The celebration of Lulu continues with the newest dance recital video. Beware, adorable craziness ahead!
http://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.png00Meganhttp://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.pngMegan2012-06-05 07:59:112012-06-05 07:59:11Baby, You Can Drive My Car
Today you turned six years old, and as I say every single birthday, I just can’t fathom it. You’re six! SIX! At your dance recital on Friday my mom brought you my school picture from when I was six, and I almost started bawling. I remember so much about being six. For me, the picture brought back some not so nice memories of mean girls and bullying, but you thought it was amazing. Your mom was six once! I know, I don’t believe it either.
This year you’ve already dealt with some of the drama of life, learning about and having to navigate the issue of bullying yourself. At first I was shocked we had to talk about this at such a young age, but on the other hand, I’m honestly glad it happened how it did. You are still innocent and forgiving, and the girl who bullied you became a friend by the end of the year, mostly due to your open-hearted nature. You understand there are bad people in the world, but you want to help them. Your first reaction is never anger or hate, you always want to understand why and find a way to assist others. It’s really incredible. And it has been such a joy to watch.
You began and finished your first year of elementary school and, as expected, you were a star. You made wonderful friends and learned so very much. Tonight, before bed, you read me two books and yesterday you were doing math quizzes in the car. You spent most of your school year in an advanced math group, which is totally frightening since my math expertise lasts through about 8th grade level. By the time you’re in second grade I probably won’t even be able to help with your homework! Academically, you seem to be the perfect blend of your dad and I. You are creative and thoughtful, but also rational and methodical. I feel sorry for anyone who tries to get in your way.
This year we also explored the world of extracurricular activities, and, Lu, it has left your mama permanently scarred. I am not sure how I’m going to do this…to be a mom of someone so talented and lovely that she wants to be a part of everything out there. You did dance and soccer and swimming and rock climbing and you wanted to do so much more! I had to put my foot down when things were obviously too much, but you weren’t happy about it. You’ve informed me that next year you want to do dance, soccer, t-ball, singing lessons, piano lessons, art classes, rock climbing and Girl Scouts. I am exhausted just typing that sentence!
Lulu, this is all going too fast. Just yesterday your dad and I took you and your brother to a Royals game, and I took a photo of you sitting your dad’s shoulders. I immediately thought of a similar photo I’d taken a few years before and I couldn’t believe it. Now your legs are so long, they hardly fit into the frame! Your face is different and you have two loose teeth. You don’t want my help and you have chores and you don’t like me listening when you’re talking to your friends. You have a boom box and a favorite boy band and did I mention those loose teeth? You are a person now, a kid, with ideas and thoughts of your own. You have a life outside of your life with me, and that is terrifying.
But, luckily, I know you. You with the huge smile and the dimples by your eyes. You who almost always does the right thing. So I have to trust you. It’s hard, but I have to let you go just a little bit, so you can learn who you are. You are an incredible daughter, sister and friend. Just remember, I’m always up for a bedtime cuddle. I’m always here, Lulubelle. I love you.
Love,
Mama
http://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.png00Meganhttp://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.pngMegan2012-06-03 22:04:592012-06-04 08:47:14Six. Years. Old.
Instead of my normal weekend roundup/Instagram photos of the week, today I figured I’d post a wrap up of our fun Memorial Day weekend in New York City. Trent and his business partner were amazing enough to treat us to this trip to celebrate the five year anniversary of the start of their company. I was so happy to be included and to be really appreciated. As many spouses of entrepreneurs probably know, the time and money required to start and cultivate a successful business it can be very stressful on a family and marriage, so the point of this trip was to take some time out to celebrate everything the four of us have done to make this adventure work.
On to the fun! The basis of this trip for me was relaxation. This was the first time I had left the kids (save my girls trip in 2010, but I was pregnant, so I’m not counting it) and the first time Trent and I had been away together alone since New Years Eve of 2005. That is quite a long time. Ahem. Although NYC can be crazy, we knew we wanted to keep the trip fun and easy, so we really didn’t make too many plans. Since we have family in the area, we have been to the city several times over the last few years, which meant we didn’t feel any pressure to do anything touristy or “fit it all in” to our four day trip. Here is our day by day schedule of incredible-ness! Hopefully you will try out some of the same things on your next trip to NYC!
Day 1
We flew in to Newark and had a bit of a delay, so we ended up having dinner around Grand Central Station at a place called Naples 45 Ristorante e Pizzeria. It was perfect and just what we needed after a long day of travel. We then took a pedicab to Times Square, where we kissed and pretended it was New Years Eve because we are awesome. We ended up heading to the multi-story AMC Theater and seeing The Avengers in 3D, and then walked back to our hotel at 2 a.m. high on Twizzlers and life.
Day 2
On Saturday, I got this crazy idea to walk from our hotel at 38th and Park Avenue to Brooklyn. Yes, walk. I know. I’m a crazy person. But it was one of the best ideas ever. I strolled around the city with no time table or agenda, slowly making my way to my best friend and her family, who were waiting for me on the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge. I saw so many amazing parts of the city. I haven’t really spent time alone with my own thoughts in years, so this four and a half hour walk felt more like meditation to me. It was one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
{Numbered Items Above: 1. Walking along the East River and past the Williamsburg Bridge // 2. STOP // 3. People watching at Stuyvesant Square // 4. Chinatown // 5. Columbus Park // 6. Skater at Columbus Park // 7. Me on the riverwalk // 8. New York City Courthouse // 9. Street vendor faire}
I met Theresa and her family at Brooklyn Bridge Park, where I finally was able to snuggle her new baby, Miss Lena Mae! It was so lovely to see them, and after lunch we played in the park before a rain storm soaked us. Even that was fun though, as it provided for some fantastic photo ops (nerd alert!). I love this family so much, and it was incredible to see them as parents. Hooray for Jonathon and Theresa!
After I took the subway back to Manhattan, I met up with Trent and we headed out to meet Mikayla and Heath for dinner (Trent and Heath spent the day at the Chelsea Piers driving range, while Mikayla relaxed at her hotel’s incredible pool). We had dinner at Tribeca Churrascaria, a Brazillian place where we got to hear Mikayla speak some Portugese and the boys stuffed themselves silly with all sorts of delicious meats.
Day 3
On Sunday we slept in until 11. Don’t judge, it was amazing. Then we headed out to see my first Broadway play (life list, ahoy!), Newsies, which is based on one of Mikayla and I’s favorite movies. While waiting for the rest of the gang to arrive, Trent and I somehow found ourselves in a comic book store where we bought so much ridiculous stuff, including a plush Tardis. Yes, a PLUSH TARDIS! And it gets all “timey wimey” when you press the button on top. You can laugh, but when we stepped into a bar before the play to grab a quick drink, another Doctor Who fan who also happened to be a waiter came over and we had quite the convo about the Who-verse. He also informed me that there is a Doctor Who bar in Brooklyn. So if any of you are in Brooklyn, go there!
The play was amazing, full of cute boys spinning in newsboy caps. The plot was changed a bit from the movie, so that was a fun surprise, and Mikayla and I had a hard time not singing along to every word.
After the play we headed (on our earlier bartender’s recommendation) to 230 Fifth, a rooftop bar that is situated right between the Chrystler Building and the Empire State Building, with amazing views. While there, we presented the boys with some congratulatory gifts and hilarious cards of thanks from their business associates. Then we headed out to the fanciest dinner ever at Del Friscos near Rockefeller Plaza. The food was incredible, the wine was delicious, and our waiter was an actor who was on 30 Rock last year. Oh, New York, I love you.
We said goodbye to our friends and walked home in the rain, which I highly recommend. Nothing like long walks with the twinkly city lights to make you remember why you married someone in the first place.
Note: You married them because they make you laugh.
Day 4
Our last day in the city was fairly laid back. After sleeping in for what might be the last time for the next six years, we headed to the Metropolitan Museum to spend the afternoon. I had never been, so I was pretty enthralled with all the exhibits, but I especially loved the sculptures and Greek art. Trent was a huge fan of the Medieval displays.
After that, Trent headed back to the hotel to rest for a bit and I walked down to Bryant Park, where I read and sipped wine at the Bryant Park Cafe. Trent met me for dinner and ice cream, then we stopped at a few souvenir shops to pick up some gifts for friends and family.
That is pretty much it! I have to say, it was a wonderful trip all around, and I came home rested and so, so happy. Hooray for NYC!
(Sidenote: Our hotel was the Kimpton at 70 Park Avenue and I couldn’t recommend it more! It was reasonably priced for the city and close to everything. We could get to most of the NYC hotspots on foot within 20 minutes. It’s a bit small [H & M stayed at the Dream Hotel in the Meatpacking District which is HUGE and amazing!], but the Kimpton had everything we needed for our little stay.)
http://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.png00Meganhttp://www.crazybananas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Crazy_Banans_Logo_WebsiteBanner.pngMegan2012-06-01 09:24:132012-06-04 14:37:40New York City Wrap Up
Baby, You Can Drive My Car
/1 Comment/in Lucy, Videos /by MeganThe celebration of Lulu continues with the newest dance recital video. Beware, adorable craziness ahead!
Six. Years. Old.
/0 Comments/in Lucy /by MeganDear Lucy,
Today you turned six years old, and as I say every single birthday, I just can’t fathom it. You’re six! SIX! At your dance recital on Friday my mom brought you my school picture from when I was six, and I almost started bawling. I remember so much about being six. For me, the picture brought back some not so nice memories of mean girls and bullying, but you thought it was amazing. Your mom was six once! I know, I don’t believe it either.
This year you’ve already dealt with some of the drama of life, learning about and having to navigate the issue of bullying yourself. At first I was shocked we had to talk about this at such a young age, but on the other hand, I’m honestly glad it happened how it did. You are still innocent and forgiving, and the girl who bullied you became a friend by the end of the year, mostly due to your open-hearted nature. You understand there are bad people in the world, but you want to help them. Your first reaction is never anger or hate, you always want to understand why and find a way to assist others. It’s really incredible. And it has been such a joy to watch.
You began and finished your first year of elementary school and, as expected, you were a star. You made wonderful friends and learned so very much. Tonight, before bed, you read me two books and yesterday you were doing math quizzes in the car. You spent most of your school year in an advanced math group, which is totally frightening since my math expertise lasts through about 8th grade level. By the time you’re in second grade I probably won’t even be able to help with your homework! Academically, you seem to be the perfect blend of your dad and I. You are creative and thoughtful, but also rational and methodical. I feel sorry for anyone who tries to get in your way.
This year we also explored the world of extracurricular activities, and, Lu, it has left your mama permanently scarred. I am not sure how I’m going to do this…to be a mom of someone so talented and lovely that she wants to be a part of everything out there. You did dance and soccer and swimming and rock climbing and you wanted to do so much more! I had to put my foot down when things were obviously too much, but you weren’t happy about it. You’ve informed me that next year you want to do dance, soccer, t-ball, singing lessons, piano lessons, art classes, rock climbing and Girl Scouts. I am exhausted just typing that sentence!
Lulu, this is all going too fast. Just yesterday your dad and I took you and your brother to a Royals game, and I took a photo of you sitting your dad’s shoulders. I immediately thought of a similar photo I’d taken a few years before and I couldn’t believe it. Now your legs are so long, they hardly fit into the frame! Your face is different and you have two loose teeth. You don’t want my help and you have chores and you don’t like me listening when you’re talking to your friends. You have a boom box and a favorite boy band and did I mention those loose teeth? You are a person now, a kid, with ideas and thoughts of your own. You have a life outside of your life with me, and that is terrifying.
But, luckily, I know you. You with the huge smile and the dimples by your eyes. You who almost always does the right thing. So I have to trust you. It’s hard, but I have to let you go just a little bit, so you can learn who you are. You are an incredible daughter, sister and friend. Just remember, I’m always up for a bedtime cuddle. I’m always here, Lulubelle. I love you.
Love,
Mama
New York City Wrap Up
/2 Comments/in Fun, Happiness, Photos /by MeganInstead of my normal weekend roundup/Instagram photos of the week, today I figured I’d post a wrap up of our fun Memorial Day weekend in New York City. Trent and his business partner were amazing enough to treat us to this trip to celebrate the five year anniversary of the start of their company. I was so happy to be included and to be really appreciated. As many spouses of entrepreneurs probably know, the time and money required to start and cultivate a successful business it can be very stressful on a family and marriage, so the point of this trip was to take some time out to celebrate everything the four of us have done to make this adventure work.
On to the fun! The basis of this trip for me was relaxation. This was the first time I had left the kids (save my girls trip in 2010, but I was pregnant, so I’m not counting it) and the first time Trent and I had been away together alone since New Years Eve of 2005. That is quite a long time. Ahem. Although NYC can be crazy, we knew we wanted to keep the trip fun and easy, so we really didn’t make too many plans. Since we have family in the area, we have been to the city several times over the last few years, which meant we didn’t feel any pressure to do anything touristy or “fit it all in” to our four day trip. Here is our day by day schedule of incredible-ness! Hopefully you will try out some of the same things on your next trip to NYC!
Day 1
We flew in to Newark and had a bit of a delay, so we ended up having dinner around Grand Central Station at a place called Naples 45 Ristorante e Pizzeria. It was perfect and just what we needed after a long day of travel. We then took a pedicab to Times Square, where we kissed and pretended it was New Years Eve because we are awesome. We ended up heading to the multi-story AMC Theater and seeing The Avengers in 3D, and then walked back to our hotel at 2 a.m. high on Twizzlers and life.
Day 2
On Saturday, I got this crazy idea to walk from our hotel at 38th and Park Avenue to Brooklyn. Yes, walk. I know. I’m a crazy person. But it was one of the best ideas ever. I strolled around the city with no time table or agenda, slowly making my way to my best friend and her family, who were waiting for me on the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge. I saw so many amazing parts of the city. I haven’t really spent time alone with my own thoughts in years, so this four and a half hour walk felt more like meditation to me. It was one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
{Numbered Items Above: 1. Walking along the East River and past the Williamsburg Bridge // 2. STOP // 3. People watching at Stuyvesant Square // 4. Chinatown // 5. Columbus Park // 6. Skater at Columbus Park // 7. Me on the riverwalk // 8. New York City Courthouse // 9. Street vendor faire}
I met Theresa and her family at Brooklyn Bridge Park, where I finally was able to snuggle her new baby, Miss Lena Mae! It was so lovely to see them, and after lunch we played in the park before a rain storm soaked us. Even that was fun though, as it provided for some fantastic photo ops (nerd alert!). I love this family so much, and it was incredible to see them as parents. Hooray for Jonathon and Theresa!
After I took the subway back to Manhattan, I met up with Trent and we headed out to meet Mikayla and Heath for dinner (Trent and Heath spent the day at the Chelsea Piers driving range, while Mikayla relaxed at her hotel’s incredible pool). We had dinner at Tribeca Churrascaria, a Brazillian place where we got to hear Mikayla speak some Portugese and the boys stuffed themselves silly with all sorts of delicious meats.
Day 3
On Sunday we slept in until 11. Don’t judge, it was amazing. Then we headed out to see my first Broadway play (life list, ahoy!), Newsies, which is based on one of Mikayla and I’s favorite movies. While waiting for the rest of the gang to arrive, Trent and I somehow found ourselves in a comic book store where we bought so much ridiculous stuff, including a plush Tardis. Yes, a PLUSH TARDIS! And it gets all “timey wimey” when you press the button on top. You can laugh, but when we stepped into a bar before the play to grab a quick drink, another Doctor Who fan who also happened to be a waiter came over and we had quite the convo about the Who-verse. He also informed me that there is a Doctor Who bar in Brooklyn. So if any of you are in Brooklyn, go there!
The play was amazing, full of cute boys spinning in newsboy caps. The plot was changed a bit from the movie, so that was a fun surprise, and Mikayla and I had a hard time not singing along to every word.
After the play we headed (on our earlier bartender’s recommendation) to 230 Fifth, a rooftop bar that is situated right between the Chrystler Building and the Empire State Building, with amazing views. While there, we presented the boys with some congratulatory gifts and hilarious cards of thanks from their business associates. Then we headed out to the fanciest dinner ever at Del Friscos near Rockefeller Plaza. The food was incredible, the wine was delicious, and our waiter was an actor who was on 30 Rock last year. Oh, New York, I love you.
We said goodbye to our friends and walked home in the rain, which I highly recommend. Nothing like long walks with the twinkly city lights to make you remember why you married someone in the first place.
Note: You married them because they make you laugh.
Day 4
Our last day in the city was fairly laid back. After sleeping in for what might be the last time for the next six years, we headed to the Metropolitan Museum to spend the afternoon. I had never been, so I was pretty enthralled with all the exhibits, but I especially loved the sculptures and Greek art. Trent was a huge fan of the Medieval displays.
After that, Trent headed back to the hotel to rest for a bit and I walked down to Bryant Park, where I read and sipped wine at the Bryant Park Cafe. Trent met me for dinner and ice cream, then we stopped at a few souvenir shops to pick up some gifts for friends and family.
That is pretty much it! I have to say, it was a wonderful trip all around, and I came home rested and so, so happy. Hooray for NYC!
(Sidenote: Our hotel was the Kimpton at 70 Park Avenue and I couldn’t recommend it more! It was reasonably priced for the city and close to everything. We could get to most of the NYC hotspots on foot within 20 minutes. It’s a bit small [H & M stayed at the Dream Hotel in the Meatpacking District which is HUGE and amazing!], but the Kimpton had everything we needed for our little stay.)