At last, I can sit down to do a post. I have to take the chance when I can, as there always seems to be something going on here. This morning, I grabbed my laptop and was just about to start wading through my 750 e-mails, when our son called up the stairs, “Mom, are you ready?” “Ready for what?” I asked, fearing the worst. We were apparently expected at a 3rd birthday party, so on with the boots and jacket, into the car and off down the road. I think that parents of small children are so brave to invite all these little people to their house for a few hours. The dad was in one corner of the kitchen, churning out little handmade pizzas, as if his life depended on it. Various moms and dads were trying to control their toddlers, and stop them from destroying the property. Much food had been lovingly prepared, labelled and set on plates, ready to be half eaten, dropped on the floor, or left for the family to consume over the next couple of days. The cake was really lovely, and I did have a piece, against my better judgement. Sugar overload! 😯
It started to snow after we’d been there for about an hour, and looked so pretty out of the window, but it made me wish I’d brought a long sleeved jacket instead of just a fur vest, and had worn my snow boots rather than my fashion boots with heels.
Yesterday, was also quite a cold day, and the family decided to go to the ice rink,
I didn’t try skating, as I figured that I’ve got this far through my life without it, so why do I need to risk a twisted ankle at this late stage. One young woman did fall, and it was a good hour before she was stretchered off, after lying there on the ice whilst someone with a clipboard asked her a whole lot of questions, and made copious notes. I’m sure she must have been quite frozen.
Little Taylor made a valiant effort, helped along by her dad.
After a while, she gave up and came to watch with me, through the glass.
Down in the basement here, I was cajoled into playing hula hoop. Sienna is an absolute star.
We had a competition to see who could hula with the most hoops, and I was the loser. 😦
Whilst little Max was busy ‘cleaning’ the floor with his favourite Christmas present,
I was roped in to sing Christmas carols with Sienna and her cousin.
We also had a visit to the doctor, for Max. The waiting room was so beautifully decorated with murals,
but Max was much more interested in watching the fishies.
Out in the car park, I spotted this rather long limo. We could really fit the whole family in that, no problem.
Tonight we’re going out for dinner and to see the movieLes Misérables. I’m so looking forward to it, and wonder how it will compare to the stage show I saw a few years ago.
We are still here for a few more days, and tomorrow were going into the city to the Natural History Museum. I always love a visit there, as the exhibits are so fascinating. Thanks so much to those of you who have visited my blog over the past few days. I will catch up with you all as best I can, even if it’s only on the long drive back down to Florida. I hope to manage another post before then, children permitting, but now my presence is required elsewhere. 🙂
Sounds and look like a ton of fun… and that cake; what a celebration! hurrah! 🙂
Glad to see that the young generation is learning how to iceskate 😀
It’s compulsory in NJ. 🙂
Thank you for sharing the fun you are having with the children AD. That cake is stunning, and your grandkids, so adorable 🙂
Here is the video … from CIRQ –
Thanks so much. Sienna and I just watched it. Absolutely awesome! 🙂
So welcome – I think it’s one of the best artists I seen with the CRIQ.
What a lovely gathering ! Hectic but immense fun you’ve had AD.
Love those diddyiceskateboots on little one 😀
Yes, it was a lot of fun, Poppy. 😀
That cake is just the most amazing thing ever!
It is a beautiful cake, Kaly. It seemed like such a pity to cut into it, but it tasted delicious. 🙂
Super adorable cake!! What a fun trip you are having. I’m loving all the fun activities. I know they are enjoying your company too. Days are going by too fast.
Thanks so much, Angelia. Yes, we leave tomorrow, but it’s been a great visit, and we’ll see them again in February when they visit us in Florida. 🙂
I love the murals from the doctor’s office, they’re beautiful!
Yes, they were really gorgeous murals, Milka. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this Sylvia !That cake is just gorgeous!I like photo your car ! Full of joy , laughter and joy , and may you realize every desire , you smile never leaving her face. Let a Happy New Year for You and your family ! With love Maxima
Thanks so much, Stefan. Your wishes are really wonderful. I hope your New Year will be a very happy and prosperous one for you. Bloggie hugs to you. 😀
Well certainly looks like you are enjoying a wonderful family Christmas and holiday time up there in the frozen northland Sylvia!
I have simlar ‘toy’ here if Max ever feels the need to play. And the last time I looked over our carpeting, there should be hours of fun awaiting! 😉 😀
I’ll send Max down there, as soon as he’s finished cleaning up here, but with three small kids, I guess that could be some time never. 😀
You seem to be kept busy…but that’s the way it should be! Do the young ones play the piano too? I’m also a fan of Hugh Jackman’s…he is awesome in every character I’ve seen him play.
Sienna wants to learn piano, and I’ve been teaching her a little bit, but I think she’s going to get proper lessons soon. 🙂 I so agree with you about Hugh Jackman. He’s a great favorite of mine.
Great family fun. 🙂
Absolutely. 🙂
Thank you for sharing Sylvia. It certainly looks like you’re being kept busy but having a wonderful time. Smashing pictures as always. 🙂
Thanks so much, Adrian. Glad you enjoyed the pics. 🙂
Hello, dear AD! Just letting you know I still read your blog 🙂
Thank you for sharing your lovely family with us, and do let us know what you think of the Les Mis movie – I’ve seen the musical in Cape Town and in London, and am in two minds about seeing the movie! HUGS!!!!
Hi there. 🙂 Great to see you here again. Happy New Year to you and your family. The movie was stupendous. I’m sure it will win a few Oscars. 🙂
Oh what a little angel!! I hope you had a wonderful celebration. Looks like you had some good cake to!!!
Thanks, Jasmine. We had a great time and tasty cake. 🙂
Sounds like you’re having a grand time, Sylvia. Lots of family activities! Enjoy the rest of 2012 and the new year!! 🙂
Thanks so much, Cathy. Happy New Year to you and your family. 🙂
Happy New Year to you, Sylvia!! 🙂
Thanks so much, Cathy. Enjoy the family visit tomorrow. xx
Thanks so much! They arrive tonight at 10 p.m. Can’t wait!! 🙂
Oh AD you are going to love Les Miserables. Fantastic. I loved this whole post. The cake, the snow scene, the skating, the singing. My entire childhood memories complete in this post!!! Well minus the cake. Nobody I ever knew in my youth could make a cake like that!!! What fun you are having, and you should. You make the day in paradise wherever you go! Marsha Lee 🙂
We did love it, Marsha. I agree with you about the cake. I used to get, and later make for my kids, those yummy lopsided chocolate Smartie cakes. They were made at home, and the most important ingredient was lots of love. 🙂
Your visit to my state seems to be going along nicely. Hope the trip to NYC and the museum were fun. Enjoy the rest of the trip and be safe. G
Just got back from the museum. The kids loved it. What a fun outing. 🙂
I would also be more interested in the fishies, I can stare at those the whole day 🙂
Glad that the kiddies are keeping you busy in a good way 🙂
It’s absolutely exhausting really, but we’re making great family memories. 🙂
Seems you have had a hectic itinerary, but your time their is priceless. Sienna has a priceless smile! Your busy – so don’t worry about responding – besides, i’m still digging out from the avalanche. 😉
Thanks so much, Frank. Hope you’re all dug out by now. 🙂
Trying …. but I may be getting close to the surface.
Beautiful pics and kids so make this time of year
Thanks, Dallas.Yes they do. 🙂
I agree with Viveka – if I had 750 emails I’d… I’d… probably never post again (wouldn’t have time!)
Great post – LOVED seeing your world 🙂
Thanks so much for your visit. I will get around to my now 804 e-mails, and I will visit you too. 😀
Wonderful photos AD. That birthday cake is amazing, almost seems a shame to cut and eat it. Hope the movie was/is good. I can’t make my mind up yet about seeing it, so will look forward to reading yor review 🙂 Date: Sat, 29 Dec 2012 19:43:49 +0000 To: ruth2day@hotmail.com
Thanks so much, Ruth. It did seem a shame to cut the cake, but I’m so glad they did, as it had fresh cream filling with blueberries. The movie is totally amazing. 🙂
Typical health and safety laws – at least here the lack of a threat of legal action means you get whisked off the ice quicker! Enjoy the trip to the museum and have fun with the grandkids xox
Yes, you’re so right, Tandy. One could die of pneumonia whilst they’re taking down details. 😦
Fun. Looks like everyone had a good time … and, indeed, that cake is tempting. I’d have a hard time resisting too!
The children look happy, healthy, and beautiful – the best part!
Thanks so much, Jamie. 🙂
I also want to see Les Mis, do tell us your thoughts on it. Enjoy the rest of your stay.
The movie was fantastic. You must see it ASAP, when you have 3 hours to spare. 🙂
What a lovely family time and hula hoop, good gracious, that takes me back, hahaha. Happy New Year to you all. Ciao, Carina
Thanks so much, Carina. Happy New Year to you too.:)
Nice to be with the family this time of the year.
Yes it is, newsy. 🙂
What a lovely family you have.
Thanks so much, Julie. 🙂
750 email .. that would stress me out completely. Wonderful post – that cake would make my very happy at 64 and even if I hate icing – colorful and fun. The photo with your husband and the children is so warm and spontaneous. Regarding the hoops – I saw a girl in one of the Cirque du Solei show that could world 12 of them on around her tiny body – she was Chinese. Your daughter is maybe getting there. I was good 50 years ago .. today I would even be able think about doing it.
I hope the movie is so good as it looks.
Thanks, viveka. The movie was great. The most hulas I’ve ever managed at one time, was 5. I can’t begin to imagine juggling 12 at once. 🙂
I read you review last night before I went under the duvet.
Great, I want to see it too.
Here is the video … from CIRQ.
Thanks, Viveka. Hope you get to see the movie very soon.:)
what a fun time in NJ, AD! I want to see the movieLes Misérables too. I read the book (translation version) and watched the stage show.
Yes it is a lot of fun here, Amy. You will love the movie. 🙂
Oh I can’t wait to see Le Mis! As soon as I get rid of this flu I’m going! Let me know how you like it! At least you got some snow while you are here, and it looks like you are enjoying every minute 🙂
The movie was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. 🙂 Get well soon, Lynda. xx
I wish I could have heard you singing as well 🙂 Have a great new year Sylvia 🙂
Thanks so much, Paula. Hope your New Year is a wonderful one. 🙂 xx
There is nothing like being with family and catching up and making wonderful memories. I remember when my daughter and grandchildren were little tots we had those specialty cakes as well for them as well. Thanks for sharing your wonderful time.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
So true, Francine. I’m glad you enjoyed my pics. 🙂 Hugs to you.
Wow, looks like you are having a lot of fun. That birthday cake is truly amazing.
Thanks so much, Judy. 🙂
I’m loving the hula hoop competition, the ice skating, and the sugar overload. That cake looks great, but my favorite picture is of your grandkids and their dad that’s a cool pic … all with nice smiles. Have a great weekend 🙂
Thanks, TG. Lotsa fun going on here. 🙂
Looks like you’re having a super time, AD. Enjoy the kiddies while you are there.
Thanks so much, Pussycat. 🙂
I was never able to master the art of the hoola hoop!! I am so proud of you!!!!
I think that once you’ve learned how to hula, you never lose it. I don’t know how easy it would be to start learning as an adult. Hubby is hopeless. 🙂
I am glad that I am not alone!! I have tried it several times as adult and alas….
Do let us know about Les Mis and how it compares 🙂
My post is up, footsy.
Very nice. Wishing you and your family much happiness. Namaste
Thanks so much. Blessings to you too. 🙂
Really nice photos, full of love. You are having such a lovely time there. 🙂
Thanks, Esenga. Yes we are having a lovely family time together. 🙂
So many goings on, Ad. Going home will definitely feel like a holiday, but you’ll be so sad. Love that cake!
You’re so right about that, Jo. I think I’ll be back in paradise when we get back to Florida. 🙂
Oh my! That cake is just gorgeous!!
Yes it is. I congratulated the woman who made it. She has a small cake making business as well as a full time office job. 🙂
Looks like a good time even if too cold for me 😛
The DC
Yes, it’s a bit too cold for me too. 😯
You do find hula hoops in the strangest places! 🙂
I am not a stretch limo fan. I consider them both pretentious and ridiculous.
The murals are charming. I hope Max is well over whatever had him go there.
Hula hoops seem to follow me around the world. 😀 Max is fine, after a few antibiotics.
Good – about the antibiotics. Whether it is good to be stalked by hula hoops is another matter.
😀
Hi AD,great post and super pics. That little guy has made a great job of cleaning the floor 😀
Thanks so much, Chris. Max likes clean and tidy. 🙂
The cake is beautiful,thanx for keeping us posted,enjoy
Thanks for visiting again, matron. Happy New Year to you. xx
I heard Barry Ronge talk about Les Mis last week – according to him it was a most beautiful movie.
mom has already booked me to go and watch it with her – I’ll gladly go – I mean Hugh Jackman’s da man!!!
Enjoy the visit AD, and agree with you on the ice-skating thing. If the Good Lord wanted me on ice, I would have been born a polar bear 😉
The movie was fabulous, and Hugh Jackman was awesome in the role. I’m sure he must be up for an Oscar. 🙂
If it was up to me, he would have received 70 already 😉
He really is da man 😉
Glad you enjoyed the movie AD 🙂