Sharing my world in New Jersey


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! 😯

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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.

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Yesterday, was also quite a cold day, and the family decided to go to the ice rink,

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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.

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After a while, she gave up and came to watch with me, through the glass.

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Down in the basement here, I was cajoled into playing hula hoop. Sienna is an absolute star.

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We had a competition to see who could hula with the most hoops, and I was the loser. 😦

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Whilst little Max was busy ‘cleaning’ the floor with his favourite Christmas present,

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I was roped in to sing Christmas carols with Sienna and her cousin.

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We also had a visit to the doctor, for Max. The waiting room was so beautifully decorated with murals,

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but Max was much more interested in watching the fishies.

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Out in the car park, I spotted this rather long limo. We could really fit the whole family in that, no problem.

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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. 🙂

 

 

 

 

105 comments on “Sharing my world in New Jersey

  1. Thank you for sharing the fun you are having with the children AD. That cake is stunning, and your grandkids, so adorable 🙂

  2. What a lovely gathering ! Hectic but immense fun you’ve had AD.
    Love those diddyiceskateboots on little one 😀

  3. 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. 🙂

  4. 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

  5. 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! 😉 😀

  6. 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.

  7. 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!!!!

  8. 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. 🙂

  9. 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

  10. 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 🙂

  11. 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. 😉

  12. 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 🙂

  13. 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. 🙂

  14. 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

  15. 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!

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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 🙂

  19. 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!

  20. 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 🙂

  21. 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.

  22. 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 😉

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