Sunday, August 26, 2007

8/26/07--Two Times in One Week








Today we took Ryan to the Harlem Meer in Central Park for fishing! We took an upstate NY (New Paltz) kid fishing in NYC--fo figure! What a success all around. We used a combination of corn and bread as bait. Ryan caught 9 fish and I caught 5! Amanda didn't really want any part of it today, but Abbey held the rod (with my help) for a little while. There was a terrific saxophone player behind us which added to the beautiful ambiance. Then we played in the playground--110 St./Lenox Ave. Once again I found a free parking spot on the street right next to the park conservatory which made my day!








Friday, August 24, 2007

8/24/07----Museum of Natural History























Cousin Ryan is visiting us for a few days and one of his favorite movies is, "Night at the Museum" but he had never been to MONH before--so we took him. We saw the dinosaur bones, all different artifacts, etc. The most difficult part of the day was trying to explain to Amanda why the animals were not moving! They are dead--well they are dead and stuffed. Ehh--we just called them stuffed animals on display. We also went to their new frog exhibit--displaying over 200 different frogs. After the museum we went to the playground at 68th Street and Central Park West. The kids-even Abigail Rose splashed in the water fountain. The highlight of the day for me was the parking spot I found two blocks from the museum on the street for free! Yeah--I didn't have to pay $31.00 to park the car in a garage. I am still excited about it!

8/25/07--Dutchess County Fair





























An annual tradition since I was a little girl--every August to attend the Dutchess Co. Fair in Rhinebeck, NY. The fair has lots to see and do including: livestock, wildlife exhibit, 4-H famous milkshakes, arts and crafts, vendors, rides, food, entertainment, games, etc. Amanda pet a rabbit and a chicken. The chicken feathers are really soft--I was quite surprised. Amanda and I also fed baby goats. We attended the fair with Aunt Joanne and cousins: Alyssa, Ryan and Stephanie. Daddy was supposed to come but had a stomach bug and didn't make it. :(
I think Abbey enjoyed her first time at the fair! Amanda won her a little orange lobster toy at the fishing game as well as a Nemo fish for herself.

8/22/07---First time Fishing!





































Amanda and Abbey went fishing for the first time in Central Park, NY at the Harlem Meer today. They offer free fishing from April thru Oct. You supply your drivers license and they will supply you with a bamboo fishing pole and corn as bait. Amanda and I caught a fish within minutes of casting our line--beginners luck I guess. Amanda was so excited and proud! We caught two fish total for the day. The girls had so much fun fishing with their friends: Clare S., Emma, Claire G., Renee, and Amelia. Even Abbey took part in the action by posing for a photo holding the fishing rod! After we turned in our fishing poles the park attendant presented each little fisher with a Wildlife Investigator badge from the City of NY Park and Recreation Urban Park Rangers. What a great way to spend the day!

Monday, August 20, 2007

8/1/907---Turtle Back Zoo
















Sunday we went to the Turtle Back Zoo in Essex County, NJ. They had all kinds of animals, train ride, pony rides (Amanda did NOT want to do), playground, etc. Amanda actually walked around all day rather than being strolled which was a nice treat for me! Amanda, I think, is afraid of heights because she got to the top of the playground climbing thing and pretty much froze. Thankfully an older girl helped her down the slide (ie: the terrified look on her face) All in all we had a good time.

8/18/07--Pooley girls over




Alice and Georgia (aka Gigi) were over on Sat. evening for a playdate/babysit swap while their mom and dad went out. Next time Meg and Nick will watch Amanda and Abbey at their house while Mike and I go out. We used to swap before they moved to TX and are so happy they are back! Amanda and Abbey were so excited--they even all took a bath together. I would have loved to take a photo of that--but could not leave them alone to get my camera. oh well. It was so cute. All the girls had a good time.

8/18/07---Lunch date with Gayle and Amelia











Long time no see--our friends Gayle and Amelia moved to Cranford, NJ last year and we don't get to see them very often. They were coming into Hoboken--so we met up with them for lunch! Pizza at Benny's!---Yummy!

Friday, August 17, 2007

8/17/07--Amanda's First Salon Manicure and Pedicure




This evening I took Amanda for a special treat--her first salon manicure and pedicure. She chose a lovely pink color and the man even put flowers on her ring fingers and big toes. She was so excited! She already said she wants to go back "Everyday." Sounds good to me!!!!!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

8/15/07--Meg and Colin Cody visit











Meg and Colin Cody came into town for a visit. They moved to Rumson, NJ nearly a year ago. We all met at Hoboken's water park on Madison St. and then went for lunch at Flippos pizza. It was great to see them. Colin is growing so tall and his face is maturing just like all of Amanda's other friends. My how these kids have all changed since they were ity bitty babies!
Today Abbey turned 10 months old!

8/14/07--Summer night at the Shipyard




There was a cowgirl singing this week at the shipyard. Amanda enjoyed seeing her friends as usual-but not particularly into the twangy music. We brought Claire L. with us this week--she was over for a playdate.

8/14/07--Day with Grandma and Grandpa (Puck)

Amanda and Abbey spent the day with Mike's parents. They went to Van Saun Park in Paramus and then to their pool to swim. The girls enjoyed their time with their grandparents. Pictures to come......

8/13/07--Playing together!







It is hard to believe that Abbey will be 10 months old in two days! Babies grow up way too fast! On the flip side she is so much fun now. She plays with Amanda at the park--going down the slide, I put her in the tunnels, and ofcourse the favored swing! Amanda LOVES holding her going down the slide together--they make each other truly laugh! Good times.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

8/10/07--Playdate with Giacomo and Clare S.











Today we were supposed to meet up with Giacomo and Clare at the park--but it rained so we went over to Giacomo's house instead. Jenny was the hostess with the mostess. She made old fashioned popcorn with the popcorn maker she grew up with (put the oil in the bottom and the butter on top), then served orange juice ice pops, then the kids played a fishing game. They had a blast. Amanda loved that we took a taxi cab! She gets a kick out of not having to be in a car seat! Abbey loved playing with Dorian and Gwen too.