrived going to the pool was at the top of the list. We meet the cousins at the pool and the swimming party turned into much more. Tyler became the "water bus" and swam around the little pool. When he arrived at the desired Lance would yell, "This is our stop!"

Tyler was very patient and continued to let the 3 water babies take a ride on his back.

At Aunt Karen's house swimming lessons were a number 1 priority, having Ben throw the kids across the pool was the bonus.

I am not quite sure who had more fun...the thrower or the thrown.

Jack got braver and braver as the month progressed.

He would ask me "Mommy, I want to swim from you?"

Claire was the little Mermaid. She swam from one of the pool to the other, she did the back stroke, handstands and back flips. But the best was how she would cover her eyes with one hand and hold her nose with the other...a sign of true talent.

Rules of the Game: Climb on the green floating crocodile

Hang on as tight as you can tight as you can

Before Ben tips you over

New game: Ben steals crock from a 6 year old and two 5 year olds and makes them chase him around the pool.

Kids win!

Summer in Cali...

2010-08-29T22:03:00.004-04:00

As much as we love NY we needed to escape the humidity. So the kids and I packed our bags, kissed Daddy good-bye (he was nose deep in Greek) and jumped on a plane to Grandma's house. She was very excited to see us although I think she forgot how loud and messy we are. Since we could waste no time we loaded our calendar with fun field trips.

Our first outing was to Wild Rivers. They have carload deals on Monday nights, so we put as many little ones as we could in a 12 passager van.

Jack and I went on an adventure and slid down the slide together. The face full of water was quite a surprise at the end.

Claire and I jumped around in the pool to keep warm as the sun went down.

Claire loved being the Princess and sitting on top of her tube

while she floated down the lazy river.

Lance loved the being in the tube, being out of the tube, being in the tube, being out of the tube. For him the lazy river was anything but lazy.

In the end we were all purple, sleepy and ready to go home to Grandma's.

Lance 5...

2010-08-22T21:29:00.001-04:00

Lance never was a little baby. Weighing in at 10lb 4oz at birth and then improving that with thunder thighs that you just wanted to sink your teeth into...heaven. But 5?! How did that happen. He was just this sweet baby that looked at you with his deep blue eyes and he would get you do anything.

Now when I look into his eyes I still fall in love, but I also hear his mischievous giggle and wonder what he up to now!

Being here in NY we have let the kids choose several NY attractions to tour on their special day. Lance chose to go to the Fire Fighter Museum, FAO Schwartz and our favorite little book store Bank Street Bookstore.

Being August it was a typical hot and humid day in the Big Apple. We took the train to lower Manhattan and went into the Museum that was a former NY Fire station. The displays were amazing and very kid friendly. Lance fit the "Handsome" firefighter profile perfectly.

He had so much fun trying on all the different out fits and seeing how the trucks evolved from being pulled by a horse to what we have today. He pulled us around and had us read all the signs on the wall that explained about the equipment.

They had a simple but touching tribute to NY Firefighters from 911. This was a helmet that was found in the rubble as the clean up was occurring at ground zero. It was interesting to see the reverence that our kids gave the rooms dedicated to these heroes.

Lance enjoyed just hanging out on the fire engine.

Nana and Katie made a special visit for Lance's birthday and brought fancy cupcakes. Lance could hardly contain his excitement.

Is this a sign that his eyes are bigger then his stomach?!

What a wonderful day to celebrate the birth of our little Lance. We are so glad that he is in our family. His contagious laughter adds to our lives.

Claire's Day

2010-07-13T14:05:00.005-04:00

Claire has been planning this day for months. Any time we talk about birthdays she would start her new idea with... "For my Birthday we are going to..." and it was usually followed by something spectacular like having a slumber party at the Plaza. With each of her new ideas I would follow up with, "That would be great!" But in the end we had to come up with something really special for our Princess. So weeks before I asked her where in NY she wanted to celebrate her birthday and she picked Central Park. That was the easy part so we fill the rest of the day in with New York's finest.

First of all Claire wanted to bring Molly, her American Girl Doll, so Molly was Claire constant companion. Not once did Molly need to take a ride in the stroller. Our first stop was to our little red lighthouse. I read that it was going to be open and visitors could climb to the top for a great view.

So up we all climbed. It was a little unnerving to see Lance and Jack lean a little too far over the rail. One by one they admitted to me that they were a little scared and liked the view from the ground better.

The spiral stair case and the great echo made the trip down a treat.

Jack was so excited to finally reach that door that earlier he had tried to squeeze through the gate to get to.

Lance was excited to find more nooks to climb in and to be able to run in circles around the light house.

After a picnic lunch the kids enjoyed climbing on the rocks and watching a few boats pass by.

From there we took the train downtown to 5th and 49th to where little girl's (and Mommy's) dream's come true... The American Girl Doll Store. Claire saved her birthday money and had in mind what she wanted before we entered the store. In the end Molly was dressed in a new birthday dress, and added a swim suite and PJ's to her wardrobe. Claire was so excited and had to change Molly right away!

From there we went to "Crumbs" and everyone chose their favorite sugar rush. Claire chose Cookies and Cream...

Lance Candy....

Jack Carrot....

And Daddy, Chocolate along with a bite of Lance's. Mommy enjoyed a Black and White. We all sat on the grass in Central Park, sang to Claire, and ate 1/4 of our treats to save the rest for breakfast in the morning.

With that much energy we ran off some steam at the playground and in the sprinklers.

Some of us had a sugar melt down and needed to go home.

To top off Claire's day we walked to Gray's Papaya and ate our hot dogs at the 69th Street station. What a great NY birthday. The weather was perfect and the kids enjoyed being in the city. I can't believe that my baby is 6, I am so proud of who she is turning out to be and look forward to exploring with her through many more birthdays.

Monticello

2010-07-08T15:29:00.002-04:00

The day following our adventure to Mount Vernon we decided to try one more historical landmark. This time we travel 2 hours from our gracious host's home to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson our 3rd President.

Monticello was build on a hill and means beautiful hill. Touring Monticello had a very different feeling than Mount Vernon. While Mount Vernon was spread wide, Monticello climbs to the sky.

Beautiful trees surround the home, while along the outlining path is Mulberry Row, the slave's homes and shops.

There was a children's center that allowed the kids to explore what life was like in Thomas Jefferson's time. There was a slave home that the kids are able to prepare a meal over a fire.

Lance lounged in a replica of Jefferson's bed. In his home he built this bed in a alcove between his bedroom and his office. That way he was never too far from either.

They also had wooden blocks that we all enjoyed building our own Monticello.

We enjoyed the beautiful gardens. There was a wonderful breeze and we laid on the grass to take in the smell of nature that we don't get very often.

All of three of the kids took off in different directions and explored nature to the fullest.

After a tour of the home the kids enjoyed foot races in true Jefferson fashion. Jefferson would go on the front lawn with his grandchildren and drop a handkerchief to signal the start of the race. Matt used a tissue to start our race and the kids took to be the first to Daddy.

While in the children's center a woman that worked there gave each of our kids a nickle. She explained who was on the coin and that his home was on the back. Jack loves to look at his nickle and tell us all about going to Thomas Jefferson's home.

This was a small pond that Jefferson built in his garden. The reflection of Monticello was breath taking and the kids loved throwing rocks into the water and watching the water ripple.

An amazing part of history that we were able to share with our little family. Jack can still tell you who is on the nickle. The kids watch movies with historic places and figures and talk about being there, I would not miss this for the world. The other day the kids even talked about meeting George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and we teased that they were entertaining Grandpa...we all got a good giggle out of that.

Red, White and NY

2010-07-07T20:36:00.000-04:00

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. And like may holidays it means dressing in holiday colors. So bright and early Sunday morning we all dressed in red, white and blue.

After church the celebration started with bright red frosting and sprinkles. We made "funfetti" cupcakes with red and blue dots and went on a sugar rush. Then with hot dogs and fries to top it off, we were off into the city for fireworks.

We took the train to 59th and then walked to 57th all the way west. We found a spot in the middle of the street and spread out our Texas blanket. "Where was Jack?", you may ask...

Where most kids should be at 9:00 at night, asleep in their stroller.

We watched a beautiful sunset across the Hudson River while dripping sweat. It was in the mid 90 and the fireworks were about to start.

A few thousand or our little friends joined our street party. This was a view just to the north of of us. The crowds went from 59th Ave to 12th Ave.

Once the fireworks started Jack was up and the kids were climbing on the police barrier in front of us.

The show was amazing with new fireworks that I had never seen before.

When it was all over we went with ALL of our new friends to the the train... and then took a taxi home. It was a great night, and as Matt says something we never need to do again :)

Mount Vernon

2010-07-06T14:06:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, May 11th, Matt and I packed up our little family and drove to Reston, VA. The Keller's had volunteered to take our kids for the week while Matt and I went on a action packed week in California. The trip to California was a real whirlwind. Seeing family, celebrating my Dad's life and taking in the sights made for a fast paced trip that could not be missed. Without the Keller's, we could not have done it. They are destined for the Celestial Kingdom!

After our California adventures, we decided to slow it down and go sight seeing in Virgina for a bit. First on our list was Mount Vernon, the home of our first President, George Washington. Being married to Matt, I have learned to appreciate history more. And being my parents' daughter, I love a good adventure.

We drove about 45 minutes and arrived at the home of George Washington. The grounds were open for visitors to wander the plantation along with a tour of his home. This was the gate to the garden and his Greenhouse. I felt that I had stepped back in time and I felt the peace and tranquility of my surroundings.

The kids loved wandering through the garden. Looking at the beautiful flowers as well as the crops that were being grown and tended by volunteers. The kids were also given a treasure map with clues that helped them to earn a reward at the end. With the help of our maps and the clues, we all learned a lot.

After a tour of the house that held original artifacts, we rested a spell on the porch and took in the view of the Potomac River.

The kids ran, climbed the gate and picked flowers.

Another favorite game was rolling down the hill. Being that close to history was amazing.

These are the "HAHA walls" that we learned about thanks to our treasure map. George needed a way to keep the cattle in the meadow and not close to the house without a tacky wall. So he built these short walls. The house was on top of the wall and the animals below, and we all know that cows can't climb walls. But if you were playing a game of tag on the house lawn and did not know that the walls were there, you would fall off. Then everyone would laugh at you...hence the "HAHA walls"

Some of us got a little carried away with the name...

What an amazing sight! Thinking of George Washington riding his horse up to this same point to return home from the battlefields, then retiring to his small den to run our newly formed Country. Amazing.

This was a great day to make memories. Claire said over and over again, "I wish I was George Washington's Granddaughter so I could live here". Lance and Jack loved seeing statues of Washington as a solider. Each one of them had their favorite part of Mount Vernon. It was a wonderful experience to bring history to life.

Lego Mania

2010-06-30T22:35:00.001-04:00

New York has too many fun things going on during the Summer that it is hard to choose what to do. But when I heard that a new Lego store was opening at Rockefeller Center, we had to go. They had tables set up on either side of the ice skating rink with bins full of red Legos so that the kids could build bricks to help to construct a 15 foot Lego apple.

Jack was so excited to get to build with Legos. He was really good at following the directions and making his brick exactly how the Lego experts taught him.

It was SO hot in the little tent. Claire as a trooper and worked diligently to create her part of the apple.

TA DA! Three little bricks made by my three favorite little people.

When they were done they took their bricks to the "Master Builders" to add to the apple. Here is a prototype of what the apple will look like. Each little brick on the prototype represents one of the kids big bricks on the big apple!

We went in the store for awhile to cool off and when went back to work. Closer to 5th Ave they had tables set up with only green Legos. They asked the kids to build plants to add to Rockefeller Center. The one with the red bricks was Jack's. A man from the New York Post was taking his picture and needed contrast in the photo. We stood there for over an hour building and the kids were in Lego heaven.

Lance was so excited about his creation. I was so excited that it did not fall on the way to putting it with the other creations.

The apple took 3 days to build. We missed seeing it finished but at 7:30 that night it killed me that we missed seeing it so we drove downtown and caught a glimpse. This is the view from 5th Ave as we drove by.

We drove around the blocks several times just so that everyone could see it. Here is a view from 50th , the taxis behind me did not appreciate what I was trying to do. Their horns added to the moment.

When we got home we had accomplished 2 goals. 1) See the finished apple. 2) Carry 3 sleeping children up to the 6th floor and tuck them in bed. Mission accomplished!

Our Little Red Lighthouse

2010-06-30T21:51:00.000-04:00

There is a wonderful story by Hildegarde H. Swift and Lynd Ward titled "The Little Red Lighthouse and The Great Gray Bridge" It is a fabulous story about a charming little lighthouse that stands on the banks of the Hudson River at the north point of Manhattan.

One day while driving down the Henry Hudson Pkwy towards the city I noticed this little lighthouse tucked under the George Washington Bridge and was taken by surprise. The bridge connects New York to New Jersey. Months later while in a book store I notice the children's book about the lighthouse. I know that this was a perfect excuse for an adventure.

So today, on our second day of summer we hiked down the hill to meet our little red lighthouse. The weather was perfect! We wandered up and over the Henry Hudson Parkway, under over handing trees and along the banks of the Hudson River. A cool breeze was blowing off of the Hudson and we were able to find a spot of shade thanks to our little lighthouse and read the book, just to help the story come to life. Jack had me read it several times and would point out the landmarks around us as we came to them in the storyline.

It was one of those Mommy days when you think..."This is great!" Just as long as the kids did not fall in the Hudson or get hit in the head by the rocks they were throwing we were in great shape.

Lance asked to bring our binoculars to get a better look around. He loved playing I-spy with them. He found the Empire State Building, New Jersey, and a speed boat passing by, just to name a few.

Jack was doing everything he could to get into the gate. He got everything in but his head and as he tried to pull it through the bars he would giggle and say "Ow" every time his noggin clunked against the bars. Lucky for me he never got through. I was afraid I was going to have to call the NY fire department if he got stuck.

What a great day to bring a bit of literature alive. As I type Jack is thumbing through the book and talking about what he saw at the little red lighthouse. What a great start to a wonderful summer.

NY Summer

2010-06-17T12:03:00.001-04:00

Before we went to California for the summer we made a plan. We started with 2 poster size calendars for June and July and made lists of all the fun city things to do. I was so afraid that I would miss the fun (and the kids too).

One of our favorite places to go is the American Museum of Natural History. Once it gets warm the sprinklers turn on just outside the Rose Center for Earth and Space. The boys loved splashing in the gutter outside of the Planetarium...amazing!

We also visited the Bronx Zoo and took in some of the sights that don't take place year round. The Monorail takes travelers across the Bronx river to see up close and personal animals that you can only see on the Monorail tour.

The kids loved playing "where's waldo" with the tigers, deer and other hidden animals. Some animals like the elephants they have no problem finding.

Our other favorite place in the Bronx Zoo is the butterfly exhibit. In the summer it does get a bit stuff in the green house. But the beautiful classical music, the tiny waterfalls and the flitting butterflies just capture the kids attention and they are at peace.

The boys can spend hours looking at the koi and waterfalls. They name the fish, try to touch them and watch as they play fishy tag.

Two of the "rules" are that you may not pick the flowers and you may not pickup the butterflies. However the kids have learned that there is no rule against the butterflies "happening" to crawl on your finger if it "happens" to be sticking out. Simple joys.

Taking a ride on the bug carousel is a must. The kids love to go around over and over again until I get dizzy and need to get off. With each ride they insist on choosing a different bug. Claire loves the ladybug.

A beetle, caterpillar and praying mantis are some other favorites to ride on.

Another NY city must is testing out the water from a cracked fire hydrant. Lance was so excited about the chance to see up close and personal how this wonderful thing worked.

He was so good (thanks to some coaxing) he did not get to soaked, but the possibility is still in his mind.

I don't know who was more warn out with our short NY summer, me or the kids. I did start a list for next year of some of the things that we missed or loved too much to miss out on next year.

My Daddy

2010-05-09T09:48:00.000-04:00

This week, and for the rest of my life, I will honor an amazing man, my father...John David Fraser. What a gift my father in Heaven gave me when he let me come to the Fraser family. My Dad had so much knowledge that he wanted to share with me, sometimes it was a bit overwhelming.

I remember when I was about 9 and I wanted to know how a camera worked. My Dad was an expert on this! He attended BYU, went to Art School in Los Angles and then studies at Cal State Fullerton. He worked with photographer Todd Walker, designed and ran a photography lab at CBS and created his own Advertising Agency out of our home. Just to name few of his accomplishments in photography. However instead of asking my Dad how it worked, I went to my Mom. I remember her laughing at me and asking me, "Why don't you ask your Daddy?" I replied, "I just want the simple answer and I know that he is going to go on forever." I remember her suppressing her laughter as she placed her hand over her mouth. She then walked into the living room and whispered into my Dad's ear. He looked at me through the top half of his glasses and beckoned me over. As I sheepishly walked over and sat on the couch he said to me, "Tell me what you want to know". He lovingly and simply taught me about a camera..I caught the fire.

Being the youngest of 4 I remember being the only kid left at home. My Mom and Dad still insisted on Family Home Evening and Scripture study. With no siblings left at home to distract me, I created my own distractions and spent some of our time together under the coffee table, trying not to be interested. However to this day I can remember the sound of my Mom and Dad reading the scriptures to me and hearing the love they had for these sacred books conveyed in their voices.

I remember seeing his face as I walked out the right side of the room in the MTC and hoping to see his 18 months later. And then the excitement when I stepped of the plane and seeing the joy on his face that I was home.

Dancing at my wedding and him pointing out all the people that came to celebrate with us. Him flying up to Washington to only turn around and drive back to California so that he could be there with me when the boys were born and Matt was serving our Country. The joy I saw as he was one of the first to see the boys come into the world!

This past month he called me often at 8am our time (since the rest of the world was still sleeping). He told me of the books that he was reading and the people that he talked to and made them smile. But his greatest joy was telling me of sharing the gospel and giving copies of the Book of Mormon to even the crankest nurses.

One of my favorite memories is when I was about 7 and not wanting to go to bed. I tried the "water trick" often enough. Finally my Dad took me into his arms and pulled me into his lap. He sat in his chair watching TV cradling me in his arms. I remember placing my ear on his chest and listening to his heart pounding and his steady breathing moving my head gently back and forth. As I listened I tried to pattern my breathing after his. Right then nothing else mattered.

What a great plan our Father in Heaven has given us that he allows us come to families. To know that the knowledge of the older must be passed on to the younger. How grateful I am for the knowledge of the plan and for the knowledge that we are an eternal family.

President Spencer W. Kimball shared that he wanted to wear out his body in the service of the Lord. I have not seen a better example of this than my wonderful Daddy, and I hope to follow his example.

[

In memory of John David Fraser May 14, 1933 - May 7, 2010

Three

2010-04-28T22:38:00.004-04:00

Maybe it is because my baby went from this ...

12 pounds 6 ounces

To this...

A three-year-old

How did my baby get to this point? He started out big so it should be no surprise, but it has been. He is very comical, has killer dimples and is quite spoiled. Since Christmas he has been asking for the same thing for his birthday..."Wall-E" (Oh yeah and a Mummy from the MET). Jack is our Pixar kid, between Toy Story and Wall-E he is a happy camper. So since he got Buzz for Christmas, Wall-e just seemed the next step.

Nana wanted to give him a gift that would fit in with the rest of his collection, his favorite cowboy toy, Woody. Woody arrived several days before the event so we wrapped it up and left it on the rug the night before.

Not my brightest ideas. I was woken up by Jack pushing the now unwrapped Woody box in my face asking me to open it. So much for the big photo opt.

Wall-E came several weeks after the fact so I had the upper hand. The Disney box arrived and Matt came home from school early. We gathered around the box and made guesses as to what was inside. Nothing prepared Jack for the biggest shock of his three years.

The toy was a hit...with all of us! He comes complete with remote and says all of our favorite lines. He even looks for Eve and calls her name. I am not quite sure what can top this gift...maybe I better look into buying that Mummy.

Easter Colors

2010-04-12T21:43:00.001-04:00

Easter is such a wonderful time of year. Being here in New York I have been able to see what spring is all about and really appreciate the newness of life. What a wonderful way to celebrate life with smiling faces and bright colors.

Easter morning was a busy for our family. Nana and Katie came to visit, it was Conference Sunday. To let off a little steam we enjoyed our beautiful weather and went for a walk in our neighborhood.

Claire was pretty in pink wearing a dress that Mommy just finish the night before.

Lance is such a handsome devil in his green shirt and khaki pants

Jack is just as cute as can be in his blue polo. He was not a happy camper at the time however.

After our walk we went home to make fresh rolls

Some of us got into it a little more than others

Most of all we made great memories and spent time together.

It was an amazing day to spend with family and to celebrate the atonement of Jesus Christ. It was wonderful to remind our kids what Easter is all about. Seeing the newness of life up close and personal reminds me that because of a single act , we will all be new again.

DC Three (days that is)

2010-03-28T23:25:00.000-04:00

Saturday the amazing weather continued. So we packed up our 7 kids (our 3 and Keller's 4) and were off to the Smithsonian. What I learned from from watching "Night at the Museum; battle..." (where would I be without that movie) is that the Smithsonian is actually several museums that line The Mall between the Capital and the Washington Monument. To keep the kids interest we decided to go to the Air and Space Museum first.

There was a bit of a line to get into the museum so to entertain the kids we had them look in the windows to help get their wiggles out. It did make them a little excited to see all of the airplanes and rockets that were just on the other side of the glass wall.

We were so excited about the museum that we missed photo ops. But as the kids ran on the grass of The Mall and ate Mickey D's ice cream I caught them being kids. They played duck duck goose, freeze tag and hide and seek. Mallory was so cute peaking around the tree.

Paco...I mean Jack was having fun finding sticks and then throwing them at the big kids as they ran by while playing tag.

Ayla was such a sweet Princess as she picked flowers and blades of grass.

We caught a picture of the Kellers in front of the Capital. The large crowd in back of the Kellers is the protesters protesting National Health. Part of History! (Did I mention it was a very sunny day?!)

Then we caught a family picture of us.

Ah, the blessings of living on the East Coast and being able to experience history 4 hours from our home. It was a great weekend and we did not want to leave. But Sunday afternoon we packed up our little family and went back to our big city. It was wonderful to cross the George Washington bridge and see to our right the bright lights of our humble home.

Walking throught History

2010-03-24T21:37:00.000-04:00

On Friday April volunteered to watch our kids while Matt and I toured DC. So for the day she has a 6 year old, a 5 year old, two 4 year olds, a 2 year old, a one year old and a 5 month old...crazy! But thanks to her we had some much needed hand holding and less stroller pushing.

Our sights were set on the Capital. The weather was beautiful and we had a long way to walk but with amazing sights along the way we enjoyed every minute. The sheer size of the Capital took my breath away.

As we took a tour inside the Capital it was wonderful to learn of the history behind the craftsmanship. I learned that this amazing dome was being worked on during the civil war. Abraham Lincoln thought that it was important that the Capitol Building was finished to show the people that he believed their was going to still be a Union after the feuding.

This is the painting on the inside of the rotunda. Hand painted to show George Washington in heaven looking down on what this country has become.

All around the walls are the most beautiful windows with carved molding. Our tour guide told us that if you took the Statue of Liberty off of her base, there would still be 30 feet above her head as she stood in the rotunda. The guide told us about all the beautiful, historic pieces and how one man tried to steal a piece of one of the paintings. The things people would do to have a piece of history. He was tackled and the painting restored.

This plak was under a statue in front of the National Archives. The statue portrayed a woman holding a child high on her shoulder. It was a great reminder that if we teach our children correct principles it will effect future generations to come.

It was an amazing day. We bought hot dogs from a cart and enjoyed a picnic on the lawn. The line to get into the National Archives was a mile long, so we enjoyed a walk down the National Lawn. We then went to Georgetown and walked through the charming little streets. After dinner we enjoyed a cupcake from Georgetown Cupcakes. Perfect ending to a perfect date.

April survived the day and we stayed up until 1am giggling.

Washington D.C

2010-03-23T19:44:00.000-04:00

With Matt's spring break coming we had to get away...fast. So where better to go then to Washington D.C. Thanks to the Keller's we had a place to stay and great company. So off we went, leaving homework and New York behind.

On Thursday we drove to DC and marched right up to the White House. It was amazing how small it looked. It was also fun experiencing this new place with my family. They were so excited to see where Jack's best friend lives...Barack Obama. (Jack includes President Obama in most family drawings)

It was so amazing to be in the exact place where so many great Presidents have lived.

Our second stop was the Lincoln Memorial. We had just watched "Night at the Museum, Battle over the Smithsonian" so our kids were excited see Abraham Lincoln. It was amazing to climb the steps and to come face to face (so to speak) with Abraham Lincoln. All three of the kids were in awe of the size of the memorial and the felling that they were left with.

Claire was so excited because she learned that Martin Luther King Jr spoke on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. There was a stone to commemorate his speech. There was also a Park Ranger that was playing a recording of MLK's speech which made it come to life. Amazing!

The boys loved collecting rocks in the shadow of the Washington Memorial.

Jack met a duck and had to tell him about all the things he had seen. He was a crack up!

Lance was waiting to see the octopus that Ben Stiller put into the Reflecting Pool.

What an amazing day. Seeing so much history and being able to see it though the eyes of my little ones. It was great to learn so much and to learn how much I have to learn.

One day down 3 more to go...

Not all Created Equal...

2010-03-15T15:03:00.000-04:00

I have been a little spoiled with haircuts for the boys. I get teased when I gush about a "great" boys haircut, but today I have be taught in a painful lesson "Not All Boys Haircut's are Created Equally"

With Matt's Spring break he have to get out of town while we can. So we are going to visit friends in Virginia and tour DC. The boys were looking a little shaggy and had bed head more often than not. My Mother-in-law, who cuts there hair in not coming into town until Easter and that is way too far away. Lance made the comment that his and Jack's hair had grown so long that people were going to think they were girls!

There is a place in Scarsdale (20 min away) that charges $20 but it is not open today and I have so much to do. A place around the corner charges $28 and one charges $30, but come on these are little kid heads! So the boys and I went on an adventure to find a "Family Barber".

When I had lost all hope and had melting ice cream in the trunk, I drove past a sign that said "We specialize in children, teens and elderly". I did I u-turn and ran in (since I had to pick up Claire in 45 min)

I should have picked up on the Mexican music or that the pictures on the wall were all of Hispanic kid's haircuts. But he was only charging me $12 each and I had a time line.

It should have also been a clue when the guy that was cutting Jack's hair used the clippers to cut his bangs! But at that point what do you say?! Do I grab my kids and run knowing that they are going to have to wear a hat for 3 weeks?! So now we have the cutest little blonde boys...with Mexican haircuts. $20 each is looking pretty good right now.

With a hand full of gel, the boys look a little more like themselves...Handsome none the less. It is a good thing that Matt gets home when they are in bed.

Pajama Day!

2010-02-27T20:30:00.000-05:00

It was a long day and everyone needed a bath.

So it was a perfect time to take pictures in of my 3 monkeys in their

Christmas PJ's

They are so sweet and cute and all the other ways to describe these kids.

Then just like that I was reminded why I never take my own children's pictures. No amount of yelling or bribing would get my little wiggle worms to hold still.

I did manage to catch our Big Sister, Big Brother and Little Brother on film.

I had to catch this shot while I could...it made them hold still and

gave me a little giggle.

Snow Days

2010-02-25T21:49:00.000-05:00

After we had so much fun with our last snow storm, the Lord blessed us with another. Claire had a snow day as well as Daddy. I was in HEAVEN! .

This is the view from our family room wall. It has been amazing to see the season change from our kitchen.

This time the whole family was involved in the building of our Snowman. Every since winter hit all Jack has wanted to do was to build his ideal "Frosty". He took his job of guarding the bottom of our snowman very seriously.

Lance was caught in the cross fire's of Daddy's and Dragos (our superintendent) snowball fight. They were ruthless, no one was safe. The people coming out of the building, the people going in the building the snowplow trash trucks...all fair game in their sights. Not even holding a camera was a good enough excuse not to be hit with a huge snowball.

Look at what our little California girl has become...a fair skin NY snow bunny.

Jack still at his post of watching Frosty. The craziest thing happen while Jack was asleep and not at his post. Frosty crossed the road! The next day we went looking for him and thought that he had left and then Lance pointed out that he had indeed, crossed the sidewalk and ended up on the retaining wall. Amazing the things that happen in the Bronx.

Snow!

2010-02-11T20:55:00.000-05:00

We kept hearing that this Snow Storm was coming and we waited and waited and then it came. It was beautiful! The biggest snow flakes that I have ever seen drifted pass our 6th floor window. Many of then were as big as cotton balls...amazing! I don't know who had more fun watching it me or the kids.

The next day we ventured out in the snow. We made track in the fresh snow and built a snowman with the neighbors. After several hours my toes were numb and I had to get back indoors. Matt took our picture from our Apartment.

The following day we braved the cold again. One of Jack's favorite things to do was just lay in the snow and watch as the snowflakes fell down on him.

I wondered if he had fallen asleep, no just pondering.

When we woke up we were greeted with this funky snow statue out our window Some crazy neighbors took a break from their studies

to build this HUGE penguin... in the middle of the night.

Claire found chunks of snow and started her own Jewelry store. Lance was her employee and our friend Rose was her customer. She was cracking me up with the descriptions of each "piece". We spent several hours outside. Then Mommy's toes started to freeze off and I knew it was time to come in. The Land-O-Lake hot chocolate and homemade bread hit the spot.

Hyde Park

2009-09-18T21:34:00.000-04:00

For Matt's birthday I asked him what he wanted to do. With all of the sights and sounds of NY he wanted to go to Hyde Park, the birth place of FDR. It was a beautiful day to enjoy amazing grounds. The first place we visited was was FDR's home that he was raised in and later raised his family.

The inside of the home was beautiful. I thought that my family home had the walls covered with pictures, this home wins hands down! The family library was my favorite. The room is the size of our entire apartment...OK bigger. Tons of setting areas complete with little kid chairs.

This is the view from the back stairs as it looks over the Hudson River. Ah, the simple life.

Amazing!

We took a walk through the rose garden of Sara D. Roosevelt. This is a 100 year old garden. The roses are fabulous. Every color and type of rose surrounded us. We went from one type to the next reading fun names and taking in their sent.

This is the burial sight of FDR right in his Mother's rose garden. It is such a beautiful serene place, a place of honor.

We all had a great time exploring the grounds. The kids loved running all over the outside of the house.

Each one of us had a grand time, seeing history with our own eyes. It was amazing to walk where greatness walked. This was a great way to celebrate Matt's birthday and see our fabulous new state.

Here is a link of some more pictures of FDR's home
http://wzus1.ask.com/r?t=p&d=us&s=a&c=a&l=dir&o=0&ld=5190&sv=0a5c423c&ip=4579a2ed&id=7EF082F20B49C566BF1A6DAF1D0FEB66&q=Sara+Roosevelt+rose+garden&p=1&qs=2417&ac=107&g=2f57DZngZ9oPbI&en=te&io=0&ep=&eo=&b=a002&bc=&br=&tp=d&ec=1&pt=Historic%20Home%3A%20President%20F.D.%20Roosevelt%2C%20Hyde%20Park%20%7C%20AtticMag&ex=tsrc%3Dtxtx&url=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.atticmag.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fpres-fd-roosevelt%25E2%2580%2599s-historic-home%2F

Washington Square

2009-09-17T22:11:00.001-04:00

The heat in NY is insane! It is not just the heat that gets to you it is the humidity that hits you like a ton of wet soggy bricks. After being here a couple of weeks and touring the city we learned the key...bring your bathing suit EVERYWHERE!

Most of the parks have water fountains that are there to give people a break from the heat. Even the beautiful and famous Washington Square is no exception. On one side of the park people are engaged in a game of chess. While on another side a local band is playing anything from classical, to jazz. Then there is the enormous fountain in which people of all ages run through the fire hose pressure fountains.

Lance found the fountains that shoot out of the side very entertaining. We found it very entertaining that he seems to get not only his brother wet but the people sitting on the side of the fountain enjoying the view.

Jack had to get in on the little squirt action as well.

Postcard worthy!

Claire was much more graceful in her romp through in the water.

Then there was the friendly competition that is always present between Lance and Claire.

With a few hours in the fountain the kids were set to

endure more of our NY heat.

What a life we get to live!

Kindergarten!

2009-09-09T16:47:00.000-04:00

Here it was, the day that we had been looking forward to, dreading, and counting down...Claire's first day of School. With the shots out of the way I thought that she would be a bit more excited to start school. We had filled out the papers, seen her classroom and talked about all the fun she was going to have. We went school shopping and she got dressed in a brand new outfit (thanks manda) life was grand...well maybe not.

After a little more talking and a few more pictures she was all ready to go with her Tinker Bell lunch box.

As we walked over the bridge and up the street I started to get the butterflies in my stomach and I wondered if I could really let my baby go to school from 8:20 am until 2:15 pm every day.

She gave me a quick smile in front of Kindergarten play yard

Then I think that reality set in for Claire too.

Then when I picked her up she had a big happy face on, and not just the one on her shirt. She told me about the kids in her class, all the stuff to do and who got in trouble. (go figure) She asked when she could go back to school. She could not tell me any of the kids names but she could tell me what they were wearing. Little girls are funny

She here she is...the big Kindergartner in K117 PS 24...The Bronx! Who would have thunk?!

1st Day

2009-09-08T16:25:00.000-04:00

This is what we came all the way to NY for...so that Daddy can go to a big kid school. He got his books weeks before and drooled over them and talked about how excited he was to study such great works. On his first day of school he was just like a Kindergartner, wondering if he was going to fit in and if the other kids would like him. Once he gathered his books, it was a quick kiss and off to the shuttle.

Classic "Bye Mom" wave!

With Daddy off the kids and I were off to the Bronx Zoo for Claire's last day of freedom before she started school the next day. The kids loved exploring the Gopher Holes. They loved popping their heads up and having the little furry things right next to them. It was a crack up to see their expressions as they came out of the dark cave and into the light.

Lance had a great time being a monkey and scaling this tree.

Claire loved balancing on the logs.

This the the famous, and very rare 2 headed turtle!

Jack, of course had love at first sight with this huge turtle. When I asked him if he wanted his picture taken with he he got so excited and then very kindly said, "Yes."

Of all of the things at the Zoo this is what Claire wanted me to take a picture of....Daddy's least favorite bug. Huge Hissing Cockroaches! Notice that she would not stand against the glass to get her picture taken with them. She was so excited to show Matt the picture.

Central Park

2009-09-04T20:38:00.000-04:00

Central Park? I can remember hearing scary stories about the Central Park, so we went on a family picnic to see for ourselves. We took the train and popped out in the North, East side of the park. We found a great little playground with fun, quirky toys.

Claire had a great time on the "Dizzy Stick".

If it wasn't for the 2 year old staring her down,

she would have spent all day on it.

Lance, and the rest of us kids, fell in love with this toy. As you walk around the ring it goes faster and faster...eventually kicking you off! Plays mind games with big kids as well as little kids. Of course it turned into a family competition, which turned into us laughing as each person lost their balance and fell . Sick and twisted

As we walked through the park we found the greatest rock for the kids to explore

Climbing was half the fun, sliding back down was the other half!

Claire was excited to be the Queen of the hill!

It was a great day. The weather was perfect and the kids did great. We made great memories, and enjoyed being temporary New Yorkers.
We did see one junkies, but don't tell Grandma :)

4 Year Old

2009-08-21T20:40:00.000-04:00

Before we moved to NY Lance was looking forward to his birthday. We told him that he was going to have his party at the Empire State Building. What 4 year old would not be thrilled. Almost everyday (and sometimes twice a day) he asked if it was his Birthday. When the day finally arrived he could hardly stand the excitement.

As we walked through the building (and the line), to go up the 86 stories Lance jumped around with excitement.

It was a hot and humid day in the city but Lance did not seem to mind. He loved walking around the observation deck and seeing how small all of the cars and buildings looked.

Lance and Claire took turns pointing out each of their favorite places, and correcting each other when they called a building by the wrong name.

During this fabulous view Jack was enjoying his favorite pass time in the city...sacked out in the Maclaren! Nana and sleeping Jack enjoyed the view from the air conditioned indoors.

When he did wake up I snapped a quick shot so that he would know years later that we did not forget about him.

Ah, the face of a 4 year old that only a mother could love.

Our next stop was Toys R Us. But we thought that no birthday in NY would be complete without a trip to the official Yankee store. Along with the trip Lance got his very 1st Yankee cap...GO RED SOX!

At Toys R Us we rode on the 3 story Farris Wheel. The boys rode in the Buzz and Woody car while the girls rode in the Potato Head car. The building was almost warmer than outside but the ride hit the spot.

Jack had a love hate relationship the the HUGE animated T-Rex.

On our route from Toys R Us to the Subway and then to the Shuttle we got caught in a down pour. The step to the Subway were a rushing waterfall. Since it was hot as all get out, the kids did not mind.

Lance lived it up with jumping in the puddles. We were all soaked to the bone!

After Jack's nap he was ready to get as wet as the rest of us!

PB& J anyone?

2009-08-15T21:44:00.000-04:00

Our Kitchen is BEAUTIFUL. Hard wood floors, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and sink, and beautiful cabinetry. The only think that they forget it that Jack is living here and not place will be the same. Right below the cabinet that we use as a pantry are our dish drawers. Two drawers that are washing machines that let you wash a smaller amount of dishes with using less water, each with it's own handles...or in Jacks eyes, ladder rungs!

Every morning at the crack of dawn the sun streams into our floor to ceiling windows and fills the room with light and heat. This is Jack's cue to get up and get into trouble. His new trick eating the peanut butter straight out of the jar.

Like a monkey caught with his hand in the jar, Jacks whole hand is plunged into the community jar. (We have gone through many jars this week!)

I am not sure what he enjoys more, eating gobs of peanut butter or the bubble bath we give him afterward to get the peanut oil off of his body. Needless to say, I am off to Target to find a cabinet lock. That should keep him out, for at least a week!

Sightseeing

2009-08-14T02:08:00.000-04:00

We decided that we needed to see as much as we could before Matt and Claire started school. So on one of our adventures we went to Battery Park to see the Statue of Liberty.

It was amazing to see the Statue of Liberty with my own eyes. Claire commented on how beautiful she is, "That green Lady". It was fun to talk about freedom with the kids and let them in on how lucky they are to live in America.

We took a breather and ate lunch in the park. It was a warm day, but the kids enjoyed playing with these chimes that were built into the ground. Poor Jack had to jump really hard to make it work, but he did not mind.

We all got into the fun. The amazing thing was that no matter the combination that you stepped on, the chimes made beauiful music. Sitting on a bench in the shade, enjoying the music and having the Statue of Liberty in the background, unbelievable.

We took a stroll to the finicial disrtict and caught sight of the NY Stock Exchange. The building was under top security, but what caught my eye was our flag that was proudly displayed.

We took a tour of Riverside Church, where Columbia was first established. The woood work and craftmanship of the church was amazing. When we went in they were holding Mass and the sound of the organ fill the building.

The cenetery surrounding the church and many historical markers. One of them being Alexander Hamilton. What to treat to be so close to history. On 9/11 a huge tree was ripped from it roots in the cemetary and fell to the ground. The tree fell in such a way that none of the historic grave stones were harmed. That was such a testimony to me of the Lord's had in the simple things.

After seeing more sights Matt (with the help of his handy dandy book) found us a fun, kid friendly restraunt. Kitchette. Great home cooked comfort food that hit the spot after so much exploring. To top it off everyone was able to pick a treat. Claire chose a dog shaped cookie.

Goofy Lance, a bananna cookie.

And Jack a red velvet cupcake.

Matt and I shared some chocolate goodness thing. Goffy!

Natural History

2009-08-06T22:23:00.000-04:00

One of the first places that we HAD to see was the Natural History Museum. We all thought that it would look like the movie (Night at the Museum). Despite that is was nothing like it, it was amazing.

I have never seen more Dinosaur skeletons in my life. The boys loved looking at all the different Dinosaurs and getting as close to them as they could. Lance was trying to help Jack get a better look.

They did have many hands-on displays. We were all able to feel a real Dino egg and a Dino skull. There was also a fun ramp that Jack loved to run up and down, yes he is 2.

With all of the skeletons around us there was also a rotunda that was peaceful that overlooked Central Park and the skyline. Claire and I had fun people watching those that were on the street below.

Of course we had to find Rexy, he may not be in the entrance of the museum but he was a big hit as the kids called to him from across the room.

At the end of the day we grabbed hot dogs from a cart and played in a sprinkler in Central Park. I can still not believe that we live here...amazing.

Really here?!

2009-08-03T21:50:00.000-04:00

Driving across the George Washington bridge was surreal. To the right of the bridge is the city skyline and it looked like a movie back drop that I had seen a million times. But this time we were calling it home.

We first had to drive to Columbia to sign our lease. While Matt and Claire signed papers I took two very wiggly boys to a park across the street. The humidity was high and so was my anxiety about really being here.

When we walked in to our apartment it felt like this was just another hotel that we were going to be guests at. We were lent furniture until ours came the following Sunday. Some that that never changes is the call for cereal in the morning.

The heat and humidity was getting to all of us. Thanks to our friend we were introduced to our neighborhood park, complete with sprinklers.

I think that Lance and Claire were just so excited to get out and run.

Once Jack woke up, he joined in on the fun.

Kirtland

2009-08-01T21:50:00.000-04:00

After another whole day of driving we took a pit stop in Kirtland, Ohio. The Sister Missionaries there were wonderful and gave us a tour that matched the attention span of 3 little kids that have been in a car for almost a week. We started in the Newel K. Whitney store. In the entrance of this store is where Joseph Smith approached Newel and told him that he knew that he had prayed for him to be there, so what did he want Joseph to do?

On the second floor of the store was where the School of the Prophets was held. It is also where many of the revelations given in the Doctrine and Covenants were received. Above is the original table that was in the room where Joseph would record revelations. The Sisters shared the story of the Brethren being told about the Word of Wisdom. After Joseph share with them about the need to end tobacco use, they each threw their pipe into the fireplace.

We also went to the sawmill where the logs were cut to build the Kirtland Temple. The boys were captured by the wheel under the mill that ran the saw.

Next to the mill was a beautiful patch of flowers that Claire was so excited to explore.

Our little family walking through history.

We were able to take a tour of the Kirtland Temple. Without missionaries, the tour was very factual and not quite as Spiritual as others. However within the Kirtland Temple I felt more personal pondering and testimony building. I recreated in my mind the Spiritual experiences that were witnessed there, the truths that were restored and the blessings that were received.

Foundations were laied in Kirtland that helped the Saints to push forward during hard times. Truths were reveled that helped to build the kingdom and keys were given to further progression. All of this, in a humble city in Ohio.

Nauvoo

2009-07-30T22:58:00.000-04:00

As we drove from our hotel to Nauvoo we followed the Mississippi River . The river was beautiful with the over hanging trees and the Lilly pads that were scattered along the edge of the water. Excitement grew as we neared the city. With each turn we would get small glimpses of the Nauvoo Temple. As we turned the final corner I remember feeling of coming home to a place that I had never been.

Jack found each door an exciting adventure. He tried to explore the outhouse behind Joseph and Emma Smith's home.

Claire loved exploring the outdoors. Looking at the view from the backyard of Joseph and Emma is breathtaking! The purple flowers, the reeds and the river was a sight that made me give thanks for Heavenly Father's creations.

The heat and the humidity made ice cold root beer a wonderful treat. Jack loved that he got his own bottle as we drank root beer from Joseph Smith's Redbrick Store. On the second story of the store Joseph has a small office. In a large room on the second floor the Relief Society was first organized. By small things great things will happen.

The beautiful open spaces were perfect for a family game of tag. It was also amazing to think that we may have played with our kids in the same place that Joseph and other great leaders may have spent quality time with their families.

Further into town we toured a school house, the brick yard, a bakery and the home of Brigham Young. The spirit within each of these places was a powerful reminder of the faith and diligence that the people of Nauvoo had. Diligence to build a beautiful city and faith to move on.

Lance had the chance to make his own rope. It was so wonderful to see his work so hard to crank the wheel to twist the twine to make his rope strong. The look of pride in his eyes as he was handed his own rope to take home was priceless.

We all had the chance to play games from a simpler time. Even Matt took his turn with the wheel and stick. We also had a bit of a race with stilts... it did not go how I wanted it to.

Claire tried her hand at Bear racing. Once again I tried to win a pioneer game, it is safe to say that Claire did not get her Bear racing skills from me.

Lance enjoyed dressing up and cleaning up the pint size cabin. Claire took care of the babies and Jack cooked a wonderful meal. It was fun to see them play the part.

Later that afternoon we went up the hill to the Temple.

It was awe inspiring to see this Temple sitting on the exact place where the Saints worked so hard to build one. Where I was standing was a beautiful statue of Joseph and Hyrum. The statue marks the place where the brothers stood and took one last look at the city and people that they loved, before they rode to Carthage Jail.

Our next stop was Carthage Jail, the place that Joseph was martyred. I expected to feel such a sadness there. Yet is was more of a feeling of inspiration. What the Prophet went through and the dedication of his brother to go with him even to death.

The second story window is where Joseph fell from after being shot.

To finish off an amazing day we attended the Nauvoo Pageant. Before the Pageant the kids were able to see a puppet show and make some crafts and play games. The performance was heart touching. In the beginning Parley P. Pratt says "We are here because you are here." When he said that I felt the truthfulness of it, there are those that have passed on that are grateful that we are falling in love with a city that they gave their all for.

After the show we were able to meet "Joseph". Lance ran up to him and jumped into his arms! Joseph embraced him and told him how glad it was that he could come. It was so touching to see how the spirit of this young Prophet was carried out in this young man.

Leaving Nauvoo was bitter sweet. Knowing that we were able to be in a place that Joseph Smith and other Saints, lived and built a Temple was testimony building. Yet, I was able to feel the sadness that the Saints must have felt in seeing the Temple slowly fade away into the background.

Going, going, gone...

2009-07-29T22:02:00.000-04:00

So after much thought, prayer...and packing we ended up picking Columbia. After that came choosing what to bring and what to get rid of. Then came the drive...and drive...and drive. All 5 of us in a car for 8 days. We broke it up and visited Church History sights, that was totally worth it and hopefully something that the kids will remember. Our first official stop was Winter Quarters.

The Temple is beautiful. It is so peaceful, more so than any other one that I have been to. This window was breath taking. The kids were glad to stretch their legs and see the huge bugs.

This is a statue in the cemetery right in front of the temple. The statue is directly over the grave of an unknown child and depicts a Mother and Father digging a shallow grave to bury their baby daughter. The Spirit here was amazing, to think of the trials that were faced and the power of their testimonies. I tried to put myself in their place and it was emotionally draining.

In the visitor's center each of the kids were able to "pack" their own wagon. With little wooden shapes that represented things like tables, chairs and flour, the kids were able to learn what was most important to pack. Maybe we should have done that challenge before we moved to NY.

Lance, Claire and Jack were all able to turn the wagon wheel and count the turns. We should have let them do that on the way to NY to pass the time.

With a weighed down hand cart the kids worked together to pull.

While continuing on our drive the kids found amazing ways to entertain themselves. Lance was excited to watch a movie as long as he was able to wear the headphones. Jack discovered a great new trick of tracing Lance and Claire's hands. As long as it would keep him from teasing them they played along.

In the hotel there was plenty of time for jumping on the beds, splash baths and showing off your muscles!

Decisions, decisions

2009-03-30T20:38:00.000-04:00

It all started when two people fell in love....joined the Navy had 3 babies, got out of the Navy and Daddy decided to go to school. We thought that we would feel settled when we found out where we were going. Then 3 acceptance letters came and we were all that much more confused. So off Daddy, Mommy and Jack went to New York City and a day in Philadelphia to find the right match for our little family.

It was cool, but Jack loved exploring Campus and the Lions at Columbia.

The majority of the train ride to Philly Jack looked out the window and yelled, "All Aboard!".

The weather was warmer in Philadelphia but Ben Franklin did not impress Jack too much.

With a walk through Central Park, Jack represented Columbia as we watched ice skaters.

The view at the top of the Empire State Building was quite a site.

Having Jack that close to the edge was frighting.

"It's time to make the Donuts."

Flying home was bitter sweet. But with a big decision to make our heads were swimming.