Ring In The New Year

Earlier in the evening we headed over to the mall so the kids could pick out some new bedsheets. Afterward we went to Ikea for some frozen yogurt.

We headed home, had dinner and hung out together for the rest of the night. The kids asked to watch their favorite videos of 2012.

Gotye's Somebody that I Used To Know

We had a dance party all night long.

Cover of Somebody That I Used To Know by Walk Off the Earth--great cover with the song played by all of them on one guitar. Worth checking out on Youtube. Walk Off The Earth's Cover of "Somebody I Used To Know"

All decked out in their New Year's Eve, ready to countdown to 2013.

Leah and Gabriel pretending to walk like zombies out to get me.

Leah tried out some Broadway jazz musical moves.

The dancing kept up all night, for hours. Leah and Gabriel didn't quit till midnight.

Some downtime with Dad

Some more Broadway

Dancing together---almost time!

Our own American Girl with her AG doll Julie

Best Buds

I Believe!

Leah continues to have a belief in the magic of Christmas and in Santa. It wavers but for now it is still there. She was just as excited as Louis was to visit with Santa today. Leah refers to the mall Santas as Santa's helpers. We've been seeing the same Santa for years now and the kids feel at ease with him. Leah helped with Gabriel and making him comfortable in her lap so he would enjoy taking the photos.

She's just an all around great kid and an awesome big sister. Hard to believe this is the same kid who used to run down and out the mall whenever this time of year rolled around. 8 years old. Time sure has flown by.

Prelude to Christmas

As with many families the holidays are a very special time for us. We look forward to it all year long. The kids especially enjoy the decorating that happens. This year we spent a lot of time putting together special ornaments and working on crafts together. Leah and Louis enjoy crafts. Leah is now at an age where she can sit and work on them for hours on end.

Too Cute to Spook

For the past week the East Coast was on lock down preparing for Hurricane Sandy. Over October 28-29th it hit the NYC Metro area. Thousands of people lost their homes, some lost their lives and many more were without power. Towns across the various states made calls on whether or not to go ahead with Trick or Treating. Out here on Long Island some rescheduled for another day. We usually trick or treat in Farmingdale and the town made the call to allow it to go forward as long as parents practiced caution.

It was nice to be able to go out and do something with the kids after being cooped up for days. We felt fortunate as it was as we had our home and power. Also grateful to those who were happy to see the kids and give out treats. Even those without power.

After months of debating Leah finally decided on a pirate costume.

Back at home

Kids couldn't wait to have their Halloween cupcakes

Happy Halloween!

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Boo Bash

This was my third year co-chairing the annual PTA Halloween party at Leah's school. It went smoothly and all the kids had a great time. Leah said it was the best one yet. I didn't get many photos as Leah was too busy having a good time but I managed this one.

Argh

Let Liberty Ring

We had a weekend to spend in Pennsylvania because Leah and Matt has off for Columbus Day. We decided to head to Philadelphia  for the day before heading home. Leah was looking forward to another visit to American historical sites. Add another city to our road trip belt for the year.

Waiting at the Visitor Center for our Liberty Bell tickets

Getting ready to wait in line to see the Liberty Bell

Slavery and how it worked---Leah read it all

Looking at some "Founding Fathers"

The Liberty Bell was a symbol of freedom not just for the revolutionary fathers. Quote from Frederick Douglass.

The Liberty Bell and its crack

 

Washington Square Fountain

Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier

Congress Hall

Franklin Square Park

 

Cloudy Days Sweeping the Sun Away

We headed to Sesame Place for their Halloween themed entertainment. As it was on our last visit earlier in the summer it was rainy and cloudy again. We came prepared and bundled up so the kids didn't mind it at all. Leah was a great sport and was excited about seeing everyone all decked out for Halloween.

Telly Monster

Cookie Monster

Oscar the Grouch & the kids in their Maid of the Mist ponchos

Zoe

The Kids watching and enjoying one of the Halloween themed shows

Big Bird & Elmo

Waiting for the evening parade

Silly