Opening Day!!!

It's been a long time dream of mine and Brandon's to groom a family of snowboarders. I will admit, with Tori and Brighton who hate wearing snow clothes, are weirdly picky about how their shoes fit, and cannot tolerate being wet even a little, I didn't think the day would come that we would go let alone actually have a ton of fun, but with opening day upon us, and a ski resort just over an hour away, we figured it was time to see if these two would fit the buck ; ) We enticed them with promises of riding a magic carpet, and it worked. 

Brighton had to wear his goggles at all times on the way up. 

Freezing but excited!!

After getting the kids their rentals, we took them on one test run supporting all their weight the whole way down the bunny hill. It was painful, so Brandon concluded that we were just going to let them go for it on their own.

Tori giggled, snowboarded, giggled more, got bored at how slow we were, went ahead,  would crash, eat snow, and giggle more. I was so impressed! I really didn't expect them to like being strapped to a board, so imagine my excitement when they both acted like they had done this several times before. My heart burst about 20 different times.  

Brighton didn't like his girl gloves, but forgot all about them each time he crashed and would say, "That was awesome!"  

Sometimes I struggle being their mom...it's a thankless job. So, I needed a day like today to admire their adventurous, playful, and determined spirits that I sometimes forget in the midst of tantrums.  

Brighton didn't want to give his snowboard back at the end of the day. And I couldn't blame him. 

These things are adorable. I need like twenty more of them with twenty more babies to put in them...or like one. 

So Red Lodge, Montana is my favorite of favorites. It's the most charming resort town nestled in a little valley at the base of the mountain. Aesthetically and geographically, it is everything I want in a town we settle in someday. I cannot say enough. If you haven't been you should, if you don't think it's worth it, you're wrong.

Halloween came multiple times this year...

Halloween continues to get a little more elaborate and demanding each year. That's not necessarily a complaint, just an observation. Remember when Halloween was on Halloween and you wore your costumes to school and then trick or treated after and fanito? This year it was nearly a week long celebration, which was nice since Brandon's work schedule didn't really allow for him to be around. It was nice to have something to do and look forward to.

This year Tori wanted to be Merida. We try to encourage her toward characters with red hair, so that we can get the absolute most out of her locks before they inevitably change to ash brown like her parents. I had found a tutorial about Merida curls using straws, so it was nice have a party or two as test runs before the big day. Our first party was with some friends from our old ward. It was an unofficial Manhattan 2nd Ward party, and they did a great job. 

Tori's hairturned out pretty poodle-ish and ended up in an "Irish headband." It should be noted, however, that Tori won Best Kid's costume and Brandon won Best Adult costume. I had gold wrist cuffs and a cape. I mean Brandon got dressed for the day, just saying. 

With Goldilocks (i.e. Sadie)

Our little monster had a rough start at the Halloween season, but it would get better. 

Wonder woman and a surgeon. Saving lives was our theme this year. 

That same day, we had the Manhattan 3rd Ward party, and we were in charge of a trick or treating door. 

They were also giving out cute little polaroids at the photo booth wall.

This was our hairy monster door.

Our next party was with the play area association (PAA), which is a group of the medical families in our neighborhood. I don't really know a ton of people, but the party was held in this solarium which I heard had an amazing view, so it was reason enough for me to go. 

The rumors were accurate. View of the Queensboro Bridge. 

They had live entertainment and dancing. I thought Brighton's stance while he took it all in was pretty funny.

The next day was Tori's school party, which they officially dubbed the "Fall Festival." Tori's class recited a little pumpkin poem they had learned, sported their fall crowns, decorated mini pumpkins, and had plastic egg races. It was really cute, and our first chance seeing Tori in her element. 

Brighton had a blast playing with the plastic eggs and spoons.. 

FINALLY, the BIG day was here. We made plans with friends to visit the brownstones in the 90's for some actual trick or treating. I had to a host just a small photo shoot of the kiddos before leaving.

I think the curls turned out better this time. We did it the night before so they loosened up a lot but still had a little crazy in there. 

En route, and ready for some candy.

And then Merida met up with her bestie Rapunzel. 

As well as the rest of the crew, minus one little monster. 

But I caught him eventually.

The 90's had some fun houses, including this one... 

With an actual princess handing out candy.

And complete with a forest.

Brighton jumped right in on the trick or treating. It was a very "drop me off at the corner" moment as a Mom.

Exploring the Manhattan haunted forest.

He was pretty pleased after getting like 3 pieces of candy and just wanted to sit and enjoy.

I thought this house was pretty. They had sparkly beads draped from the second floor. Definitely not scary, but you know me and sparkly things.

We didn't expect to do any trick or treating with Dad, but he got off early and met us on 78th street, which as far as decorations go, totally killed the competition.

It was a fun way to do our (possibly, most likely) last Halloween in New York. I really just wanted to do it all. No regrets, and finishing the even with Brandon was the cherry on top. 

Our winter sport enthusiasts.

So, those I talk to frequently and not even very frequently, know how my heart breaks a little each day as I realize we cannot afford organized extra-curricular activities for the kids (i.e. dance, gymnastics, soccer, school [haha but seriously], etc.). In lieu of spending money and making new friends, I boisterously celebrate free "first times" for everything. Thanks to winter storm Nemo (these east coasters ain't seen nothing), both our kids enjoyed their first time sledding...and in Central Park no less. Lots of dreams came true for us that day. It was an absolutely PERFECT day in the park. The laughter, the sunshine, the crowds...yes, it was fun seeing adults acting silly in the snow even if they were in my way. 

These kids may be friends yet

Tori is a timid gal, rarely enjoys new adventures, but she took on the big hill at her own request,  and didn't stop laughing the whole time we were at the park. So many happy break throughs have occurred in Central Park...it will always have our hearts.

Gals taking on the masses.

This boy on the other hand loves anything new and couldn't wait to get his gloves in the snow.

Keeping with the winter sports theme, I've had the dream of taking Tori ice skating at Rockefeller...BUT didn't want to spend the money to have her scream and cry through our hour on the rink. Through this "club" we are with, they provided a free trip to Lasker Ice Skating Rink on the very northern part of Central Park, admission and rentals for freeeeeee. So a good chance to test the waters. It was the worst day possible to go as I was sick and it was easily the COLDEST day I've experienced in New York and possibly my life. And Tori put on her epic melt down shoes for the trip there so we were all pretty frustrated by the time we got there, but I'm not one to pass up anything free.

Turned out to be SO worth it!! Tori adored it and my heart may have burst and regenerated a couple times (hearts do that) at the sight of my girl trying new things.

And this sums up the trip back. We have fun!

If I am going to be poor anywhere, I'm so glad it is in New York. I try to remind myself that there's plenty of time for Tori to do extra-curricular activities, but not as much time to be in New York where she definitely gets unique experiences.