NYC with the Girls

Way back at the end of April (I know, we're talking about two months ago here. Even Kristen who just moved across the country managed to post about this before me), a few friends and I headed down to the Big Apple for a 26hr frenzy of fun. I'm sure some of you are wondering if you really can see NYC in 26hrs and although the answer is "absolutely not" you might be surprised by how much you can do. Here is the rundown of our 26hrs.

Just arriving in the city, I had the great privilege of being the driver for the trip. It wasn't as bad as I anticipated, only one minor close call with a taxi.

We got checked into the Hilton 6th Ave. A big thanks to Lance and Em for the use of some Hilton points and to Em for getting us a room upgrade upon our rocky arrival:) First thing on the itinerary and always the most important thing for me, food. Very tasty, very cheap street food. Mmmmm Halal.

Followed by a stop at the very cute Magnolia Bakery. I really am not a sweets person so didn't get anything but I did enjoy watching the guy frosting cakes.

A pass by Radio city. It was only a couple blocks from our hotel so whenever we saw it we knew we were close to home base.

30 Rock and a tour of NBC studios.

A little photo op. This is us trying to be serious, Em is already cracking.
Seconds later. Pretty much the mood of our entire trip.

Just because the kids weren't with me doesn't mean I didn't think of them. These pictures for Aiden and yes I did go inside and get him a little something.

A little shopping, a lot of walking and a stop a Grand Central station. What a beautiful building.

It was then time for a stop back at the hotel to beautify or rest our feet for a few minutes before heading here. Memphis was amazing and certainly the highlight of the trip (next to more fun than we should have had in Daffy's basement:) Thanks Steph for scoring us front row seats, I loved every spit/sweat dodging moment!

A little of Times Square on the way back to the hotel for the night.
No we did not all sleep in the same bed.

The next morning, we headed way out of the way and headed down to Battery Park to see the Statue of Liberty. My final instructions from Aiden before leaving were, "don't forget to take of picture of the Statue of Liberty." We didn't have time to take the boat over but we did see her from a distance.

Wall St on the way back up to pick up the car and head home.

Thanks Kristen for being our photographer and being okay with sharing the unedited photos. I know I'm not doing them justice. To see pictures at their best check out her post here. Thanks Ladies for such an easy going great time. When and where is the reunion trip?

4?!

Here begins the first of a long list of things I really must blog about, though it seems a little late they all should be documented:)

May 6th Abby turned 4! I can't believe it and every day I look at her and wonder how she got so grown up.

Abby decided she wanted a princess tea party. I must again credit my friend Marie for a few of the ideas, Thanks Marie! I had this brilliant idea to make a princess dress for each of the girls (since she was only inviting 3). Now before any of you judge me, telling me how insane I am I'll let you know that because I was in the middle of sewing a prom dress and a petal dress for a little 15 month old all during the week leading up to her birthday I decided I'd better not add that to the chaos that is my sewing desk. Ideas that didn't happen aside, here is her party in a few pictures.

The Invites

Decorating tiaras and wands.

Showing off the finished products .

Pinata (nice work yet again John:)
Love the tongue hanging out.
Ben wanted a part of the action too.
Gathering all the loot
I made these cute little purses as goodie bags and a place to put their candy.
Tea party time! Chocolate milk in a tea pot and pink lemonade in a pitcher with all kinds of finger food.
The cake, again far from perfect, don't look too close. Those that like cake decorating definitely buy Duff Goldman fondant over Wilton fondant. Much easier to work with and it actually tasted good. I'm so proud of the crown I made out of gum paste. It was really fun to make too.
The gifts

Abby is such a happy sweet girl. She loves hugs and snuggles. She is so kind and concerned about those around her. She is stubborn and confident. We can't imagine life without her. We love you Abby!

Emerging from a Winter Wonderland

I know many of you are tired of seeing the winter wonderland and are wondering what has happened to us. Well stay tuned because I certainly do have lots of catching up to do. First though, I need your help. I'm teaching a class at church on budget friendly cooking on the 15th and want your favorite recipe or recipes. I'm talking dinner for $10 or less for a family of four. Okay, Ready, Go!