Weekend In The City

This was our FIRST WEEKEND in forever with almost nothing to do at all. No real responsibilities or plans. It feels like we have just kept on going and going from November until now. Whew! It was nice to take a few seconds and enjoy the city in which we live!

Not entirely true I guess.....

We did have TWO brunches on our calendars yesterday. Lori had an HRC meeting with other Board of Governors, and Eric did a totally impressive job with the spread! Maria and Cooper headed down to the Village to Manish/Jeff's place, and Cooper shared his toys with 9 month old Teddy. Great to meet Teddy's dads - Rob and Josh, and love the fact that the guys baby-proved the coffee table for their young visitors. Lori joined up for her second brunch around 1:30pm, and Jeff/Manish also wow'd us with their culinary skills.

Rest of the day? We walked up through the Village, Chelsea, farmer's market, BB&B, Whole Foods, and then back up home. We ate Indian for dinner and then all fell asleep way early. A very good Saturday.

Today? Since we have been VERY busy lo these past few months, we have missed services at St. Paul and St. Andrew's Methodist Church - the church where Cooper was baptized. We put him down for an early nap at 9am, and then had to wake him up (poor kid) at 10:20am so we could get to services on time. As always, the little guy was a champ.

The cool thing about SPSA? They have some amazing youth programs. Sunday school, youth group, young adults, etc etc. And? The have a nursery for kids up to 4 years old during services. Cooper's first time. He walked in to all the toys, and he didn't even look up when we tried to say good-bye! Again, a champ!
Just like his moms...... Cooper loves snacks!
He may have separated without a problem, but he was THRILLED when we came to pick him up! (we were thrilled too)

Lunch at Parlour, split a great burger and each had a freakin' hot Bloody Mary. Walked around. Futzed around the Upper Westside. Went to the Sunday flea market on 77th Street. Really enjoyed ourselves just poking around stores and such. A very good Sunday.

Then. At home. Lori made a FANTABULOUS dinner. Pad Thai. She soaked the rice noodles, had ramekins set and ready with shrimp, chopped scallions, bean sprouts, and chopped peanuts. What an operation! Stir fried it all together, and VIOLA - an amazing dish. So impressed. Way impressed! And way delicious!
Now watching the closing ceremonies. 'O Canada' is OK and all.

But this 'Oh Oh Oh Vancouver' thing is a very catchy tune!

And, so the grandmothers (BOTH OF THEM) don't complain about blog posts...... 28 days in February. 28 blog posts. Thank god it isn't Leap Year! Because we ain't got nothin' left to say!

Risky Business

Remember the movie Risky Business? It came out back in 1983, and that was way before the Scientologists convinced Tom Cruise that he was not gay and did not need to see a psychiatrist. Anyway, it was a pretty good flick. Cooper thinks so too.......

Happy Purim

Right now we are in the midst of the Jewish holiday of Purim. Years and years and years ago, when Maria was a nanny for an Orthodox family, she got to experience this holiday for the first time. Very interesting! Costumes, noisemakers when Haman's name is mentioned, the giving of gift-baskets, and Hamantaschen.

Now, we are not Jewish, but hamantaschen are the BEST!

Lexington Cheerleaders

The team did a KICK ASS job at the tournament!
Amazing group of kids this year.
High level stunts this year included pyramids with Y-Stand and Combo Liberty, Extended Liberty, and a Toe-Touch Basket Toss that went so high - it made the crowd gasp. And can't forget the fact that Lex dances better than any other team! Great job.
Tournaments and competitions aren't all work!
Lots and lots more pictures and videos on Lexington School for the Deaf - CHEERLEADERS page on Facebook, so check it out! Will have one or two more competitions before the year is through.

When is Maria going to stop coaching? (probably never)

Snow '10

Cooper woke up from his nap yesterday, and we decided to brave the elements and head down to the 3rd Floor so we could play around in the snow for a bit. Holy layers Batman! The poor kid: long underwear, jeans, turtleneck, boots, sweater, snowpants, thick socks, hat, mittens, and jacket. It was a wonder the child could walk at all. He was an absolute champ, and looked like the StayPuft Marshmallow Man.

His giggles and squeals let on to how excited he was to be out there.

Life is tough kid! We all wipe out sometimes.
Earlier, some kids were out on the 3rd Floor and made some snowmen and also a "fort" to shield the occupants from impending snowball attacks. Cooper thought it was way cool to hang out inside.
Cooper, ever the connoisseur, took a liking to eating the snow. Lori didn't think this was a good idea. Maria didn't feel it was a problem. It is not like he took his fork and spoon out there, but he did chow down a little bit. And we were not out on the streets of NYC and hunting for his next meal! It was simply a contained space where a kid can partake in a little snow snack.
This year? Snowmen. Next year? Double black diamonds.

Brown Eyed Boy III

Hiding under the dining room table.

All That White Stuff

Cooper hung out in his little window and watched the snow come down fast and furiously. So happy we were in the house and didn't need to leave again. This is our view of Jackie Robinson Park.
He lounged in PJs for most of the day.
We are going to take him down to the community space on 3rd Floor to play in the snow once he wakes up from him nap. Watch for those pictures at some point over the weekend!

Sweatshirt And Boots

Cooper had on his boots and sweatshirt in preparation to head outdoors. Wanted to make sure we have milk, meat, vegs, and etc to survive this snurricane that was on the way. And we all know that Maria needed some snacks too.
Do you think he knew he was in front of the camera?

Steamboat Springs

Lori, Michele, Kim, Van, and Sarah went to Steamboat Springs, Colorado for their annual ski trip out West. It was a shame that the snowfall wasn't as they hoped, but this crew always has a good time!

In loving regard.
What an impressive looking ski team.
Van! Great action shot.
Our home away from home.
Apres ski anyone?
Relaxing at the hot springs.
Two heads are better than one.
But three heads are WAY better.

Nice hat Vannie!

Suzy Preston!

Where are you?

Four basic food groups:

Chips, salsa, dip, and margaritas.

It would be better.....

If you don't ask.

So girls..... Next year. Ideas on the destination?