REPLY
It seems that the only time I'll take pictures around Times Square is when I have company visiting me, but because it's been a while since I've taken any with the kids I decided why not! They are getting older, and it's nice to see photos of them as they grow throughout the years. Especially in a city we absolutely love. We've been there so much that I feel it's unnecessary to capture every New York moment especially in a place that is so touristy, but because the Kellogg's store is located in the middle of times square we decided to venture out, get some sugar in our tummies, and take in some of the sights.
When we moved to Jersey nine years ago I remember the first thing we did was going on a lot of day trips! A lot!! I remember the first few months of living here we went to New York a couple times which included going to the Bronx Zoo, statue of liberty, and seeing Wicked on broadway. We also went to the D.C. Temple right away, and the National Zoo, and also went back to familiar territory in New England where we have family still living there.
If I ever moved to Pennsylvania where I wanted some major peace and quiet the one place I would probably choose to live would be in Bucks County. There have been many, many times we have driven to Easton whether it's to go to the Crayola factory, or eat at Cici's pizza, and driven past Doylestown, but never stopped. Like Mystc in Connecticut, there are many quaint shops to shop at, and great restaurants to eat in.
Having the Ross's visit New York all the way from Utah was a perfect excuse to skip church and meet up with them this past Sunday. We hadn't seen them since 2004 back when we were neighbors living in our tiny basement apartments in Sugarhouse. The only kids we had back then were Sierra, Lexie, and Trace, and now we have four kids each! I can't believe how fast time flew for our kids and to see both Lexie and Trace as teenagers together was surreal because the last time they saw each other Lexie was four, and Trace was two! It was so nice getting current pictures of this gem of a family!
Dear Summer,
I can't believe we are already in the month of August, and I want you to know that even though it has been raining off and on since summer started that we are not giving up on you to have more days of sunshine! We have only been to the beach twice since school let out, and even though the kids and I are humble about that we can still use a few more beach trips. Especially since we were recently kicked off the beach due to lightning, and rain. My husband hasn't even gone with us yet, so please please hang in there at least until school starts! We love the beach, and the sunshine, and splashing in the waves looking at hermit crabs, seashells, and eating beach snacks such as watermelon, grapes, and cantaloupe.
Ever since school let out and summer began my focus has been on making sure the kids have a productive summer, but ever since our car has been in the shop, and how much I've been talking to family, and close friends I realized that not everything has to be accomplished on one's summer bucket list. This summer has been fleeting like no other and in all honesty all I want to do is pause time. Time because my kids are getting older way too fast. Time because I feel as if I missed out on certain things with my two oldest daughters as opposed to my two youngest.
After serving in the nursery for the past nine months at my church I am now serving as a teacher in the primary. The best thing about this particular calling is that Noah is in this class so having him as one of my students makes it extra special. Especially since he'll be turning eight in three months! There have been many times where I have pretty much taught all my girls when I used to teach in the past whether it was in the nursery when Chelsea was a toddler, in primary when Sierra was five, and in the Young women with Lexie, but this is the first time where I'll be teaching Noah true principles of Christ through lessons in a church setting.
Venturing out with Noah all last week was such a treat, and we had so much fun. Ending our week by going to the New York Botanical Gardens to see Chihuly's artwork was the icing on the cake, and a perfect end to our mommy and son dates! The work of Chihuly is breathtaking! I remember looking at some of his pieces in a book at a library when I was in my teens. I remember how he sculptured everything in waves, and how it reminded me of my curly hair! The fact that he too has a head of hair on him helped me realize that I wasn't the only one with bushy hair! Art, and books were my escape from my sometimes not so happy times as a youth, and I will forever be grateful for Chihuly who helped me cope with things that were sometimes difficult to handle!
Although the forecast called for rain on this day, I was hoping that it wouldn't, and that it would hold out until the evening, and it did! We were so lucky to have played all day at Smith Playground without getting rained on. We hadn't been here since last summer, and shame on me for not taking my son to this amazing playground more often! I will always remember the first time we came here, and how much we loved it! We love coming here, and the best part of of it is that it's free! This entire playground is filled with the best for every age, and Noah had so much fun making new friends, and just having a blast!
Memories of my time with spent with Noah when he was a toddler came flooding back as we have been spending this whole week together........alone!
For those of you who have known us for the past ten years know how much we love going to Palmyra to see the Hill Cumorah Pageant, and all the historic sites in the area. It is what makes our summer, and helps us to overcome the world. We love the peaceful feeling we receive while walking inside the sacred grove, and for once to pretend that life is absolutely perfect! It is the place where one can go to feel peace, and joy. There is no place I'd rather be than with my family while exploring this wonderful place, and to know that it all started here.
