We HEART New York City

We're back from our wonderful trip to NYC! It was a busy, yet exciting trip as there's always so much to do in the city. The weather was beautiful the entire trip with mid 80's and a breeze. It felt like cooler September days in Atlanta.



Our days were jam packed with sightseeing, but I'll try to recap some of the memories and places we ventured. I don't want to bore you with ALL the details. Our hotel was 2 blocks off of Times Square. It was "swanky" as Landon described it. The lobby was modern and fantastic and let's just say that the rooms were cozy and in true NY style....small! Everytime we entered the hotel, they were playing hip music that made you want to dance. And, that's just how Landon entered the doors on numerous occasions! We stayed on the 18th floor, high above the loud city sounds below. Times Square looked just like Piccadilly Circus in London to me...lots of action, huge billboards, lights everywhere, and jam packed crowds.


We toured Central Park, Columbus Circle, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center. It was neat to see where my favorite morning shows, GMA and the Today's show broadcast from. Did you see me holding the sign?? It said, " We miss you Miller!" Notice how I cropped out the palm trees and umbrella covered tables in Rockefeller Center. It didn't quite look like I imagined from the movies. Then again, it's not November with ice skating in full swing.

Sore feet led us back to the hotel for a little R&R on Thursday afternoon. While relaxing in the lounge, I spotted a familiar face. Blonde, tall, Australian, loves to cook. You guessed it! It was Curtis from TLC's Take Home Chef show with his whole entourage in our hotel lobby. Well, I couldn't introduce myself in my sneaks!! So upon my eager prompting, Landon and I freshened up for dinner and went back down to meet Curtis with camera in hand.Yes...I was THAT girl. I let Landon take the lead and start the conversation while I was star struck in a daze. They talked about cooking etc. He was super friendly and we got a picture for memory purposes. And..guess what girls?? He's coming to Atlanta in October to tape a few shows. Better start dolling up for the grocery store just in case he's at your nearest Whole Foods waiting to cook a meal at your house!!


Other highlights of our NY adventure included touring Ground Zero and visiting St. Paul's Chapel. This is nicknamed "The Little Chapel that Stood". It miraculously survived the plummet of the towers and served as a post to minister to all the relief workers who helped clean up the debris from the ruins. They had a wonderful museum and tribute to those who lost their lives in the towers. We loved eating lunch overlooking the Hudson River in Battery Park ( hot dogs from one of those carts!!) I loved watching all the nannies enjoy playdates at the park with the Statue of Liberty standing tall in the distance. It's all SO different growing up in the city. It made me think of Miller and wonder just what he was up to! Amidst all the hustle and bustle, it felt like we called 2-3 times a day to get the play by play on what Miller was doing. We've both been to Ellis Island before so we nixed the tour but enjoyed viewing Lady Liberty from afar.







China Town and Little Italy were a blast as well...so many sights and smells!! On Friday we ate dinner at the most authentic Italian restaurant in Little Italy. Landon and I enjoyed our tickets to SkyRide, a fast ticket to the top of the Empire State Building. It brought back memories of Sleepless in Seattle. We actually went at night to view all the lights of the city. We were surprised to find out that the Empire State building gets 3,500,00 visitors in a year. Here is a lousy picture from the top. Still learning this camera at night!Let me take this opportunity to give props to Landon...tour guide of the year. It was so nice to shadow him everywhere with his directional sense and street block knowledge. Enjoy my picture of the "Subway & Internal Compass Master of the Year"!





Greenwich Village and SOHO were a lot of fun...quaint and cozy. We enjoyed walking along the streets viewing the booths of artwork and jewelry. Vendors displaying their wares were at every turn. The smell of Gyros overtook our senses and we dined on fantastic local food from one of the tents. I saw on People.com today that Kirsten Dundst was also combing the streets of SOHO the same day we were there. I guess we missed our chance opportunity on that meeting.

On our last night, Landon spoiled me with tickets to Chicago on Broadway. You just can't visit NYC without seeing a show!! The lead Roxie (Katherine Zeta's role) was fantastic and we thouroughly enjoyed the play. It was worth every minute of standing in the TKTS line to purchase tickets.





Later that night, we killed some time before our dinner reservations. Landon thought that this shot made it look like I was on MTV's TRL show. What do you think?
On our "last supper" we dined at one of Landon's faves, Ruby Foo's in Times Square. It was a Pan Asian Infusion restaurant and oh so good! Our window side table allowed us to people watch while we ate. This was another favorite thing to do while in the city. You see so many interesting people & things. It made for interesting conversation and laughs!!


I feel like my pictures don't do our trip justice. Ya'll know the drill on a couple's vacation. You take turns taking pictures of each other in single shots, occasionally reach out and take a picture with your arms stretched, and sometimes get a shot of both of you TOGETHER by hastling a stranger on the street. I just wanted to leave with my camera, so we didn't do too much begging for a together picture!


What a refreshing time. We enjoyed every second of our togetherness. We didn't know what to do with ourselves after SO many date nights alone! Then it finally came time to come home to Miller. I was SO excited to hug and kiss our baby all over. He did wonderfully with all his grandparents. I could write a whole blog about all of his activities while we were away. He was so busy that he barely missed us!! We left NYC with a new appreciation of each other and excitement to plan our next toddlerlesscation. I feel like I'm coming home a better mommy, refreshed, relaxed and ready to enjoy Miller. It all went down without a hitch...thank you Lord!

NYC Bound

Clothes clean and pressed, check! Babysitters booked, check! House clean, check! Bags packed, check! Parent Consent form in case of emergency signed, check! Two excited parents, check! Even more excited grandparents, check! The list goes on and on....Did I remember EVERYTHING? I sure hope so.


We're leaving town to enjoy a much needed vacation to New York City. We've been planning, researching restaurants etc. the whole summer in anticipation for our toddlerless trip together. It's been 12 whole months since our last getaway as a couple to Arizona last fall.


A busy itinerary is ahead, visiting the ruins of 9/11, walking in Central Park, Chinatown, Little Italy, Soho, shopping, eating and maybe even a show. It's been years since I've been to the city,but Landon has been more recently. I'm trusting he'll be our navigator around town and on the subway. I hope we don't spend TOO much time on the subway...we'll take taxis too!

Grandmama and Poppy are watching Miller the first two days. Then, Omi and Grandpa are traveling from Knoxville to watch Miller the last part of our trip. He will be taken care of and spoiled wonderfully with all the attention, I'm sure.


The hardest part of the day will be at night when I'll miss tucking lil' Miller into bed. Or will it be that I'll miss waking him up and seeing him sit up to say, "Hi!". Uh-oh...not a good start to this babylesscation. Will post pictures soon. Until then..

Pool Hopping

Miller and I hopped on over to Canton for some pool splashing fun with our friends Laura, Whit and Hudson today. River Green was the pool of choice, swimming was the game. We enjoyed splashing in their zero entry pool area. The entire pool was 1 foot deep. The perfect depth when you're only 32 inches tall. It was just like being at the ocean..well, almost. Laura and I set our chairs on the "shore" and let the boys play away. Hudson is roughly 20 months old, so the age development gap has grown slimmer as Miller has gotten older. Hudson showed Miller his growing vocabulary that he's learned from his 3 year old brother Whit. Hudson thought that Miller's car was so "COOL!" Now if we can just teach Miller how to say "COOL!" It's amazing how fast they learn from others their age.

Notice that Miller can't seem to separate from his car. It's like an extension of his hand lately. Some toddlers grow attached to a sweet monogrammed lovie, soft teddy bear, or even a favorite blanket. Not our boy, he chooses to carry around anything with wheels. He's not particular as long as it looks like a car and has wheels. It's amazing to me to watch how he just PLAYS like a boy. It's nothing we taught him. He gravitates towards boy things so naturally. We enjoyed our fun day of play together as daddy was away with the guys!

thirty

Happy Birthday Landon! We can't believe you're thirty. To most, it sounds so young to be thirty. Some people think it sounds distinguished, somewhat old and sad to leave your twenties in the dust . I think it's a nice even number! Isn't it true that thirty is the new twenty?

The weekend long celebration began tonight over dinner and by special request, we started off with cavier and melba toast. Landon and his "pallet" ah-hum....difficult and sometimes too sophisticated for me to keep up with as I am such a simple cook! I DO try to Wow him here and there. It's no easy task to do. Since I am the chef's assistant in MY kitchen, I prepped the dinner and we enjoyed Chicken Piccata. For dessert we dined on Landon's favorite....a children's classic, Pillsbury Funfetti cake and icing. It's a mix...yahoo! Now, that's not a tall order for such a novice cook! Grandmama and Poppy joined us for dessert tonight. Miller loved dada's choice of cake.

The weekend long celebration all goes down on Friday with all the boys. Landon's good bud Anthony coordinated a fun "all guys" weekend. Anthony told me a long time ago that Landon's 3oth birthday was outsourced for only him to plan. Little did I know what he had up his sleeve..trouble! On Friday, Landon and a few friends are going skydiving for the first time. Landon said that on his way out of the plane he's going to tell 30 what he thinks of it! That night, more guys are joining up to tailgate at Turner field and watch a Braves game. On Saturday, a full day of golf is in store followed by a 30th Birthday Bash that evening. Anthony, you outdid yourself..thanks for making Landon feel so special on his big day. A packed agenda is just what Landon likes! My big wish for Landon on his 30th is just to make it back ALIVE and with all his limbs. And, that's just what I crossed my fingers for as he blew out his 3-0 cupcake this evening! Happy, Happy Birthday to my fantastically wonderful & handsome 30 year old husband!

This frosted face looks familiar!!

Welcome Baby Jackson!

Jessica and I had the privledge today of meeting sweet baby boy, Jackson McCurdy Thrasher. It's been the tradition among our High School girlfriends to parade to the hospital to meet each newborn. Jackson was born yesterday, July 12th and weighed in at a whopping 8lbs 15 oz. I was thrilled to meet and hold a newborn baby boy again! You forget just how tiny and wonderful they feel in your arms. Jackson is so handsome with such soft baby skin and beautiful red hair. I think he has Mandy's nose, but we'll just have to wait and see who he favors. We know one thing for sure...he's laid back already. Jackson was so content all during our visit. I just stared and stared at his sweet little face watching every facial gesture and yawn. I couldn't get enough!

Mandy handled labor like a champ. She looks fabulous & just glows!! She has this mommy thing down. I think you are all the more confident the second time around!

It's so neat to share in all of these wonderful life moments with the people you love the most. God is SO good! We love you Jackson already. Welcome to the world little man!

Parties GALORE!!

Our family had a blast attending & celebrating Berkley's first Birthday this morning. Lexie and Jonathan turned their back yard into a full blown circus complete with jumpy castles, games, cotton candy, caramel apples and even a popcorn machine. Miller was in heaven taking in all the sights of a circus. He finally got to participate and jump in the jumpy castle with his buds Tucker and Griffin. I use the term "participate" loosely as he was in my arms as we jumped together. He did enjoy rolling around and standing up and falling. Sure...it looks like fun from the outside looking in, but this momma was worn out and HOT from all that jumping with a heavy toddler in my arms!



















Griffin and Miller automatically gravitated toward the football toss game. They ended up throwing the football around in the grass. Miller sure does play full throttle just like a boy!
After "Lil Miss July" delicately showed us her cake smashing skills, it was time for our boy to rest up for round two of the day.

Miller's sweet friend Meg is TWO!! We were thrilled to join Meg for her second birthday ice cream social this afternoon. Miller just loves this frozen treat and who better to celebrate with than Meg on her big kid second birthday. Meg showed Miller how to play on her new & fantastic playscape. Here is how our little guy enjoyed Meg's backyard.... sliding, collecting mulch and eating it, chasing the puppy around the yard, play mowing the grass, eating dirt, putting both hands in the bubble dish, exploring the ice bucket and chasing balls. He just loved hanging out at the bottom of the slide and didn't understand why he needed to move in order for oncoming sliders to move on through. What a funny guy!


Miller had a blast even before he set his sights on dessert. We loved singing to Meg and watching her expression as she blew out her number 2 candle. It didn't seem to want to stay lit, and she kept puffing on it anyway...just precious! Miller got to dig right into his cupcake and ice cream in his own personalized ceramic bowl. It was soo cute! Have you noticed a trend with our little guy? Befriending the cutest of little girls??

Happy, Happy Birthday sweet Meg. Thanks for letting us share in your big day. We also loved meeting the newest addition to the Dahlby family...sweet Kate, only a month old!

"Eat More Chicken!"

After music class today, we joined Paula and Jack for lunch at Chick-Fil-A. This outing was a little different for Miller because it was his first time to dine on a meal from the restaurant. I usually pack a sack lunch or dinner and take it along. Paula showed me the ropes of maneuvering two active toddlers during the hustle and bustle of Chick-Fil-A at noon. Right away, we loaded Jack and Miller into two high chairs, so we could order hands free and they could be contained in one place. There they were -cute as can be- sitting beside us while we were in line. I'm sure it was a sight to see for awaiting customers. It was so nice to wheel Miller right up to the counter to order without juggling his awkwardly heavy body on my hip while I search for my wallet to pay. Then we were off to hunt for a table in the crowded dining area. Picture the scene.... tray with wobbly drink in one hand, large diaper bag full of wipes, toys, high chair cover etc. on one shoulder, the other hand wheeling a hungry toddler to find a table! After locating a table, I needed a moment to sit and just breathe!! Miller was perfectly content looking around at the other kids while I got the meal situated and ready to eat.

Then it was meal time! We set up our tiny diners across from one another so they could participate in active conversation. Miller loved his chicken salad sandwich which Jack recommended. After scarfing down Miller's other half sandwich, Jack& Miller entertained us with a rousing concert of piercing screeches back and forth as the grand finale to our mealtime adventure. All you can do is laugh at their shrills and be thankful that you are at a noisy, kid- friendly restaurant.

Finally, it was off to the playground for a little time to blow off some steam after sitting still for so long. And, that 's just what these little busy bodies did! They were all over the playscape exploring every nook and cranny. They played and played until their hearts were content. With flush faces and sweaty heads, it was time to pack up and leave our playtime bliss. We missed you, Sophia & Caroline. Looking forward to another lunch adventure next Monday!

Miller and I had just one more stop before heading home. We made a quick visit to Grandmama and Poppy's house to say a quick hello and read stories. After blowing bubbles and playing, it was time to get this go-go boy to bed (an hour late!!)

Whew...I think I need a nap too!

Cookie Club Member

Miller is now a member of his very first club! Today, he was inducted into the Publix Kids Cookie Club. His friend Caleb is a member and told him all about the benefits from joining such an cool club. Each time we peruse the ailes of Publix, Miller, mommy, and daddy will proudly hand over the club card in exchange for a hole punch which allows him to eat a free cookie of his choice. Check out his official authorized signature...what a big boy! The best part about the club is that after he gets 10 punches, his card gets entered into a box for a monthly drawing.

Today mommy chose an oatmeal cookie and Miller devoured the cookie to pieces. He was entertained while we shopped and it made parents and baby happy. It was all over his hands and face, and shirt. We can't wait to enjoy member benefits to this club weekly. It's one more place we can go during the day to be entertained. I think we have a little cookie monster on our hands!

Independence Day

Our family had a fantastic time ringing in the 4th at the Fays with friends. Thank you Shane and Lisbeth for hosting such a great cookout at your house. Miller had a grand time exploring Allie's toys inside and outside. While he loved visiting inside with all the ladies....Miller wanted to be outside with all the guys by the grill most of the time. He didn't want to miss out on all the manly banter!
After playing, eating, exploring, and sweating, it was time to take this patriotic boy home to squeeze in a cat nap before the fireworks. So off Miller and mommy went, 5 minutes up the road to rest. While we were away from the party, the "boys" managed to get into a little trouble. They entertained themselves with fireworks in the driveway..blowing up cupcakes and sending lego men attached to bottle rocks flying in the air. These men never grow up!! And through all the noise, action, and adventure...Allie was sound asleep in her bed napping too!!

We reunited about an hour later ready to watch a spectacular fireworks show in Roswell. We staked out a grassy area near Home Depot in anticipation for the first pop in the sky. Miller and Allie were the only babies in attendance with the addition of three more on the way. They enjoyed playing on blankets and eating crackers. They had no idea what they were about to witness in the sky above them. Notice how hard it is to get two toddlers to both look at the camera and look pleasant!!


Dada and Mr. Anthony enjoyed "rough housing" with Miller. They showed him all the lastest wrestling moves. Mr. Anthony enjoyed zerberting Miller's belly. He could barely get away from their hold....squirming and wriggling to break free from their grasps. You could tell by his face that he enjoyed all the tickling attention.

The show started around 9:30, two hours past Miller's bedtime, but he was such a trooper. He sat still (amazing) in dada's lap with his special car in hand to watch all the fireworks in the sky. Allie and Miller new something special was happening as they would point their fingers to the sky to make sure we didn't miss the show.
Happy 4th from our family to yours!!

Dinner by the Lake

Tonight we enjoyed another family dinner hosted by Grandmama and Poppy. We've canceled and rescheduled this fun-filled family event twice, so it was about time that everyone's schedule worked out for Wednesday. It takes a lot of work to put this affair together, so I suggested to just keep it simple and get take out BBQ. Grandmama jumped on this suggestion. Nothing beats slaving in a hot kitchen all day better than take out!

Uncle Clay made a fantastic watermelon, tomato, feta and basil salad. While he was making the salad in the kitchen, Miller enjoyed running around the counters playing hide n' seek with Uncle Clay. He loves all eyes on him and new faces to interact with.

The weather was perfect for gathering on Poppy and Grandmama's back porch overlooking the lake. They just installed a gate off the deck so that Miller can safely play while we eat. He enjoyed playing with his "ba"-ball and "uck"-truck. Occasionally, he would come to the table and beg for a bite of food & then he was off exploring.

After banana pudding dessert compliments of moi'...we strolled on over to the neighborhood playscape for some swinging fun. Uncle Clay brought along his camera for some action shots.