Dashing through the snow...

in a big black Pacifica. With 2 other similarly frantic families (luckily one in a Volvo and one in a Rover), fighting the blinding snow on the slick roads...We were so cozy at home, amidst laughing and happy children, eating to our hearts' content. Couldn't we just skip it, we tempted ourselves? I am so glad we stuck to the plan and made it to see Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT! The production was very well-done, and the setting even more stunning than usual. The grand old opera house looked especially beautiful in the snow, on its perch overlooking the CT River.



We had fabulous seats (which allowed me to sneak this shot in at the end of the show), and really enjoyed the toe-tapping music and lovable characters up close.



It was a real treat that I think the children will remember for a long time. The snow, while a drag to drive in, made for a particularly festive evening.


In the spirit


The season's first snow!


Intermission goofing around


It's worth the trip just to see this historic opera house
*************************************************************************************

This evening the Lawn Club had its first annual Gingerbread House workshop. A huge success!





























The month is off to a celebratory start!

Countdown begins...

Advent calendars, holiday cards, gingerbread treats, and sure, why not, a 64-degree day! We had a balmy Mommy and Portia Thursday. Complete with park play, lunch with Ama and Boppa and some Christmas shopping.


'Sushi making' - with sticks and the plentiful mud puddles from last night's monsoon


Patiently waiting (this child was born patient and smiling), with crossed legs, during an Xmas shopping expedition

Portia has begun making her Christmas list. Upon telling her that I want nothing for Christmas except my baby girl and could she please just be with me the whole day, she replies: "I'll try to be near you, but I need to be near Hugo." So if that's not enough of a kick in the teeth (though the other half of my brain is so crazy happy that these two are such good friends), this was also Hugo's first day of, TA DA.... After School!! Hugo's request. It was a mere half hour before piano lessons, but it still meant that I didn't get to see him until after 4 pm. For me, this represents Eternity. I guess the K-3 bunny and other 5 and 6 year-olds are more appealing than....me? Nevva Evva! Pas possible! Bottom line is he's still the loviest, most adoring and adorable sweetheart who, to my heart's delight, loves school and friends and feels really at home when not at home. What more could I ask for?!

Week after week I am reminded of our good fortune to live so close to my parents.






Further good news is that we will have the chance to visit Marc's parents in February in celebration of Chinese New Year. And in just two weeks we'll receive a visit from Connie and Alex, visiting from Singapore.

Returning to our Roots

The four of us spent a beautiful two days in NYC. We revisited our old apartment, patronized a former favorite neighborhood pizza restaurant we used to take Hugo and Portia to, window (and a little bit of the real stuff) shopped, enjoyed fancy treats, finally took a horse and carriage ride in the park....the pictures can do the talking. Such a good time that Portia remarked when we got home, "Mama, I don't like our home. I want to live in New York again." We're lucky it's so close and look forward to many trips this winter and spring.


Nick's - a favorite pizzeria in Carnegie Hill; memories of Hugo in a high chair and Portia in her bassinet!




Such fond memories! We ran into the current tenants to whom we sold the apartment only to learn they sold the apt 2 weeks ago.


A cute, fancy little tea/dessert place, particularly popular with Portia since she got sprinkled with stardust upon arrival! Hugo's happy to play along especially when Banana Nutella cake is up for the taking!






Madison Ave Snowflake


"Getting married"


At Joe's Shanghai, home of the fabulous soup dumplings

Decking the Halls



Since we've left Manhattan, the temptations have dwindled to nothing...

Rock Center by starlight



The last time we stood here with both little ones at Christmas time, Hugo was 20 mos old and Portia a mere two months old.


Breakfast at Sarabeth's Central Park South location - best spot in the house, window seat overlooking the park.

We finally (after how many years?) took a ride...



This moment of joy was soon followed by my noticing a pigeon had chosen to drop his "droppings" on me...Marc reminded Hugo and Portia of the proper lingo. Hugo was delirious with laughter, beyond excited that he would have seriously juicy "Weekend News" to share with his Kindergarten class!




Winter sets in




Our sweet horse "Lucky"


















A pit stop in FAO Schwartz after the workout in Central Park