a celebration at central park.

Gratitude and tender mercies of the Lord are five words that go hand in hand especially being that this is the month we give thanks, and the fact that Noah is a November baby makes it even more special.

A very generous gift arrived in the mail days before his birthday and while we usually keep our kids birthday celebration at a minimum with simplicity we decided to splurge just a little with this kid.

Oh man, oh man I still can't believe Noah is FOUR already! It's surreal. The only thing that is different about this little boy is the fact that his vocabulary is clearer, but other than that he's so petite that he still wears size three in clothes, and hasn't lost his baby face. His birthday weekend consisted of going to New York because right now autumn in New York is slowly transitioning into winter, but none the less it is absolutely breathtaking.

Manhattan seems to be calling my name every so often and I get that itch to venture out into the city. Everything about the city is magical! The lights, the adrenaline, and the energy as we walk through the streets of New York. Having a temple in the city gives it a unique spirit of calmness that is filled with great energy...the good kind that whispers to you, "this city is safe". So much energy that you end up driving back to Jersey ready to share it with the world.

And that's what I'm about to do.

A little celebration for Noah took place in the heart of Central Park. Cupcakes from Magnolia bakery were devoured within seconds after singing Happy birthday to him. Lollipops were eaten until the kids tongues turned color. The temps began to drop but we didn't care because this is the one place where one can merit any uniqueness they can share. We walked around hearing and seeing all kinds of raw talent & entertainment. We saw a jazz band playing, a girl singing opera, and Noah's favorite...the bubble man. Horse drawn carriage rides dressed up the entire park, and it felt like winter already. While the kids were playing in the park the crisp chill in the air turned their cheeks red, and they didn't mind. We spent all of our afternoon here until darkness fell at 5pm.

^^ blue & red tongues...silly kids ^^

^^ horse drawn carriage with a bride in the background ^^

^^ the bubble man ^^

^^ autumn in central park ^^

^^ two peas in a pod & best friends ^^

^^ Noah devouring his cupcake ^^

^^ mandatory picture of cupcakes from magnolia bakery ^^

^^ Happy Fourth to my little man ^^

Even though most of the leaves have fallen to the ground I could still feel autumn lingering in the air hanging on for dear life. There is still some color left on the leaves, but seeing them faded in color laying on the ground is a sure sign that winter is near. 

Living close to the city (yes...89 miles is my definition of close) is amazing, and I love it here. This year is going to come to a close real quick, and then we are going to begin a whole new year. All our kids are healthy, and have all celebrated their birthdays. Soon Thanksgiving, a parade, December, Jon's birthday, our anniversary, Santa, & Christmas will all come, and go in a flash. With the way I've been spending my days lately with my family makes me happy. Makes me glad that I'm not taking anything for granted. And we shouldn't because all of this goes by way too quickly. Reflection, and resolutions will come, and kick us in the butt come January. And then it'll be 2014.

And now it's time for sleep. To wake up to the start of another week, and do this all over again.

Exhausting as life may be...I love my life.