Party at the Please Touch

In our opinion, Asher's parties are always a little over the top--even for our taste.  This year was no exception and because we had so many guests invited we felt the need to get a big space.  We had it at the Please Touch Museum. His guests enjoyed admission to the museum, pizza and games and a carousel ride to top it off.  This was the first year that Asher knew more people than we did at the party. We had around 35 guests in attendance and we were so happy that both his Nana and Bubbe could attend. Even our good friends from New Mexico, Rachel and Theo attended the festivities.  The party was a hit and by the end we were thoroughly exhausted and happy.  

The Ladies Man-- Asher is living it up with the ladies. 

When did Birthday hats look this cute?

Patiently waiting for a turn on the carousel

A picture with the Birthday Boy!

Pure Joy

Even Orli and Daddy rode the carousel. She loved it. 

We were so glad our friend Rachel and Theo (not pictured) were able to attend. 

Love this family shot. We are all on the steps of the Please Touch Museum at the end of the party.

Finally, Asher had a class party to round out turning 4--pictures below.

Birthday Boy!

We've decided that turning 4 is truly a magical experience and better than any birthday we have celebrated.  Our little Asher was blessed to have this special event on January 2nd. He started the day with his Bubbe and a balloon. What could be better? Next, we headed to IHOP for a special funny face pancake and then to the Natural History Museum to look at the animals.  We rounded out the afternoon by going to Five Guys which had to the best lunch EVER! Asher wore his crown and everyone told him "Happy Birthday" you could just feel how happy he was with all the attention. When people didn't greet him with a "Happy Birthday" he walked up to them to tell them it was his birthday.  One kind woman gave him a dollar and he had no idea what to do with it. When we walked out someone rolled down their window to wish him a Happy Birthday! Finally, we went home to rest and then had dinner at his favorite restaurant California Pizza Kitchen. We came home and opened presents, played and went to bed. It was truly a dreamy fun filled day!

Natural History Museum Fun!

So happy with the puppets.

Dinner and a brownie at CPK...what could be better?

Sibling Love

We have really enjoyed watching Orli and Asher's relationship develop. Orli thinks Asher is the best and he teaches her so much. She is talking a lot and toddles everywhere and we know that this is directly related to her brother.  Orli now says so many words it is hard to keep track of what is new. She walks like a real pro too. She started walking right around 13 months and hasn't stopped since.
Asher has been so kind to her too. The other day, he got a stuffed animal at the store and asked to get another one so that Orli could have it. When he got home he gave her the toy. The smile on her face was priceless. It is important to remember these small moments especially when they get upset with one another (at this time more Asher than Orli, but we are sure it will be split down the middle soon enough).  We love these two bundles of love!

Every now and then Asher likes to help feed Orli.

Orli loves it.

 She REALLY loves it

The past few weeks, I would secretly place Orli in Asher's bed and watch her face light up as I tucked her under the covers and she cuddled the stuffed animals. She wanted to be just like her brother. I could tell she was in heaven. Now, she will often sneak off and try to get on his bed by arching her back and grunting loud enough to let me know that is what she wants. I was sure that if Asher found out he would get upset. On the contrary, he was delighted and so I let them cuddle together the other day. 

The Claw

My son is obsessed with the claw at the arcade or in this case any place that has a Moon Bounce. This contraption steals your money in hopes that you will magically get lucky and receive the stuffed animal of your Oriental Trading Company dreams. In any event, it is our fault--actually I am calling Jed out. It is HIS fault for this new problem that we face.  The first time Asher was introduced to the claw was at a Bounce House with a rigged claw. Every kid got a prize. Jed thought this was great and dropped the quarter in the slot.  We ended up getting three stuffed animals on one quarter. That was great--except that is not how every claw works and now Asher stalks claws. When he doesn't get the prize a tantrum ensues. The tantrum is like no other. Many quarters and tears have been lost over this terrible toy!

We drove 30 minutes to get to a bounce house. Asher had no interest once he saw the claw. 

This bounce house happened to have 5 claws on the premise. Asher noticed every single one. 

He is staring at the claw while riding his car. Note, the moon bounce in the back that he didn't touch.
This outing was a total failure. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

We ate, played, sipped Starbucks, shopped for last minute items,  napped, played some more, bathed and now are down for the night. Another Thanksgiving at the Silversmiths is in the books.

Trick or Treat

What a night! Asher went trick or treating for the first time and Orli trailed behind in the stroller. We weren't sure how Asher was going to react, but after the first house he was a real pro. He didn't want to be carried at all and would have gone forever, if we let him.  On our way home, he stopped to smell his bag of candy and said, "Halloween candy smells good." When we got home, we dumped his candy out and we let him eat a few pieces.  He asked us how to eat the Milk Duds. I am sure he will never have to ask how to eat candy in the years ahead.

Getting ready to trick or treat

Out with Daddy.

Looking at his loot.

Last week, we  participated in some memorable Halloween events. Jed's firm hosted a Halloween event at Franklin Square. We rode the merry go round and made trick or treat bags. We also left with a few treats.  We also went to the Please Touch museum.  They closed down the museum and made it into a Halloween celebration. Asher went trick or treating, ate treats, and played. Orli came along for the ride, but we think she would have been happier in her crib sleeping.  Finally, we were invited to a Birthday party at a pumpkin patch. We rode a tractor, pet some animals and picked a pumpkin. What a way to celebrate this wonderful holiday.

Our Little Lady Bug Turns 1

Orli turned 1 September 6th and we had fun celebrating this milestone. It has been one amazing year and she has truly brought us so much joy. Orli is always happy, a wonderful eater, babbles constantly, signs 4 words, and says, da-da-which means bottle in Orli speak. She crawls and cruises with the best of them. Orli loves her brother and thinks he is so funny. She loves to take baths and squeals with delight when Daddy walks in the door at the end of the day. Our little lady is a breath of fresh air and pure delight.

Getting ready for our celebration

Nana is so funny!

It's Bubbe time.

Family!

It was a ladybug brunch theme. 

Daddy's girl