Birthday preview

Ben's 5th birthday is quickly approaching. Over the weekend we had an early birthday dinner with our neighbors. We're looking forward to a week full of birthday celebrations!

Snow!

We were wondering when we would see some snow - New York got so much snow last winter and we haven't had any until recently. The kids loved it. They played outside with our neighbors and had a blast. It was my favorite kind of snow - beautiful on Saturday and gone by Monday.

Kate and her buddy, Logan.

Logan, Kate, Charlie, & Ben

Using Jeff's car as a slide.

Christmas 2011

The weekend before Christmas we tried to go to the New York Botanical Garden to see the trai display, but didn't know we had to buy tickets in advance. So, we headed across the street to the Bronx Zoo. Since it was so cold the zoo was completely empty so we were able to ride the carousel, see the Polar Express 4D show, and see plenty of animals without having to fight a crowd.

Grammy paid us a visit before Christmas. One day Grammy and I took Ben to see Peter Pan at Madison Square Garden. We did some sightseeing at Rockefeller Plaza before the show.

The kids paid a visit to Santa on Christmas Eve this year. Kate wouldn't sit on his lap, and thankfully Santa wasn't very busy, so he was able to get down and hang out with her. Later Ben was able to get some one-on-one time with the big man to tell him what he wanted.

Taking a carriage ride in Cincinnati during our visit to Santa.

Opening some presents on Christmas Eve.

Santa's loot

Testing out her new tricycle.

Modeling a new swimsuit from Great Aunt Joani and some jewels from Gigi, Jeff, Lauren & Maddie.

Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights.