A New York Minute

We spent a little bit more than a minute but, not much more.  We went to NYC for one night to catch some sights, see a play and do a little bit of kid shopping!  I have been to NYC I don't know how many times, and I love it each and every time.  I couldn't wait to take Dawson and share what I love so much about this city.  I thought 5 was the perfect age to be able to walk and enjoy the city!  

When we arrived, Dawson looked down from our 31st floor room onto Time Square.  She looked for quite awhile as she was checking out all of the sights below.  It was a wonderful view!

Immediately we were off to the Central Park Zoo.  I have not been here in a long time.  As always, it was clean and full of animal fun.  

The otters always put on a good show.

This was a musical clock that went off just as we were walking past.  the animals go around it in a circle.  We stopped, watched and listened to the beautiful music.

After the zoo, we went for a walk in Central Park.  One of Dawson's favorite shows is on Disney Channel and it's called "Jessie."  She is a nanny in NYC and many of her shows take part in Central Park.  As we were walking through the park, she continually said, "I wonder if we will see Jessie today?"  It was hilarious as she walked around and looked for her!  

We stopped for a moment to watch a crazy Humpty Dumpty puppet.  She loved every minute of this show!

Next came some walking on the rocks!

We ran out of time in the park but, wanted to stop here at this little amusement park.  It was taking place  where you usually would see Wollman Skating Rink.

Off to the American Doll store.  Within minutes we found the doll for Dawson.  Meet McKenna the American Girl Doll of the Year.  She's a gymnast and you know how much Dawson likes gymnastics!  

They just couldn't keep their eyes off each other.

And yes, McKenna's loft bed came home with us also. 

We ate dinner at the American Doll Cafe.  The restaurant makes everything kid and doll friendly.  Each doll was in a chair at the table and was served a mini plate and tea cup.  Here's a peek at our dessert!

Next, we headed back to our hotel room to play with our doll and our new loft bed.  All of us were asleep by 10:00!

Early the next morning we were up and eating the traditional and delicious NYC bagels.  My favorite bagels in the world!  

Back out to explore the city.  We loved watching and chasing the pigeons on the street!

Stopped for lunch to enjoy another NYC favorite!

And finally, we topped off our trip by catching Mary Poppins on Broadway.  It was a fantastic show!  I wish I could have taken a picture of Mary Poppins as she flew from the stage up into the audience.  She was right in front of us....we could have touched her!

And a final good bye ride to the airport!  We love NYC and will be back soon!

Happy 4th!

Happy July 4th!  We spent the weekend on the lake relaxing, eating, and watching fireworks.  

Before we headed out on the boat, Dawson gave us a little singing performance.  She loved using her cousins microphone!  She was so serious and sang her heart out!

 This was my attempt at a mini American Flag fruit platter.

 If you ever saw the movie Tangled, you will remember the part when the King and Queen let thousands of lanterns up into the sky each year on Rapunzel's birthday.  This year, many people were lighting these and sending them up into the sky.  They were beautiful and are on my list for next year!

And finally some fireworks.  Guess what, Dawson never saw any because she fell asleep on the boat before they even started!  Maybe next year!!!

Fireworks Round One

Our local community had their fireworks show last night.  We had lots of rain storms and weren't sure it was going to happen but, all at once, it was clear and the show went off.  With us came "Kisses" the patriotic bear Dawson got for her birthday.  He watched the show as intensely as the rest of us!

Tonight we will be headed out on the lake to see another show.  Can't wait to see more fireworks!

Safety Town 2012

Last Friday night, Dawson was part of the 40th class to officially graduate from Safety Town.  If your not sure what this is, it is a program designed for children entering Kindergarten in the Fall.  Every morning for 5 days, she went to learn about safety.  This included a trip to the police station, a trip to jail, fire safety, street safety, stranger danger, a house on fire simulation trailer, good and bad touches, bicycle safety, and gun safety.  By the end of the week, we had some new hats, a new bike helmet, a water bottle, a 911 magnet and a Safety Town tshirt.  

This program incorporates high school volunteers to make it fun!  So of course, I not only signed Dawson up, I signed Kennedy up to volunteer.  The ratio was about one on one with all the volunteers!  The kids really loved the student helpers!

All of the kids fell in love with this dog.  He is a search and recover dog on both land and water.  What a great personality this Labradoodle had.  Makes me want one!  

 They sang 5-6 fire safety songs and then they were ready for graduation.

And finally the certificate.  Congratulations!

We are so fortunate to live in a community that provides these excellent and free programs for the safety of our children!

Next week we kick off nature / bug camp....should be fun!

Princess on Ice

Today we celebrated Dawson's 5th birthday with a "Princess on Ice" party theme.  I decided to combine her love of ice skating with her love of princesses.  A perfect combination for my now "5" year old girl.  First thing she said this morning was...am I five for real today???

 The party had a party room with a mini ice rink attached.  The children could come and go between both rooms whenever they wanted!  The nice part was the parents could watch from the party room and still stay warm!

Grace and her mom looked wonderful as they skated around the rink.  I love Ariel's outfit from head to toe!  One of my favorite parts of the party was that some of the parents joined me and their children on the ice!  I loved to watch all the interaction!

 Many of the princesses have never been ice skating before.  With a lot of determination and smiles, they caught on pretty well.  Look at Maggie and Claire! 

 We did have to take a few breaks for pizza, cake and presents!

 The birthday girl blew out the candles without hesitation.  One breath and they were all out!  Great job Dawson!

Then back to the ice!

A few friends just learning to balance!  The side of the rink was a popular place at the beginning of the party!  But not so much by the time it was over!

The cones are to help those who have never skated before gain balance but, as you can see, they became fun and a novelty for all the girls.  They loved just pushing them around!  Even if they didn't need them!

 Next, came the present opening!  Always fun for everyone to watch!

 And a final farewell fall!  We headed home, celebrated Father's Day, played with some presents and then Dawson headed to a play with her Grammy, Aunt Kim and cousin.  I have no idea how she can just keep going and going! 

Bike Rodeo

We headed out to our local Police and Fire Departments Bike Rodeo today.  Each year, along with local businesses, they have a fun filled day of bike courses, bike raffles, free helmets, fingerprinting, food and lots more for the kids to do.   Before we left home, it was a hard decision whether to bring the scooter, balance bike or big tricycle.  You can see which one won out!  

At our first station, they do a complete bike check.  Everything was tightened and the air was 

checked in all the tires.   At the second station, every child was fitted with a brand new bike helmet.  I was happy because we need another one for Grammy's house!

 Some of the courses were harder than others.  This one was a lot of in and out and around lots of cones.  These were so fun and Dawson did great!  No problems at all!

 This one was just a road that went around and around and around!

And finally, she was rounding the corner and we headed for home!  What a fun event!

End of Preschool

We are off and running this week and just trying make it to the last day of school!   Today, Dawson celebrated her summer birthday at school with a delicious treat we made together.  It was so easy and 

the kids loved it!

 This evening we attended her Preschool Celebration.   There were three preschool classes and they just sang three song each.  I wasn't sure what she would do but, she loved it and sang her heart out!

 And when the principal introduced each student, they gave a little wave!  

And at the end, we caught a quick picture with our friend Claire.  I am so proud of my girl for standing up in front of an audience and singing her heart our!  I could not have asked for a better school for her!  Can't wait to see what kindergarten will bring us next year!  

Tomorrow brings us to the last and final day of school.  There is a Garden Party at the end of the day for all the friends and family of the school.  We are looking forward to celebrating!  

Welcome summer!