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.

My 1st Birthday….in my 30's

Having birthdays in New York are the best. I don't know that I would have felt so great about turning 30 and then 31 had I not had so many distractions. My sweet ladies, Julie Pearson, Amy Clayton and Kristi-Lynn Gibson surprised with some birthday goodies during a visit outside of the city. 

Julie, connoisseur of all things cute and festive. 

My bday lunch

We got to explore Westchester

Beautiful all around 

A rare Mommy's only photo.

The night of my birthday, I was treated to a s'more cake made by the handsome man himself.

 Following a yummy dinner and dessert, Brandon surprised me with tickets to the Lincoln Center to see the Paul Taylor Company. I was so excited.

I've been to the Lincoln Center plenty of times but never treated to a show. It was the most perfect way to spend my last birthday in New York. 

8th Anniversary

So, if we're being honest, which I try to be, I would say New York has been the hardest time in mine and Brandon's relationship. We've always had the privilege of being very involved in one another's lives, but here it literally feels like we live two totally separate lives where we occasionally cross paths for a night of catching up on our favorite TV shows. It's been a bit rough finding time to even see each other, let alone find time for romance. But Brandon really out did himself to find the romance this anniversary. We got majorly dolled up for what has to be our first and last meal over $100. Brandon found a place…THE PLACE, have you, personalized with all the right Jennie touches, complete with a rustic cabin vibe, a fireplace, bistro lights, and the best food ever (oh and it was called The Place). The lighting was very minimal so the already iPhone quality of my photos was taken down a bit. 

He cleans up so gooooood!

Scallops

My salmon cooked medium rare.  

My steak and potatoes man. But seriously, these mashed potatoes….UNREAL!

His "Seriously, get whatever you want, while I cry over the bill" face ; ) 

Then he gave me a personal tour of Grand Central Station, where we visited the kissing room, the whispering wall, and the terminal where Brandon showed me a small piece of the ceiling color before it was painted it's current turquoise. The previous brown color was a result of all the cigarette smoke. He also told me that the zodiac painted on the ceiling was actually painted backwards to emulate God's vantage point.

Whispering wall

 And our walk back to catch the bus next to the UN building. It was a lovely night.

I've been so lucky to be a part of Brandon's many successes which has taken me on so many adventures. I'm so grateful for his thoughtfulness amidst his demanding schedule. He always takes the time to make me feel special.

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.