The Big Six and the Big Apple

Last week, Gus and I celebrated six years of marriage with a six-day trip to New York City.  I haven't been back since we lived there as newlyweds in our 450-square foot studio apartment.

We stayed on the Upper East Side, near Central Park.  As much as I love swinging and sliding with the boys, it was nice to actually sit down in the park and read a book.  And we enjoyed some of the best meals of our life, thanks to Gus for choosing some great dinner spots.  I also made a point to stop by all my old NYC favorites - bagel and schmear from Ess-a-Bagel, matzo ball soup from 2nd Ave Deli, arancini from Faicco's, banana cake from Billy's Bakery, and "the" chocolate chip walnut cookie from Levain Bakery.

Aside from eating, I spent most of my days sleeping, shopping, and spa-ing.  Gus was not as lucky as me; he had to attend a tax conference (what a snooze-fest) for the first few days.  At the end of our trip, we spent some time with old friends.  It was a wonderful getaway, but by the last day we were both ready to get back to the boys.

This was the longest time that we have left the boys, but they were in good hands.  Mimi came down to watch the boys for the first three days.  Nanna and Uncle Kevin took over for the last 3 days.  The boys had fun with their babysitters, and we received plenty of pictures and videos to prove it.  We thanked our babysitters with cookies from Levain Bakery.  And the boys each had their own enormous black and white cookie from William Greenberg.  I don't know if they were happier to see us or those cookies, but either way, everyone was happy.

The Pig Roast

Our neighborhood has an annual Pig Roast in the Fall.  We eat barbecue, catch up with neighbors, and watch the kids run around.  Henry shared some laughs with his friend, Canon.  John gravitated toward the "older" ladies.  He spotted a group of six year old girls at a picnic table, sat down, waved, and said, "hi."  My little ladies man.

Our Pumpkin Masterpieces

Last weekend we painted pumpkins.  It was 80 degrees outside, so the boys could paint with their shirts off.  Henry took his time and stayed neat and tidy.  John made a mess.  He slapped some paint on his pumpkin and then ran around the yard.  And yours truly painted a baby pumpkin for our sweet Baby Mak.  Our back porch fall decor is now complete.

The Fair

Fall in Cobb County means the North Georgia State Fair is in town. Now that the boys are tall enough for rides, we can do something other than eat food and watch people, although we did that, too.

Henry wanted to ride the train, so that's where we started. After waiting in line for ten minutes, it was finally Henry's turn. "There's one seat left," the carney said. But it was in the back. And Henry wanted to sit in the front. "I'll wait for the next ride," he said. So we waited another few minutes. Waiting was worth it. He smiled and waved his way around the track.

John's first ride was on a boat. He was a little spooked when the ride started, but Henry was there to help him along. John got the hang off it. By the next ride, it was the stopping - not the starting - that made him cry. "More! More!"