With Gratitude We Remember.

 

Another year of remembrance. Another year of 37,000 flags. This garden of 37,000 flags was planted in memory of every fallen Massachusetts service member from the Revolutionary War to the present. These flags are put out every year on Memorial Day for all to see and pay their respects (and of course photograph). We are so grateful to be able to come here once again to remember and appreciate all that our fallen soldiers did in serving our country and for those who continue to serve. Thank you!

The PopCorn Zoo - Summer 2021.

Memories of taking Noah to the popcorn zoo when he was a toddler came flooding back when we took Trent last year. The drive through the country, the smell of green forest, the popcorn we'd purchase to feed the animals, the moment we walked in to see the ginormous tortoises, and having Chelsea be a big sister to a sweet little boy -again. It truly was a moment to remember from long ago and to build sweet memories with my dear friends son Trent. Oh boy did he have a blast!! And like Noah, loved every moment of walking through the zoo studying and exploring every species that was there. Asking questions about their lifespan and if they really like eating popcorn. He's such a sweet boy and hope we can take him again this year. What a beautiful memory and moment in a short afternoon to treasure. For it's time like these where children are so innocent, and to see the world through their eyes is a reminder to me that life, no matter how hard and dark the days can get - is absolutely beautiful. 

A Roller Skating Rink, Dirty Laundry & An Art Piece At Rockefeller Center!

There is always something going on at the Rockefeller center. A new art piece or installation. And for this spring all the way into early fall there will be a roller skating rink in place of a lawn or ice skating rink. Pretty cool and when we went it took me back to the 70's when I actually owned a pair of roller skates and skated for hours! Noah thought it was better than an ice rink. He isn't a great ice skater and prefers roller skates so yeah. We didn't get to skate on this day because we were pressed for time but we did walk around for a bit and stood for while to watch people boogie on the rink. You can see a reel of the art piece here and a snippet of the roller rink here on my TikTok.

Portraits of Chelsea at Sayen Gardens.

This past weekend was Chelsea's first church prom and in spite of the 100 degree plus weather she had a lot of fun having her picture taken at Sayen Gardens. And if you don't mind me boasting, she is stunning! 

Cooper Hewitt Museum!

 

Cooper Hewitt is one of the newest museums in the upper west side in NYC. We went for the first time last year when the temps were warm and where we were able to go outside to relax and feel the breeze! It is a beautiful museum with great exhibits. Lilly Pulitzer's exhibit was my favorite. It took me back to the 80's and I love her designs! My kids favorite was the immersion  room where they played designer and were able to draw their own design and make it their own. I took a couple of photos of their designs as they came to life on the wall and they loved it! Sonic and flowers were the kids choices and I think they did a great job. 

The sunroom is the best where one can just sit and relax and don't even get me started with the garden outside. The red twirling chairs were Noah's favorite and he said that if he had one of these at home he would play less Roblox. If I only had the urge to spend 500 bucks on one I would get it! Even Jon had fun with it! The exhibits in the museum are constantly changing and it's always interesting to see what's next. Just going to the museum to relax and sit outside during spring and summer is worth getting the membership! Now for some photos from our visit last summer!

Pre-Prom Photo Dump- Chelsea's Jr. Prom!

Well, the time has come for my youngest daughter to experience her first prom and although she was filled with nerves she had the time of her life. Noah's as cool as the proposal he did to her and she had an amazing time with all her friends including her BFF Carly. I am so grateful for the sweet friendships she has made since transferring schools her 8th grade year. Going to Prom with a friend named Noah was confusing at first being that her brothers name is also named Noah. Heck I even thought she was always talking about her brother but then I learned to distinguish the two when she mentioned how Noah was in class with her and I was like, "Wait, Noah doesn't go to your school." LOL! Anyway, it was funny at times but happy that prom happened and that she is no longer stressing about "the dress." Such a tender moment to watch Noah (her bro) hugging and looking up at her saying, "yeah, you look pretty." 

And she did! Absolutely stunning if you ask me! 

Now for a photo dump...

Princeton Tulips With A Flashback Link!

Last week before the rain hit and when the tulips were in full bloom we ventured out in our neck of the woods and treated Noah to a walk on Nassau street for some gyoza and a mango slushee from Kung Fu tea. Passing these tulips, stopping by Lindt chocolate and prancing around Palmer square brought back memories of the last time I took Noah out here on a little date. The tulips were bright and colorful. Cheerful. It was a perfect day with perfect weather. Sunny. The piano on display was a unique touch and even though Noah was too shy to play a tune he let me capture him in front of it as if he was about to play. 

A perfect moment and a perfect memory for the books.

A Simple Sweet Mother's Day.

There were no fancy dinner reservations, flowers, or chocolates given -only thoughtful texts and phone calls from a couple of friends and family. I love that I don't expect much. I love how my kids give me hugs and kisses and do the best they can in knowing how much I mean to them. I love that by going to church on mother's day helps give me the strength to endure and press on as a mom - especially at my age! I love how much I trust in Heavenly Father to know that I am raising them the best way I know how and to know that these kids are made because of Him. 

"Come From Away" And A Little Date In Washington Square Park!

Oh how I've fallen in love with Greenwich. I don't care how much reefer I smell while walking through Washington Square park. I think positive thoughts all the time and just walking through New York city streets I feel nothing but bliss. I am always reminded of the movie August Rush when I walk through the arch. Jon can see how much I love this city and how I treat it. I treat it with love and give her the confidence that I have built to have. Especially at my age with grey hair and all! Love it love it! I love that New York is filled with hidden gems and I don't mind having our date nights in this area. Like all the time! With the weather getting warmer (although pretty windy on this day) the streets of the city are alive once again and it's bring everyone outside. I mean if you look at these pictures you'll see why I prefer date days and nights in the city as opposed to my hood in Jersey! 

YAY For Mayyyyyyyyy!

 

Well what do you know!!! the tree in our backyard has blossoms! We moved into this house last summer so who knew.....???

It was so fun taking pictures of Noah and fun while it lasted. Slowly but surely the blossoms on every single tree I have taken pictures of are slowly falling down. The wind and rain are taking them away but summer is upon us in a couple of months so it's bound to happen sooner than latter. As soon as the temps warm up the blossoms will turn into bright green leaves. I am thankful for another month and for the spring season that still lingers on. So thankful for these beautiful creations of flowering trees. It truly makes our backyard and the Garden State beautiful!