Big Apple Trip

This weekend marked the first Raab/Lapanne trip to NYC.  DJ and the boys had never been and it was completely unacceptable to me; clearly I cannot continue to date someone who has not experienced the greatest city in the world.  Friday night the boys were more than excited to hit the road-all sugared up and ready to go!!!

Less than one hour later…somewhere around Baltimore…..

We woke them all up around Newark so they could get my night tour-George Washington Bridge, West Side Highway, through the park, down 86th Street, FDR Drive and over the Brooklyn Bridge.  We stayed at the Brooklyn Marriott Downtown.  Next day marked the beginnings of the tourist adventure (that’s right Preston has never really done the tourist thing at all either).  The subway into Grand Central and then to 38th and 3rd for real (hot) bagels and tri-color cookies. (thanks Josh for the suggestion)!

Then it was off to the Empire State Building.  A very long line (and as the kids complained I thought…hmmm, there goes the Disney idea…)and almost $100 bucks later, we were at the top.  I am DEATHLY afraid of heights so I don’t look down.  The kids thought it was awesome.  Preston got a kick out of seeing every landmark he knew from that high up.

Seeing the Freedom Tower going up brings with it mixed emotions.  But it is nice to see the rebuilding down at the WTC site.

Very ridiculous touristy picture that was overpriced, but too cute not to get:

We walked down 5th Avenue to see the NY Public Library. Then it was pizza in Times Square, Toys R Us and the M&M Store. 

Saturday night Charlie joined us for dinner at Angelos in Little Italy. 

Sunday morning, Katie, Steve and Charlie and Charlie’s friends Chris and Lisa joined us at Big Daddy’s for brunch.  There was even a balloon man there to entertain the kids.  We ended the day making sure we took home some goodies from my fave---Two Little Red Hens!!!  Thankfully now DJ understands what a real bagel is, real Italian food is and we can continue this relationship! ;-)

Valentine’s Weekend (Christmas Part Duex)

As I stated on Facebook, there are three men that make Valentine's special. The first is my steady Valentin, my father, who loves me despite my very minimal flaws. He is the man by which all men should be measured. I love you Daddy. The second is my monkey face, Preston. He has always been Mommy's steady Valentine as well. I will never turn down his kisses and hugs. Preston, Mommy loves you forever and ever and more than anything in this world. The third, is the man who came into my life by fate and who has opened my heart and taught me to love. DJ, you not only have become the man I love and my partner in crime, but you have given me two more crazy boys to love too. I look forward to our life together. I love you more than you know. This weekend marked Valentine’s Day again. Here are the V Day bags all made up (DJ’s, my mom’s and the three boys).

Saturday night DJ and I did our Valentine’s dinner at Tobacco Company. Of course we get there and they were going to sit us next to an infant. Yeah….three kids between us…not with us…not sitting near another. We were switched to another table. It was also the most frigid night in Richmond of the winter. Sunday morning I slept in while DJ not only fed Pres, but made me breakfast in bed. Heart him! Monday I left for work before he left for the week. I came home to this surprise!

The Snoopy was for Pres.

Tuesday Preston was my date to the new Mexican restaurant that just opened up. Then it was home to exchange our gifts to each other. He made me a card that said his heart gets big when he eats dinner with his mom. Love this kid. He also had a bag waiting for me tonight at Grandma’s. (Who is finally home from NY)!

I volunteered to make cupcakes for the school party. I also had a deposition in Virginia Beach that night. Kelly picked up Preston and when I got to her house she had made the cupcakes. I only had to ice them and decorate!!!! Kelly thank you!!!

And no holiday is complete without a bag from grandma!!!

The Recent Goings On

Um..the GIANTS ARE SUPER BOWL CHAMPS.  Again.  New England is a miserable place I’m sure today.  I am sooooo happy.  Maybe now Eli can get a little respect.  Here are some recent pictures:

 

He was fighting a cold. Because the school won’t allow Chapstick, and Heaven forbid we use a tissue. Why would you when you have sleeves?  So that led to two big bloody scabs under the nose. Ugh.  But he’s still happy.  And DJ’s pancake tower made him even happier.

A recent fall playing tug of war on concrete (instead of playing on the more obviously safe choice, the grass). Again, happy. This past weekend we were up in Maryland.  Pres and Caden have become Frick and Frack. 

For those that read my Idol blog, you know I was a HUGE GN’R fan back in the day.  Cannot pass up an opportunity to take a picture with Slash…even if he is a cardboard cut out. Noah tried jambalaya and liked it too!

 

And even though I had no make up on and it was late, cannot pass up posting our Super Bowl picture. Did I mention the Giants won?