Road Trip

It is really hard to put into words the sheer joy we had this past weekend. Seeing the look in my son's eyes as we drove down our old street, played with our friends, and stayed in a hotel was something I will never forget.

Our friend's birthday party was this past weekend, so Asher and I decided to make a road trip to celebrate.  Asher was so excited to spend one-on-one time with me. The night before we discussed what we should pack and the next day Asher had packed his suitcase. I double checked to make sure he had everything in there and to my surprise he did. He remembered what we had discussed down to the extra underwear. He also scurried to the bathroom to include a band-aid, just in case! Good thinking, Asher, safety first!

It was a lovely trip catching up with friends and having alone time with my precious son. We both want to do it again soon.

First stop, Joyful Jumps and lunch for a meet-up with Kiera and her Mommy.

Playing with friends on 6th street

budding pianists

Time to Party, Asher had a blast at Emma's party and had 4 slices of pizza in one sitting.

When Asher walked into the hotel room, he turned to me and said, "Fancy!"
He called the table lamps "Good Night Lights" and wanted to hang out in the room all day.

Quick stop at Lincoln Park before heading home.

Back to Philly

Ending February on a High Note!

Orli is a character. She loves to dance and sing.  Lately, we have noticed that she is paying close attention to the words and acts out many songs. Her favorites include: Patty Cake, The Wheels on a Bus (yesterday she improvised with a hanger she found on the floor to mimic a steering wheel), Baby Sign Time (The theme song to her favorite show), If you're happy and you know it, and Ring a Round the Roses.  What a little love.

Snow Angels

This past week, Asher had his first snow day of the year. The day was made even better because Daddy decided to work from home. When Orli saw the snow falling from the sky she pointed and said, "bubbles!" We thought that was just about the cutest thing ever and now every time I see the snow falling I think of her comment and can't stop smiling.

Is the storm happening inside or outside of the car? We are not sure! Asher was having a meltdown because school was let out early due to the impending storm. We sat in the car for over 15 minutes while he sobbed. Poor guy! POOR MOMMY and ORLI!!!

The snow day started with board games in our pjs.

Followed by baking in our Pjs.

Adding the sprinkles was the best part.

We also completed a lot of arts and crafts. Here is Asher showing the luminary we finished. 

Playing in the snow? We were supposed to get 10 inches we maybe got two.

still enough to make a snow angel and this was his first.

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.