Christmas Highlights of 2021!

Last day of the year and here I am scrolling through photos from Thanksgiving and remembering all the great little adventures we had. Whether it's just walking the streets of New York capturing decorative stoops to walking along a crowded fifth avenue looking at all the holiday decor. We love the city and even though we didn't get to see Santa at the Plaza that didn't stop us from getting our traditional photo. Such a special place and my how Noah has grown! I may or may not post more pics and adventures from this year in the new year but here are a few moments from the city that seemed truly magical to us! 

All Decked Out On The Upper East Side!

This year the upper east side really decked their homes with all kinds of holly, nutcrackers and candy canes! My daughter took a few photos of me and it totally reminded me of my modeling days! I just love how the residents in the city go all out for the holidays. It brings a smile to my face knowing that even in the city people take the time to make it magical by bringing out the holiday spirit through their decorations. And if you get tired of looking at me prancing around in my photos feel free to scroll on down to the end where you'll see more townhouse decked out with their finest holiday decorations! One that includes the Grinch in which you can see a video here! 

Christmas In NYC!

Living near the city certainly has it perks especially during the holidays. There are so many places where we go year after year that never gets old. No matter how many people take and post the same picture on social media, the ones I take are my own and they are for me to remember and I don't mind sharing it and documenting it. I captured quite a few photos this year that may very well make it into the blog in the new year because there are so many Christmas posts I have drafted that I want to share, but today I will share what Christmas in the city looks like. And when you have kids that tag along they make it even more magical!

The Mirrored Snowman At The Oculus!

We had a little bit of snow flurries earlier this week but to no avail. No snow for us yet! I'm sure it's coming but for now we will deal with this huge silver snowman that's on display at The Oculus. There's also a ton of winter trees where these two were strolling around as if they were hobbits! Seeing the Westfield world trade center all decked out for the holidays was a beautiful sight and walking as if you were in a winter wonderland! Without the snow of course! 

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights 2021.

 

Last week we went to the famous light displays in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn where people go all out and light up there homes! It truly is magical and whether you are four or 12 these lights will definitely light up a child's eyes! We've been coming here now for four years and this year we brought along our little guy Trent and he was in awe with all the lights. Particularly the Santa mailbox! It's a must see every year and it's free to go! Crowds weren't too bad and there are trucks where you can get hot chocolate for 5 bucks and delicious popcorn for 8! A little steep in prices but worth it! You can watch this little reel I made of the lights here too! 

A Simple Christmas!

 

Each year the gifts get less and the kids sleep in longer which means that even though they are excited for Christmas they are slowly growing out of the "waking up early-let's see what Santa left us" phase. Sure Noah still believes in Santa Claus but he also understands that Santa can't give every child in the world what there hearts desire because of 'Covid' and all and luckily I have an understanding 12 year old who doesn't ask for much and that this morning he was satisfied for what he received. And I am glad!

Visiting Santa At Bergdorf Goodman!

 

Oh my son...with his untucked shirt and all but at least he still believes in Santa Claus!And doesn't this Santa look dashing! Having his little buddy Trent tag along has also been fun for Noah and a reminder to me of hew it felt to have a toddler again. Love these boys and because I didn't get to visit Santa at all throughout my childhood (I know, terrible right?) I got to take a picture with him and believed in the magic I once missed as a kid! 

KAWS At The Skartsted Gallery.

Kaws is truly one of our favorite artists and whenever we get a notification that Kaws is in the city we run!! We recently saw the most savviest exhibit of KAWS curated at the Skartsted gallery. It was simple and quaint. Not crowded at all. The exhibit was free and we were in and out within half an hour. Noah just loves these sculptures and is always amazed at all the art we see here in the city. He's very particular when it comes to art. For example, as much as he thinks The Met is the coolest building it's not his favorite museum. When knows...maybe when he grows older he will appreciate The Met as much as I do! He loves the AMNH and anywhere where they have KAWS exhibit as well as museums with an immersive installation. We had a nice quite time gazing at these magnificent statues and paintings. Such an intelligent work of art! 

Happy Birthday Jon (no h)!

 

Per the usual, I’m so proud of this one. Today he’s 51 and he continues to smile & love each day as if it was his last. He’s the coolest dude you’ll ever meet! I Love that after long hardworking weeks he still adventures with us. He loves us hard and it shows. Cheers to accomplishing the first year in your fifties and for sticking with us! Happy birthday to you Jon (no h)! Love ya!

The Rockefeller Tree '21

This cutie made it on the Rockefeller's newsletter this month and seeing his sweet face published holding these Rockefeller tree postcards designed by artist Lisa Congdon warmed my heart. We absolutely love this city no matter how crowded it gets-especially during the holidays. We recently went to see the tree at Rockefeller and oh my gosh! The crowds were insane! I couldn't believe how cramped and crowded everyone was! I'm talking like sardines! I mean it's always crowed during the holidays cause of tourists but this even worse than pre-covid. I didn't want to be rude and push people so I gently and in a firm manner fought my way through the crowd to get a picture of this years tree. It was impossible to get the kids in a photo so I found an empty spot where you can still see the tree in the background. I quickly snapped a photo of these lovely faces before everyone and their dog saw where I was standing. Oh man, was it a crazy evening but nonetheless got some pictures to remember this New York moment! 

Holiday Train Show At The NYBG!

Tis' The Season for all things festive and because of the holidays and wanting to spend more time with my family than on the computer have lacked in publishing any posts so I am going to try to catch up and document all our little adventures we've had as of late, particularly in the city and hope that if you happen to visit new york city during the holidays that you will hop on here and get some pointers! 

One of our favorite things to do during the holidays is go to the holiday train show. Noah has been a lover of trans since birth and this year was the first time Jon went!! Noah was so excited that daddy got to see all this. They walked around patiently taking their time looking at every detail within every single sculpture. Once upon a time Jon wanted to be an architect and because of that dream was fulfilled just by looking at each piece carefully. He was amazed at all the work and creativity it took to construct these models. He was very impressed and Noah has the same dream of being an architect or an engineer when he is older. We will see what happens to that goal in the future but for now they had fun walking through the gardens and seeing all these models together. The trains have always been Noah's favorite but this year was a bit different. As he gets older he becomes more interested in looking at what these artists use to build these exquisite sculptures and was asking a ton of questions to Jon about them. I'm so glad that we were all here together getting our art fix. Love all these sculptures! 

27 Years In Marriage!

An odd number and not a milestone but to me 27 years in marriage means a lot. I mean that's almost close to 30 years so I feel that every year Jon and I make it in marriage that counts for a lot! Especially in a pandemic that is ongoing which caused so many of our friends to split up. I am grateful for the patience that my husband has for me because menopause isn't fun! Amidst all the trials and small disagreements and all the every cursing I do under my breath we continue to endure and hang on for dear life with this thing called parenting. There's truly no one else I'd rather be stuck with in marital bliss/stress on occasion than with this guy! Happy Anniversary babe! 

December Is Here!!

Here we are a week into December and only have two more weekends of it. I can't believe how quickly time flies when you're busy raising kids mixed in with stressful moments all while adding in the fun and joy and chaos that it brings! 

The Holiday season is such a short time of year and because of that there's so much we'd like to do. Especially in the tristate area. So wherever you live and whatever festivities your town has, whether big or small enjoy them. Try not to get caught up in the materialistic hustle and bustle of things. And as much as I would loooove to venture out all over creation there’s only so much time.

And for those of us who have kids, gift them with time and experiences-because before you know it they'll be young adults coming home once a year. Relish the days you have with them and take those small moments of wherever you'll be this holiday and enjoy them because I have a feeling that this Christmas is going to be different from past Christmases.

FOR EVERYONE!