New York, New York

This year, I was supposed to go to Girls' Camp with the Young Women in our ward.  Then I got released and called to Relief Society.  Before this all happened, we'd made arrangements with Grandma Paula for her to come be with the kids while I went to camp.  Since she was still coming, Justin and I decided to celebrate our 10th Anniversary a little early (it happens next May, a time when Justin can't get away anyhow) and head to New York for a few days.  

We had a great time together, and ate out a lot because that is my favorite thing to do.  (I may or may not have planned our trips around restaurants, but whatever.)  Pay to go to the top of the Empire State Building? No thanks, I'll have some yummy breakfast.  In the end, our favorite food was toast and jam at the Clinton St. Baking Company.  Go figure.

We also saw the Symphony (Justin's request).  I enjoyed the first number, and had a hard time staying awake for the middle. But never fear, they played Star Wars as their encore, and I stayed awake for that.  The conductor was hilarious and made a point of noticing all those who entered late or clapped at the wrong time.  We also saw Newsies, but in the end I think I would have exchanged that for the ballet.  Next time we'll know.

Beyond that, some of our favorite time was spent in Central Park wandering around all by our lonesomes with nothing to do.  The simple things are great, that's for sure.

Serendipity:

Alice's Teacup:

The Met:

The Temple:

The High Line:

Lately...

... Justin and I had our 8th Wedding Anniversary.  I took advantage of this moment to buy a cake that my friend Donna forced me to become addicted to.  It is all her fault.

We had the kids blow out candles, which they definitely enjoyed.  (This, however, is when I told them to pretend to blow the candles out so that I could take a picture.  Only M really looks like she's taking it seriously.)

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This morning we walked to school despite threats of rain.  I hate putting Baby S in in his carseat, and avoid it if at all possible.  GQ steals Baby S's bear if at all possible.

And just look at those humidity curls...  I love the humidity, which most people find insane.  But I just feel so warm and wrapped up.  It's nice.  Plus, M's hair gets curly.

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Yesterday, E decided that she and M were running for President.  When I told her that I would not be voting (I can already hear the wails, regardless of who I voted for) she told me I was being mean to both of them.  Then she made M the President.  I assure you, it was in name only.  There was a real boss running things behind the scenes.

(This is the wall under the counter where E is allowed to tape things up.  She also has two drawers upstairs for projects, and two bins downstairs.  Two nights ago when I informed her that the bins were getting full and she might need to go through them and throw things away she became traumatized.)

I particularly like the oath of office pictured below.  If only. 

"I will be a good President my whole President days.  I will not give up.  I will be very honest."

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E's teacher Mrs. S. saved this for us:

True that, my friend, true that.

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And below, an illustration of the many pirate swords being drawn around our house lately.  If you look closely you'll notice they come complete with blood on the ends.

These pirate swords are displayed on what GQ refers to as the "table mable." 

As in "Get off the table, Mable, the dollar's for the beer."  This is because in true Andersen fashion I always say: "Get off the table, Mable" when the kids are on it.  Justin has picked up this habit despite himself.  GQ obviously thinks tables are called "table mables"

He He.

Things I do to my kids.