East Coast Vacation Part 4

On Thursday of our vacation out east we took Emma and Siri to Central Park on an "Enchanted" tour.  Matt was brilliant to bring along the movie on his iPad so that we could recount each scene from the movie as we came to the places in the park.  I was such an awesome day, though we had a couple of major meltdowns directly related to heat, lack of snacks (silly mom), and a skipped nap.  We planned on walking past the Central Park Zoo to see the clock because Emma loves the Penguins of Madagascar cartoon so we gave the girls a choice of picking out something to buy in the gift shop or taking a carriage ride.  They, of course, couldn't agree on a choice, so we caved, agreeing to buy small gifts from the shop (small, meaning inexpensive, was easier said than done), and taking a carriage ride.  Siri lost her privilege of buying something, but she was the one pulling for the carriage ride.  It was amazing, and I just felt at home again, being in the city.

All hot and exhausted we took the subway back to Queens where we had parked our car just down the block from our former apartment.  Nothing has changed.  I love it.  My old stompin' grounds.

Since we were a little late due to traffic and lengthly carriage rides we stopped several places on the way back to Westbury picking up things needed for the open house that we hosted at Matt's parents'.  We rounded out the day talking with friends from Shuvah Yisrael and Matt's cousin Tovah.

Great day.

East Coast Vacation Part 3

After our fantastic day at the Queens zoo had us all wiped out we just hung out at home (Matt's parents' house) and 3 of "my girls," formally from the Shuvah Youth Group came over to hang out with our kids.  Emma stepped right up and bossed them around.
Day 3 was spent soaking up the last few moments with Jake and Heather and Rachel.  It was SO awesome to see them and spend time with them, to chat, and reminisce, and talk about how much we took living close for granted those years ago.
In the evening we met up with a whole pile of our former youth group members at John's Pizzeria in Times Square for a refreshing evening of talking and laughing about all the crazy memories we share.  I am so proud of all of "my kids" and get emotional thinking about them, what they've accomplished, and how so stinkin' little they used to be!

East Coast Vacation Part 2

For our second day in New York we all went to the Queens Zoo.  This was nostalgic for me because it was so close to our apartment and easy for me to take the girls to.  There is a part with exotic animals such as crocodiles and sea lions and pudus, and a separate section for feeding farm animals.  Matt was so surprised that I was so generous to buy ice cream for everyone (let alone just for our kids), but in reality I was so happy to be "home" that my cup overflowed...with cash. :)

East Coast Vacation Part 1

Two days ago we came back from probably the best family-visiting vacation that I've ever been on.  For 2 1/2 weeks we were on the east coast soaking up the love of family, best friends, messianics, and sunshine!
The two weeks leading up the trip were spend cleaning house, washing clothes, packing summer clothes (because we don't wear them here), prepping travel activities, and enthusiastic anticipation.  Every time that I thought about seeing the lights of Manhattan, hugging family, and riding the subway I would tear up!

We arrived at JFK on Sunday night, June 26, after a long, but pretty smooth flight.  There was a lot of turbulence, but the kids didn't get too antsy until the last couple of hours...nothing a little ice cream (from compassionate Delta flight attendants) and Jake and the Neverland Pirates couldn't remedy!  The next day was spent playing in the sprinkler with cousin Rachel, as Jake and Heather were already on Long Island.  Matt's extended family came from New Jersey and we celebrated Ty's upcoming birthday, and everyone got gifts!  It was such a great day!

Latest Sewing Project

I made this bag in for my sister-in-law, who is my hero because she just gave birth to my new nephew, Miles, via VBAC! Yay! I started it before we moved, and was sewing it in conjunction with my curtains and pillows, secretly hoping that Miles would be over due...which he was, but the bag still took a couple of days.

I put in a zipper, which I have never done before, but it came out great, I thought. I put in ruffles, since they are so hot right now, and I love them, and I hand-dyed this bag in a navy hombre scheme. I LOVE how it turned out, and really want to make one for myself!

Living Room Pics

Six weeks after moving into our new apartment in downtown Seattle I've got everything squared away! (Well, except for that one stupid box of CDs that I keep debating whether I need them for backup or not, and I just don't have the time to check if they're all in my iTunes!) So, here are pictures of the living room. We live on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The kitchen, dining room, laundry, living room and a half bath are on the bottom floor; and the the bedrooms and bath are on the top floor.

I totally envisioned this room exactly as it came out. I love the bright green. i think I wanted it because its so dreary here.

Ruffles are so in now so these are 2 of the 5 pillows I made.

Little reading nook.

I bought blackout curtains from Walmart and customized them with this dark brown panel and ruffle that matches one of the pillows.

Nothin' special just thought i'd throw a picture in of the kitchen.

This is a calendar that I painted with custom chalkboard paint in the dining room.

Girls' Room

Blogging has been at a standstill. Actually, everything has/will be until I get this house in order, and that is proving to be much harder with 3 kiddos!

We got the girls' room all put together with some creative blackout curtains to keep out the heat and 4:30 a.m. sunrise!

The closets have to be creatively put together because they are smaller here, and there are less of them.

Notice the new bedding from Grandma for the new bunk beds!