Glamping

There are so many good places and a lot of good weather around here, it's a shame not to camp at least once in a while. So we bought a tent. 

The kids were so excited, we let them sleep in the living room as soon as we got it.  Camping inside the house with my own shower, food, and bathroom - that's my kind of camping.

Scout Camp

This year the Boy got to go to Scout Day camp. And I got to be a den leader to eleven 7 and 8 year old boys.  All week. From 9 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon. Imagine the craziness!
Despite the large amounts of uncontrollable boy energy they had, they were actually a lot of fun. We had a busy week of hiking, crafts, archery, rock climbing, water play, and civics.  I think sometimes, I even wore them out!

 They were a goofy group. And they loved shouting our cheer...Who are we?! We're the Rockets! Who are we?! We're the Rockets! 5! 4! 3, 2, 1 BLAST OFF!

 The Girl even got to go to a little tot-lot camp while big brother was with the Scouts. What fun!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl

I was in NYC for the Girl's birthday. She got to celebrate in Phoenix with dad, grandma, and grandpa, and cousins. THEN she got to celebrate again when mom got home. Don't judge the Christmas wrapping paper. She specifically asked for that!

I love you, little one. I can't believe you are five and starting kindergarten so soon!

NYC

I finally made it back to NYC. This time I took my lovely sister-in-law Tamara, my neighbor and friend Maryann, and my friend Chelsea.  I have to admit we did a lot of the "touristy things", but I'm so glad we did. Over the course of the seven or so days we were there, I think I got a total of 24 hours of sleep.  It was great! Here are the highlights:

 The Met. 

 Central Park. *sigh* I love Central Park. We walked a little bit of it one day...

...and biked it another.

NY Cheesecake baby!

And other delicious foods like Japanese mochi ice cream, bagels, and this matzoh ball soup. 

Empire State Building? Not a total highlight. It was rainy/foggy when we went up so you couldn't see much. What we DID see was this guy from Europe proposing to this gal up there. 

 Top of the Rock. Absolutely stunning views on a gorgeous night. Loved this!

 The Lion King

 My absolute favorite part of the trip. We were checking into doing a tour of Radio City Music Hall when, by pure extraordinary luck, I saw that Rachel Yamagata, David Grey, and Amos Lee were playing that venue while we were there. I love Rachel and Amos. I wasn't familiar with their newer stuff so I was stoked to go check them out. I am so glad I did. Incredible concert. Funny, David Grey was the headliner, but we only stayed for a couple of his songs before taking off. 

 Hanging out on the Chelsea High Line after our food tour of the Chelsea Food Market. That was recommended to me by my friend, Amy, and it did not disappoint.

 The New World Trade Center

 The 9/11 Museum. Sad, but well done.

 FAO Schwarz

Improptu performance at Columbus Circle where we stayed

 Times Square

St. Patricks Cathedral

What a trip!

The Man Turns Thirty-Something

And we celebrated with his favorite dinner and a slightly dry cake. Poor guy. Happy Birthday, honey.

School's Out

I didn't even get a picture of the Boy on the last day of school. What kind of a mother am I? At least I pulled the camera out for the Girl's preschool graduation. 

I can't believe she is going to be in kindergarten next year!