Summer Skies

I loved how the clouds were so different on the East Coast, especially when filled with summer rain.

Casa Ciccia

Havana wit Taylor.

During our trip, the girls had a blast with the Ciccia Sisters, Taylor and Ava. Two days at their friends house which was full of new toys to check out, nail polish and a pool that puts most hotel pools to shame, made for a great place to land for a couple of days. The girls sort of remembered each other (two years is a long time in little people's lives) but after a very short time hair was braided, books were exchanged and laughter heard throughout the house. I even got to nap while they all played together!

I have know Taylor and Ava's mom Robin since I was a kid. Our parents have been friends for decades. It was Joan and Marvin who picked up Don, myself and an eight month old Amara at the airport in Florida when my dad died. Joan and Marvin were in New York for the summer which meant I got to visit with them them both as well. Even brother/son Michael came down to say hello. They all have a significant and heartfelt place in my life.  Now the connections continue with the next generation of kids.

Taylor (left), Havana, Amara and  Avana

NYC

For several days, our base was at our cousin's in Jersey, which was just a short drive from Manhattan. We got lucky with traffic and were able to go in and out of the city easily each day for various adventures with our friends who were also in New York. From Chinatown to Harlem we went. There was the Statue of Liberty, a stop at St. John the Divine and a quick walk through the Harlem Market; We covered a lot of ground. We saw the American Museum of Natural History and then played in Central Park. Times Square allowed the girls to get Shopkins (all the rage right now) and eat some real pizza. There was so much more to do but time was limited and patience stretched thin at times. Still, we took in the city and left with many memories.

Chess

Last  weekend, after we had just arrived,  we spent time with our friend's son Jonah, who was a big hit with the girls. He was patient and playful and very engaging. For me, to see how Jonah has grown into a pretty amazing young man made my heart smile.  (I have known him since before he was born.) One of the things Jonah did was the kids was teach them to play chess. How cool was that? I wanted our trip to be fun and educational; I think learning to play chess covered both. Thanks Jonah!

Cousins

Visiting our cousins was a highlight of our trip. Cousin Liz, she spoils them! When we arrived at her and Larry's house, Liz, had decked out the room with a ton of Frozen stuff. Hats, lunch bags, jump ropes and more! They went bonkers! (and then Amara drove Liz bonkers while she learned to use the jump rope, making her count as she got better and better!). Alaine went with us to get Havana's ear's pierced and Larry teased them (he calls the girls the poopy sisters!)  which Havana especially got a kick out of.

Being with all of our friends has been great but family is family (and some of our friends are family as well). We sadly only got to spend a few days as we are traveling gypsies but it was great to see them again.

Kids in a Candy Store

 After a morning on the Circle Line and time spent in crowded Times Square looking for Shopkins at Toys R Us we grabbed some lunch. Then our friend Noelle had the idea to go to Dylan's Candy Bar.  Of we went for a sugar fix.

While I am not too keen on the girls having a lot of sugar, I am okay with sweat treats on occasion especially on holidays like the one we are currently enjoying. But I had no idea what Dylan's was all about and man, were we all like the kids in Willy Wonka's chocolate factory! 

When we walked in the door we heard the well worn Boozka Bubble Gum song playing (they learned that at GS camp and sang it until the parents wanted to pull their hair out!) and the girls all took off  running. I told myself to not even think about the food coloring they might ingest! Kids in a candy store took on a whole new meaning that day! 

Ear Bling!

Havana is 6, which means she could get her ears pierced, Unlike her sister however, who was counting the days (literally), Havana has been a little hesitant. She had told me she wanted to but then she didn't and then she was unsure. 

Well, the time for our trip to New York was approaching and I told Baby Girl that she would get them pierced with her cousins, the same as Amara and the same as I did when I was six  

(you can read Amara's story here;  http://twosmallgems.blogspot.com/2013/07/sparkling-ears.html). I could tell Havana was nervous. When we arrived at Claire's in the Garden State Plaza (we ended up Jersey, not New York, but really, what's the difference?!) it took some coaxing. The super patient and kid friendly sales girl/ear piercer, was smart enough to suggest Havana watch another girl first. When she didn't see tears that gave her a little more confidence. So did a lollipop and some hand holding from her big sister and cousin. When it was all done, Havana told me, "I was scared but it only hurt a little." Now, I catch her looking in the mirror frequently, checking out her new purple studs! Baby Girl is not so much a baby anymore.