Halloween Festivies

Halloween this year was a blast. And the Big Apple did not disappoint with fun and free activities for the kids for what felt like 2 weeks straight.  We went to the best festival in the Meat Packing District and did all sorts of crafts.  Then we headed up to the High Line and enjoyed the decorations and crafts there.  Our church ward party was fun, and Solana loved going door to door getting candy.  On Halloween we went out to one of the oldest churches in the city and enjoyed trick or treating there. Then we walked down 40+ flights of stairs to trick-or-treat on each floor.  It was very efficient and it was nice to trick or treat in doors and get to see other folks that live in our ginormous building. Solana and Boston had a blast. And it was a fun new experience for us as well.  We are loving all the holiday festivities this city has to offer. Bring on some more!

Hitting up the cupcake decorating table. 

And then enjoying it.

The fabulous Warby Parker table. We love their glasses and especially Solana's new pair.

High Line Halloween craft party

Getting her kite tied that she made. It was so creative and fun.

Making her trick or treat bag at the church party. 

Solana playing games, with Boston, as Olaf the Snowman, excitedly playing the piano behind her.

Lots of furry friends on that piano bench.

Waiting for the subway can really test her patience. So busting out the camera really helps time go by. 

Some one hated wearing their Olaf hat. 

But sister can cheer him right up.

The Arendelle team.

She looks great as a blonde.

This team looks ready for an adventure!

Where's Boston...

The Arendelle carriage...

Let the trick or treating begin. We started at the top on our floor and worked our way down.

Some folks went all out on the decorations. Some even decorated the whole hallway and kids loved it.  

We got a good work out descending 40 flights of stairs while we pigged out on candy. What a win win :)

Surviving the Octoberfest

Oh man, has October been rough on our family.  One by one, we all got sick at all different times, and then eventually some overlapping happened, and each of us were sick for at least two weeks.  We were a hot mess. So sadly anytime we tried to get out and do something fun, but it was usually short lived.  I feel like we had 2 highlights this month. One was conference and having it be a great weekend right before we all got sick.  And then wrapping up the month with Halloween.  So, like, the beginning, and the end, and nothing in between…  And fall weather has definitely arrived and we are enjoying it in small amounts.  Hopefully this next month we can get out and start some more adventures, as long as we're not coughing and sneezing everywhere!

One week for the playgroup we all headed up to the Sesame street exhibit on the UWS.  It was really fun to see all the costumes! Solana enjoyed it more than Boston…but it was fun none the less. 

Big Bird is literally so big! 

And Elmo is so small. Thats her elmo move...

Conference weekend was the miracle nap weekend.  On Sunday Adam fell asleep during conference and ended up taking a 4 hour nap on the sofa.  Then while he was sleeping, Boston took a 3 and half hour nap. Then the real miracle is that Solana also fell asleep (which has never happened since she stopped taking naps years ago) and she ended up sleeping 2 and half hours - first on the floor next to Adam, and then I moved her to the bed. I had the whole house all quiet for hours and enjoyed every moment. 

The happy kids after their super naps.

Gigi sent up a halloween costume. He is such an adorable astronaut!

Indoor entertainment while sick.

He is obsessed with his mini "guitar".  He has become a good strummer!

And he loves the camera.  It is so cute to hear him say "Chee!"

While testing out some paint colors, we got a little creative.

Sometimes they both want to stand on the footboard. 

Grammy got them the most adorable umbrellas and they have been perfect for all our rainy weekends in the city. The kids love them!

Free pumpkins! 

We love the local markets here.

Solana had her first birthday party to attend for her sweet friend June. She was beyond thrilled, and it was a ballerina party which she was in heaven about. 

Little apartment + sick days = creative playtime.

When did our baby become a little boy?!

Solana, with her favorite landmark in the background.  She never fails to spot it and yell, "Statue of Liberty!"

Dancing around in our "backyard", the Esplanade.

Picture day at school!

My little buddy that waits everyday with me for Solana to get out of school.  He loves picking her up!

I mean….

Hanging out at my new favorite park, Pier 25.

She always asks "What do big sisters do?' So when I tell her that they help their little brothers, she really takes it seriously. She tries to carry him everywhere!

So long October - there were some sweet moments - but hopefully the future won't be full of as many sick days.  Here's hoping to an adventurous November!