TRD takes on NYC?

Taylor has been asking me for years when she would get to go to New York.  Lucky for me   Unfortunately, she was old enough to know (and remember) that Kennedy went to New York when she was six.  It was crazy at the time.  It's still crazy, but we were fortunate enough to be able to make it happen for both of the girls.  Before you  ask, No, BADkid is not old enough to know or care that her sisters went to New York when they were six.  And, no, the older girls will not be telling! 


Early Saturday morning, Amanda, Sophie, Taylor, and I made our way to the airport for the big departure.  The airport security wasn't unmanageable, but with 2 six year olds bouncing off the walls with excitement and winter jackets, etc., it was a little stressful.  We timed things perfectly (which is almost unheard of when Amanda and I travel together...previous trip to NYC).  Eventually, we found our seats and got settled in for the ride.  I look over and see this...

Yes, she is getting comfortable for the flight as she is asking, "What is a life vest?"  I explained to her that it is what we call a "life jacket" at the lake.  She said, "And, why would we need that?"  I tried to assure her that we would not be needing the life vest on her very first airplane ride.  Within minutes, I hear Sophie ask Amanda from the seat behind me, "Mom, when are they going to say Three, Two, One, Blast Off!?" 

Obviously, we were still in Houston, Texas and the fun had begun!  My awesome cousin Michael picked us up from the airport.  He drives a Nissa Juke.  Picture this--Taylor, Sophie, Amanda, Me, Michael, 4 backpacks, 4 "carry-on" size suitcases, 1 large suitcase, and Michael's left over bag from a prior skiing trip crammed into this tiny car.  Yes, the Beverly Hillbillies were in the Northeast!

After unpacking our belongings and getting familiar with our accommodations, we rode PATH over to NYC and exited the station to look up at the new construction of the World Trade Center.  Isn't this awesome with the clouds?

We tried to explain the attacks of September 11, 2001 to the girls.  It was just too much for their innocent little minds to comprehend.  They were not at all impressed with area around Ground Zero.  However, they were thrilled to have chicken nuggets at Burger King near the construction sight.  After deciding that we didn't have adequate time to see the Statue of Liberty that afternoon, we headed north to Times Square.

This next picture is just a moment I captured while waiting in line to ride the indoor Ferris Wheel at Toys R Us.  What's that saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words"?

After riding the Ferris wheel, Taylor took a trip to the Barbie house in the back of the three-story Toys R Us.  She was in awe at the amount of pink!

This one is at the top of the stairs inside the Barbie house.  Yes, it was 2 stories full of Barbie and Taylor was excited about all of it. 

 

Just outside of the Toys R Us, Hello Kitty was available for pictures.  This was the first experience with NYC and Times Square for both girls.  They had no idea that people would be in costume willing to pose with them for pictures on every corner.  They also had no idea that after the smile, the lady would try to keep her hands on them until Amanda and I put $2 into her bucket for  "tip".

Yes, I'm pasty and exhausted in this picture.  But I LOVE New York.  I'm so proud that "Tater Nater" and I have this amazingly fun, funny, and educational experience to remember for years.

Yes, I am a peanut butter addict.  I've been looking for a PBA group to join.  Maybe I'll start my own when I retire.  Every single time I go to NYC I have to stop in the Reese's Store and ogle this 2 pound package of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.  I've taken this very picture about 6 times.  I have not purchased the package yet because I know without a doubt that I will eat the entire thing and be sick and then mad for making such a poor choice.  However, I will admit that every single time I get home and look through my pictures and say, "Next time I'm going to buy it."  I think next time I really will!



The signs and lights in Times Square are fascinating and amazing.  The girls were in awe with the constantly changing signs.  Amanda and I managed to place them in the correct place for them to see themselves on the billboard.  You can't tell from the picture, but this electronic sign is about the length of the city block in Times Square.  It's enormous.  If you look at the "picture" you can see Taylor on the bottom left with her jacket spread open like wings and Sophie just beside her trying to find them on the screen.  Oh, and the goofy woman behind the flowerpot with the camera hanging around her neck is Amanda.  I'm beside Amanda incognito in my dark clothing. 

After such a busy day, Taylor felt the need to indulge in some New York Pizza.  She (just like her sister) asked for two slices of pizza before she ever looked at the enormous size of each slice.  Fortunately for Taylor, her mom was aware of the situation and prevented the pizza overload. 

Wow!  What a busy first day in New York...and New Jersey.  We actually stayed in Jersey City with my awesome cousin Michael.  Taylor and Sophie were so confused at how we could sleep in New Jersey and visit New York in the same day!

Hopefully, I'll get day #2 posted soon.

And this is why we call her BADkid

Blake Alayne Dickerson...BADkid.  I do realize that just hearing "bad kid" makes me appear to be a terrible mom.  However, many people have seen BADkid in print and still didn't realize that it is a very affectionate nickname based on her initials.  I am very cautious that I don't use "bad" to describe her behavior.  We have opted to describe less than desirable behavior as "ugly" until she can distinguish between "BADkid" and "bad kid".  So, here's what BADkid has been up to since Christmas!   



What's cookin' at your house?




Yep, it's real deep around here!




Who needs diamonds to sparkle?




Wow!  Someone actually has to stack this firewood before Da and I burn it?



Hmm. When Dr.B does this to my ear the light doesn't come out the other side like Da's does.





Look Taylor!  My tooth is loose too!

 Yes, she is our favorite BADkid!  Yes, sometimes she is even a bad kid.  There are days that I look at Chad and ask, "What in the world were we was I thinking?  The girls were basically self-sufficient and we started over."  But, every single day she makes all of us smile and thank God that she wrecked our world...and continues to do so with a precious smile! 

Nine years later...

Ok, so clearly I have neglected this blog.  I hesitate to even go back to "Merry Christmas" because if you are anything like me, you were glad to see the red and green get tucked away.  My body goes into mild convulsions just thinking about Christmas and the craziness until at least December 10 each year.  I also didn't want to just skip over it completely because one special young lady had a birthday since my last post.  So, I thought I'd just hit the highlights.

Happy Birthday Kennedy Nicole!  I can't believe that nine years have gone by since this tiny bundle arrived in our lives.  Wait a minute. Wait. A. Minute!  I have enjoyed being "momma" to this little angel.  BUT, I am not living in a perfect world where I can say that I have thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of it.  Looking back, I can honestly say we have had many, many more positive, happy experiences than those of the other variety.  However, we have not been without the pouts, tears, fights, fits, and other various festivities that seem to accompany young children.  Here's a link that truly expresses my feelings about motherhood. 

Back to KND.  She is truly a blessing in our lives.  The last year has been full of changes for Kennedy.  She moved out of the big room and into a tiny closet so that she wouldn't have to share her space.  She changed schools.  At her new school, she has excelled academically as well as made a smooth transition socially.  She has officially moved from little girl to young lady.  Although this year has had its challenges, it has been an amazing year full of growth, change,and maturation.  I look forward to her next year of life.

I may be a little biased, but I think she is beautiful...inside and out.