FOOTBALL IN THE PARK

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This is a recap of our seriously awesome day in the park last week. Better late than never, right? 😉 So back to the park. Central Park. Our beautiful backyard. Literally a hop, skip, and jump away from our little ol’ apartment. I can’t tell you how thankful I am to have this lush haven to explore with Lucas. It has been our saving grace on many a cranky afternoon. I am a Central Park ninja at this point – I have scouted out and know all the perfect nearby spots to let Lucas run free and fill his pockets with dirt (under close supervision of course 😉

Last week was no exception. I rounded up the boys and off we went. One of my dearest friends was celebrating her grandmas birthday via a Central Park soiree and we were invited to join the festivities. There was lots and lots of kiddos, amazing food, music, and balloons. What more could we ask for?IMG_5085IMG_5119IMG_5104IMG_5122IMG_5126IMG_5131IMG_5114IMG_5139IMG_5230IMG_5285IMG_5286IMG_5296

We were having such a blast that we didn’t even realize we were still out having fun during Lucas’s bath time. We packed up the stroller and gunned it home, desperately trying to make it back before the little mister passed out. Well not only did he pass out, he was catching those z’s while sitting upright in daddy’s arms! We paid for this later when we HAD to wake him up for a quick rinse before bed (there was actual dirt in his diaper). At least it made for a funny photo op and video. Always a good time with my boys!

FRIENDS, BUBBLES, AND ART

 Today was good. Really good. It was the type of day NYC summer dreams are made of. Ninety degree weather..pshhhh. You don’t scare us! The hubs and I hopped on the train and headed downtown to meet a few of our loves and make a special stop at the Washington Square Outdoor Exhibition: “Art in the Village”. Lucas’s Uncle Phil is one heck of a talented artist and we had to go see his amazing display.
We set up camp right on University Ave. and spent the afternoon drinking chilled tea, blowing bubbles, and watching the passerby’s. One thing about NYC in the summer time, it sure brings out the crazies. I mean this in the nicest way possible, but seriously, sit in one spot for longer than 20 minutes and I guarantee you will be able to count the number of characters that pass you by on both hands. I write this not to scare you, but to assure you that this is what makes our city unique and fun 😉
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IMG_5573Today was only the beginning of what looks to be an incredible summer for us. Keep the scorchers comin’! This mama isn’t complaining one bit (don’t hold this against me when I start rambling about how the heat is unbearable, the trains are stinky, yada yada yada ;). Happy summer days, you guys!

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A NYC TOURIST

photoThis week we had some lovely visitors. My two amazing aunties came from Florida and a family friend flew in from England. This meant exploring my hometown as a tourist, aka the folks I love to hate 😉 I am a born and bred New Yorker. This means I have learned to navigate the streets at a rapid pace, weaving in and out of the oh so lovely people staring in awe at the tall buildings with huge nikons hanging from their necks. I’m a master, even with a baby, stroller, and diaper bag in tow. Growing up in New York you tend to take the beauty of the city for granted. Having non-New Yorkers come visit allows you to slow down and take it all in. We spent the day navigating the city, walking at a slow pace, spent $8 on frozen yogurt (what the what? highway robbery!) – and yes – with our cameras gracefully dangling from our necks.

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By the time we arrived home my feet were aching but my soul was happy. I gave Lucas a bottle of milk and he knocked out like a light. As he softly snored in my arms I kissed his head and smelled a combination of sunscreen, sweat, and Manhattan (we skipped bath time. I figured sleep was more important than a honey scented behind 😉 Sigh. Just when you think NYC can’t get any better, you take a ride on a water taxi and it knocks you right back off your feet.

WEDNESDAY ADVENTURES

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I woke up this morning exhausted and not quite sure where the day would take us. The weather forecast seemed a bit wonky but the house was a mess and neither Lucas or I wanted to stay indoors. Why clean when your backyard is quite literally a giant playground full of adventure. We decided to meet my mom at the Union Square farmers market and take it from there.

IMG_4415IMG_4417IMG_4418IMG_4423IMG_4439IMG_4456IMG_4469IMG_4472IMG_4474IMG_4484IMG_4496IMG_4509After browsing the market we ran into Whole Foods to grab some lunch. We found the perfect spot to eat right next to the fountain. Lucas ran around and chatted with some tourists, ya know, the usual. After filling our bellies we took the train to Columbus Circle to visit a friend with the most amazing view of the city. Seriously, I fall in love with New York all over again every time I step out onto her balcony.

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Thanks NYC for yet another awesome day.

hat, coat, & jeans from zara kids // tank & cardigan from little vida // moccasins c/o freshly picked