Snow Birds

We played the part of sterotypical New Jerseyians last week by escaping the cold weather of the northeast for the warm, sunny skies of Florida. I think we even ran into Murrary and Regina down there? Actually, Mark had a conference in Tampa, so Finn and I decided it would be a good excuse to work on our tans. 

We had a really great trip--the weather was perfect. We took trips to the zoo, the aquarium, the park, playground, rode the trolley and logged many hours in the pool. It was so nice to be outside and not have to bundle up. Finn wore sandals for the first time and was so impressed that he could see his toes, even though he was still wearing shoes. He would stop every few steps and bend over and touch his toes just because he could. The hotel elevator was also a big draw. It was glass and you could see through to the outside. Finn loved pushing the buttons, although his fellow riders did not. Unfortunately (for the hotel staff), the most Finn-accessible elevator button also happened to be the emergency call button, which he managed to push at least three separate times. 

One of the things I liked most about being in Florida, besides temperatures in the 80s, was the abundance of parks and playgrounds. The airport even had a playground! And almost every one we visited had a fountain where the kids could play. Finn thought this was the greatest idea ever. Check out the belly on my little redneck.

Top O' the Morning to You

Although Finn really wanted to celebrate St. Patty's day with a pint of green beer, he settled for a trip to the Please Touch Museum in Philly with his friends. Feeling rather brave, I set off for a fun-filled day with two of my friends and their four kids, which including Finn, made five kids to keep track of. They really should have named it the "Please Touch and Run Around Like a Wild Indian and Throw Lots of Tantrums" Museum, because there was certainly lots of that going on. Finn being one of the many perpetrators. But to be fair, the place is a child's fantasy. So much to see and do. It was so hard to keep up with him and take pictures, that I gave up. Here are a couple of photos from the first exhibit we visited. He also really enjoyed the carousel and was particularly offended when he was evicted from his pony after only one ride. He didn't really care that other kids were waiting in line. 

Happy St. Patty's Day

All aboard the train to crazy town 

Finn, Cooper and Gabriel are living life in the fast lane

Longingly looking at the giant ball pit (which was off limits?)

Working the crane

Last one to the top is a rotten egg

R.I.P. Morning Nap

Can everyone please pause for a brief moment of silence to mourn the passing of our dearly beloved friend, the morning nap. Finn's morning nap to be precise.  Because it is no longer with us.  

This transition from two naps to one has not been without a few rough days for sure, but he seems to have moved on just fine. I'm the one that's totally pooped out. While we were all over the place for a while, he seems to be falling into a more regular schedule with a single afternoon nap. Just know, if you ever want to get me on the phone, call between 1 and 3. 

With the passing of the nap, he has adopted a fierce attachment to his lovey, which he calls "night, night." He loves to haul it around and roll all over it. He won't even go near his bed without it. Of course I don't blame him, I was a big fan of the "night, night" too, except I called mine baa and by the time it was over, all that was left was a small threadbare square of pink fabric. My sister had "pappy pickit" which was this pitiful stuffed animal that she methodically picked all of the fur off of.  My roommate in college took her "coveys" to college (I think she still has them).

It's too bad that we adults don't get to pick out what our children use as "night, nights." Although, I tried. I had this really cute small, lightweight little puppy dog blanket. But Finn wasn't the slightest bit interested. He prefers the giant-blue chenille-fuzz shedding blanket that weighs at least 5 pounds. 

I have resigned myself to his choice of night nights. I will carry it everywhere we go, and sweat buckets underneath it on the airplane, because he loves it. And it keeps him quiet. And if the guys in the high school locker room tease him because of it, that will be his problem.

Finn and the City

This past weekend we took a trip to NYC to visit our friends Lin and Geoff. It was so much fun seeing them and catching up. Finn enjoyed walking along the Hudson and chasing birds, as well as trying his hand at chopsticks. He even made friends with a lady who was walking a cat on a leash. Yes, you can see it all in New York. Lin and Geoff are expecting a new addition in May. We can't wait to meet Baby J.

Chopsticks anyone?

I'm not sure if he was eating a lemon or an orange. Probably both.

Giving Lin a hug

Overlooking the Hudson, with Lady Liberty in the background

Budding Artist

Since it's been so cold here lately, we have had to resort to indoor activities. Which is another way of saying we are all driving each other bananas. So, I let Finn try his hand at finger painting, even though the box of washable finger paints said "for age 2 and up." Obviously there is a good reason for the age recommendation. Finn was more interested in how the paint tasted than how it looked on paper. We now also have a nice blue collage on the wall and the railings of the gate are covered in blue paint. But didn't the pictures turn out cute? 

Bizkit

This video was posted on Dooce, a website that I follow. I laughed so hard I almost fell out of the chair. Since I know many of you are dog lovers I thought I would share. Have you ever had a dream that was so real when you woke up you were almost certain that it actually happened? This video is proof that we aren't the only ones it happens to . . .

Finn's Bromance

While we were in town, Finn was able to pay a visit to his friend Wade. Finn loved playing with Wade and his toys, dogs and eating his chicken nuggets. I didn't take any pictures, but Kriya did, so enjoy hers. 

Bromance

A Walk in the Park

Finn and I spent a week with my parents while Mark was working in San Diego. We had a great time seeing our friends and family. Finn was spoiled by his Big and Baa and Aunt Lindsey--he was treated to ice cream, homemade pancakes with whipped cream on top, new toys, trips to the park, bike rides, a visit with his extended family and lots of TLC from some of his favorite folks. He even made the trip in to Atlanta for a manly playdate with his buddy Wade (while his mom visited with Kriya and got some emergency dental work--Thanks Dr. Beau!).  

And I must give props to the Philadelphia Airport and USAir . . . for the first time in a really long time, our flights were relatively on time and pain free, which is not usually the case. Although, Finn begged to differ when the security agent made him take off his mardi gras beads before going through security. 

A fun day at the park

Look at that million-dollar smile

After much cajoling, they BOTH face and smile for the camera

Higher

A great picture, minus the work of local "artists"

Going down the slide with a little assistance

Hanging with his cuz

Playing fetch with Peyton

Although he had many new toys waiting for him, 

he preferred playing with sticks and rocks