Saturday in NYC with the Beckers and Auntie Linda

On Friday very dear family friends the Beckers came for their annual visit. On Saturday we headed into NYC to meet Auntie Linda to have lunch at Rockefeller Center then the Becker's headed off to see the broadway show Promises Promises (they loved it!!) and Linda, Taylor and I headed up 5th Avenue to the Central Park Zoo.

When we got to the zoo, they were closing it. Unfortunately there had just been a tragic accident and they weren't letting anyone else in accept ambulances, paramedics and police. We went into the park to wander around and let Taylor run around. We ended up at Wolman Rink where there was a Victorian Gardens Amusement Park set up. So Taylor went to her 2nd amusement park in 2 days. This was much smaller than Friday's park but had some really great rides. I was able to go on most of them with her. I have to say I had just as much fun as she did.

Friday night Taylor decided that Laura needed a new hairstyle. Laura sat their patiently for about 45 minutes while Taylor had fun with her long hair.

Saturday we went to Rockefeller for our annual lunch. Anyone going to NYC should try it out. You sit outside where the ice rink is in the winter with the fountain as your backdrop. The food is good too.

For dessert Taylor got the brownie sundae (kiddie size!!) and went to town on it. She sure did enjoy it. Once all the ice cream melted in went the straw. It was much easier to blow bubbles in the ice cream than it was to suck it up through the straw. Don't think I ever saw anyone enjoy a brownie sundae as much as my Taylor did. Glad she was sitting on Auntie Linda's lap!!!!!!

Having fun with Linda's new NYC hat.

Here are pictures of Taylor enjoying the rides at the amusement park in Central Park.

Taylor definately enjoyed the train ride and giving Mommy a lift.

This was a very cool roller coaster. It didn't go up and down it whipped around sharp turns. Taylor was laughing all the way.

Auntie Linda had to get in on the fun and rode in the spinning hot air balloons with Taylor.

Taylor watching the swing ride. She didn't go on it because they raise the swings about 5 1/2 feet of the ground and they go around really fast. A little to wild for her now.

By the time we left and finally found a Starbucks to cool down in, get our iced teas and relax in before we had to meet the Beckers Taylor passed out for her afternoon nap. The street sounds of NYC and the noise in Starbucks had no effect on her...she was out. With the exception of the incident at the Central Park Zoo we all had a great time in NYC and a wonderful weekend with the Beckers.

The best ride of the amusement park was the frog ride. It bounded up and down just like a frog and went ribbit. Taylor thoroughly enjoyed it as you will see in the below video. I have to say that I had just as much fun on it and Auntie Linda was laughing just as hard watching us.

Friday At the Amusement Park

On Friday Taylor's school was closed so I took the day off from work and we headed to Keansburg Amusement Park in Keansburg, NJ. There was a section of the park that was just kiddie rides and Taylor was over the minimum height requirement so was able to go on any ride she wanted. She went on just about all the rides and had a great time. The last ride she went on she didn't like and ended up crying. After that I decided it was time to head home and get a much needed nap. Will definately go back since she had so much fun and really liked the rides.

Lets get this show on the road.

This ride went up and bounced down. She loved it.

Look Mommy a motorcycle. Can I have one?

This ride went round and round and was a little bumpy. She laughed and laughed and just loved it.

First Dentist Appointment

This morning I took Taylor in for her first dentist appointment at 8:00am. What a great place that caters to kids. Thought I would have a hard time getting Taylor out of there because they had some great toys in the waiting room. Taylor did really well with the hygentist and pretty good with the dentist. Hygentist Linda gave her a brand new Cinderella toothbrush with a rotating head and used it to demonstrate on the back of Taylor's hand how it tickles and that she was going to tickle Taylor's teeth. She then showed her the little mirror she would be using, the water spray and suction. Of course Taylor had to try them all out. She got up in the chair (didn't need to sit on Mommy's lap), had her little bib put on and opened wide. I sat right next to her holding her hands while Linda checked everything out and cleaned her teeth. Taylor was so good until it was time for the floride. She either didn't like it or was tired of having her teeth worked on because there were some tears but not for long. Taylor got her very own little goodie bag with her new toothbruch, floss, toothpaste and a little Bright Smile certificate.

Then it was on to see the dentist for his evaluation. On my lap she went backwards so she could lay down on my legs with her head on his knees. Didn't like that at all and the tears started but at least her mouth was wide open so he could see her mouth and teeth. After his exam he declared that she had healthy looking teeth and gums and he best part....NO cavities. We go back again in 6 months. Once she starts loosing her baby teeth then the work will begin. Palate widening and possible spacers to help make room for her permanent teeth to come in. She may also need some bone grafting done. Won't know about that for a few years yet. All in all it was a good first visit to the dentist.

So you are probably wondering where is the picture of Taylor in the chair having her teeth cleaned. Well I did take a picture with my blackberry but as soon as I took it I had to sit next to her and hold her hands. Tossed it in my bag without even checking to make sure it was saved. Assumed it would be good. Wrong!!!!! When I got to work I went to show it to someone and it wasn't there :( No room for it to be saved...had to many other pictures that I hadn't deleted yet. Oh well maybe next time for her 2nd visit.

Big weekend coming up. Taylor has no school tomorrow so I am taking the day off and we are heading to a nearby amusement park. Good friends coming to town tomorrow night and off to NYC on Saturday for lunch and a visit to the Central Park Zoo. Stay tuned for lots of pictures.

Coming in from the Grocery Store

When we go out in the car, Taylor likes to takes things with her for the ride. Lately it usually is one of her many bags filled with things. She also wants it to go back in the cargo area not on the seat next to her. She has to do what Mommy does with her bags although my bags are for coming home after shopping not going out. On Sunday we went to the grocery store and in the back went her bag and a pinwheel. When we got home out came the groceries and her bag and pinwheel. When I turned around she also had her China sunglasses on. She was too cute I had to rush in and get the camera. Below is what I got. Just made my day!! She is such a girl.

You never know what awaits you in the next room

I was in the kitchen and Taylor was in the living room watching her Sesame Street alphabet DVD. When I went into the living I was surprised to see how Taylor was watching here DVD. She is usually lying on the couch but not this time. That is a lollipop in her hands. Not sure why she had the blanket on her legs because it isn't cold in the house. At least she was comfortable and enjoying the DVD.

A Day at the Farm

Today Taylor and I went to Johnson Farm in Medford, NJ with our friends JoAnne and Danielle. We had a great time. We rode on a tractor that took us out to the fields where we picked blueberries, strawberries and peaches. We now have enough fruit for breakfast for the next week. Taylor and Danielle played on the playgroud and fed the goats. Ended the visit with ice cream cones...not sure if more went on her clothes, hands and legs or in her mouth. She enjoyed it so it doesn't really matter.

Taylor had a first today...she used her first porta-potty / outhouse. Guess when you gotta go you go wherever is available to you.

You would think this was taken after we got home but it wasn't. Taylor decided to take a catnap on the way to JoAnne and Danielle's and fell asleep about 15 minutes before we got there. She looked so cute, I couldn't resist taking this picture.

Danielle and Taylor on the tractor going out to the fields.

Picking blueberries.

Look at all the blueberries we picked.

Danielle and Taylor in the strawberry field picking away.

The pears were low enough on the trees for Taylor to reach them and pick them and then put them in her bag. She picked enough peaches for me to take some to work on Monday to share with all her friends there.

Taylor is feeding the goats by putting the corn through the shute.

Playing in the extra large sandbox.

In the playgroun there were too large rocks set up for the girls to climb which they both did with excellent skill.

Driving the tractor.

Sunday Fun in the Sun with Friends

Today we got together with my friends from NJ and PA that I met through my adoption agency. We have been getting together for the past 4 years as we have navigated our way through our journies to China. Today we all got together and JoAnne and Danielle's house for a barbeque. Taylor had a blast running around with Danielle and Olivia. Can't wait for Erin to become mobile so she can join in the fun. Here are some pictures from our day.

Erin

Taylor having fun with Danielle's dolls.

The girls sure did have fun on Danielle's slip and slide.

Yum...ice cream cake!!!!!

The whole group. Can't wait for it to grow bigger as Dina, Heather and Cindy go to China to bring home their girls.