Livie: “Why do leaves change from green to red and gold in the fall?”
Rebecca: “That’s a great question for your dad.”
Livie: “I already asked him.”
Rebecca: “Really! What did he say?”
Livie: “He said it was a good question for you.”
31 Oct
Livie: “Why do leaves change from green to red and gold in the fall?”
Rebecca: “That’s a great question for your dad.”
Livie: “I already asked him.”
Rebecca: “Really! What did he say?”
Livie: “He said it was a good question for you.”
26 Oct
There was one real draw to New York City, and that was the siren song of the Statue of Liberty. She’s been the focus of a number of school projects for Olivia – and was a downright obsession of hers by the time I visited the East Coast earlier this year. During the LaGuardia approach on that trip, I sent Olivia a photo – Lady Liberty was but a speck in the middle of the image, yet Olivia was transfixed. That sealed the deal in my mind – a trip was not only warranted, it was essentially required. While we were unable to secure tickets for the crown (as it is currently under repair), we did book pedestal tickets – worth every penny and then some. It also represented a first for me and Katie, as well as the girls.
19 Oct
The girls and I headed east for fall break for a long weekend in New York City. Aunt Katie joined us, too!
We began our Friday with a visit to Central Park, which was gorgeous and a bit more green than I expected for this time of year. 
Next stop was the Museum of Natural History, which the girls know and love because of the “Night at the Museum” movie. 
Ben Stiller was nowhere in site, but they did find this guy, and promptly offered him a piece of gum (it was quietly declined). 
As I suspected, Olivia loved the mineral and gem exhibits, suggesting the quartz below would make a good souvenir. 
After the museum, we headed to Midtown to see the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum for Ava, then we wandered through the Garmet District. The girls noticed this store, filled with thousands of zippers,and they insisted we send a photo to Gramma. She was appropriately impressed. 
Next up, Mood, the fabric store of choice for Project Runway. We came away with black and white polka-dot swimsuit fabric, earmarked for a retro bikini project. 
That night, we took the subway and met a friend of mine in Brooklyn for the best pizza I’ve ever had (the Dangerfield!), as well as for a donut Katie couldn’t stop talking about the rest of the weekend.
In all, a great first day. More soon!
8 Oct
27 Sep
24 Sep
Aunt Katie and I took the girls (as well as best friend Sophia and her dad) to see Taylor Swift in Kansas City Monday night.
It was an event the big girls met with a LOT of excitement. (Olivia seemed to better understand their reactions when I likened it to her being able to see the President.)
It was a pretty spectacular show. I just hope they will return the favor and take me to the Ryan Adams 1989 cover tour. (I imagine there will not be pyrotechnics…)
12 Sep
19 Aug
Summer has come to a close–even if today’s 60 degree temperatures are still only temporary, classes are back in session.
Ava started fifth grade, which has a decidedly different feel than previous years–no photos with the teacher, only one recess, and homework assigned the very first night. While the best friends below are (perhaps purposefully) separated across three sections this year, Ava was excited and optimistic this morning (and thankfully yet this afternoon, too).
Olivia joined her second grade class with her typical enthusiasm–this kid truly loves school and all it brings. She tucked Sleeping Bunny into her (velour) backpack and immediately reconnected with her sweet friend first thing this morning.
We had a great time this summer – lots of late nights and lazy mornings – but like every year, I am looking forward to a fresh start, the return to routine and, admittedly, earlier bedtimes.