New York Thanksgiving

We returned late last night from our trip to New York. We enjoyed our visit, but getting there and back wasn't easy. Our red-eye out of San Jose was delayed almost two hours, which meant we left close to midnight. That's quite a bit past bedtime. Once on board, Leo fell asleep but Serafina wasn't cooperating. This made for some pretty tired people and our first day in New York was rough. Night time sleeping went well during our visit, but napping was a bit tricky and on two occasions, I took the kids on long drives for some car seat sleeping. I got to see a lot of fancy houses in Long Island that way. Our trip back was challenging as well simply because we had two active, but worn-out kids in a confined space for six hours. Everyone was happy to see us and the kids were charming and well behaved, especially considering how tired they were.

On to some pictures.

Leo goes on a walk before our Thanksgiving meal and discovers the fun of fall leaves.
Gathered at the restaurant.
Leo had french fries for Thanksgiving.
Serafina had some puffs.
The kids got bored pretty quickly and spent most of the time wandering around the restaurant. Luckily it was a casual environment, so they didn't bother anyone. There was even an empty section so Leo was able to do some running around.

Our nontraditional dessert was Napoleon cake from an Italian bakery in Staten Island. It was to celebrate Uncle Joe's and Tom's birthdays.
Serafina tries a bite.
Post-dinner relaxing?
Back at Grandma Anne's house, there was more birthday celebration. This time for the kids. Grandma Anne shows Leo her "happy birthday bear." It sings, moves, lights up and totally fascinates the kids.
Leo and cousin Marisa.
Leo and Grandma Anne.
On Friday, we headed out to Long Island to see Uncle Sal and company. Leo was so happy to be reunited with Caitlin. As we were leaving, he sat down next to her, looked into her eyes and said, "I'm going to miss you." It was so cute; I almost cried.
Visiting the Long Island Sound just down the street from Uncle Sal's house.

Playing with Caitlin.
Sitting down to a nice dinner.
Dinner's over. Time for jello. Matt demonstrates how to enjoy it but my kids weren't into it. Leo licked one and tried to put in back on the plate. Serafina just tossed hers to the floor.
Playing Wii.
On Saturday, Tom and Leo had one last quick outing to the park. It was freezing cold.

Is he having fun? Not sure.

Grandma Ruthie was a great host and staying at her house was much better than a hotel. Leo liked her snow globe (he's holding it in this picture), but it was the unfortunate victim of a toddler table smashing. Pure accident but still pretty dramatic.
Can't leave without a final trip to Rosa's Pizzeria.
On the AirTrain to the terminal.
Staying cheerful during our long flight.
As great as it was to see family, it was good to come home. Leo was home sick and both kids were a bit out of sorts. We have a very typical week - preschool, playdates, doctor appointments - and I think going back to our usual routine will help everyone adjust.

Diaper dancing

Oh happy day!

The cast is off! Her skin is a bit of a mess, but I did quite a bit of very gentle exfoliation while she was in the bath tonight.

Here she is charming the patients in the waiting room. I'm glad I don't have to dress my daughter in only shorts and skirts since the weather is getting colder. I might still have her rocking some rad leg warmers, because it's a pretty good look. I definitely won't miss bagging up her leg at the park.
"Holy crap! That's my foot! It's really stinky!"
Clean hair, clean body and footsie pajamas. Wow, it's been a while.

Peggy Peg Leg*

Tomorrow, Serafina's cast comes off. Often when my kids are going through change or moving from one stage to another, I find it to be bittersweet. (I'm sure I've used that word a thousand times on this blog). But this...the removal of the cast...well, that's just sweet. I can't wait to bring home my little girl, put her in the bath and scrub her down. She'll hate it, but it will make me very happy. She's been in a cast for 43 days. She only was a full-time walker for about a month before this happened. Everything I read and was told about how kids adapt was true.

Check out how well she walks on the cast.



She can even do a little dancing.


The cast comes off tomorrow and Tuesday night, we fly to New York for Thanksgiving. I'm trying to keep my anxiety about traveling on a red eye with two kids in check. I don't want it to get the best of me, but I already feel a lump in my throat. I know all the family really appreciates the effort and at this point, Tom and I are a pretty good team when it comes to big adventures.

*This is my little nickname for Serafina when she thumps around on her cast.

Yo Gabba Gabba!

I think I've made clear our love for the TV show, Yo Gabba Gabba. Tonight we got to see them live in San Francisco. The tickets were purchased back in May and they were worth every penny. We had a wonderful time. There was a big rainstorm and momentary panic about our tickets not being available at will call and terrible traffic on the way home, but none of it mattered. The look on Leo's face when his favorite characters hit the stage was awesome.

I've spent the last few weeks making these shirts for the show. A labor of love, for sure, but I enjoyed it. Here's all our gear laid out earlier in the day.
Brobee! The little green one.
Foofa! She's pink and happy.
Muno! He's tall and friendly.
Plex! A magic robot.



At the show. We had pretty great seats. Big thanks to daddy and his credit card!
The show begins.
Leo was so entranced by the show.

Serafina was a little scared. It wasn't as bad as I thought it could be since she's become very noise sensitive and fearful recently. She clung to me with all her might for the first 20 minutes with her eyes locked on the stage, but she eventually loosened up and I think she enjoyed it.
Trying on some DJ Lance Rock glasses.
Playing with his light-up wand with the other kids.
Watching the show.
A little dancing.
You can't beat dancing chicken, cheese and veggies. So yummy, indeed.
The gang says goodbye.
Final confetti drop.

Feast Day

Today was the first of two feast days at Leo's preschool. It was my turn to work, so I got to be there for all the fun. Leo and his classmates were the pilgrims and hosted the feast in their classroom. The other morning class were the visiting Native Americans. On Tuesday, they will do it again with the classes switching roles.

Here's Leo leading his Native American guest to the feast table.

Everyone gathers around for the food.
Look at all those little pilgrims and Native Americans. So cute, but so exhausting.
Mrs. Vargas on the left of the group and Mrs. Hessler on the right.