Funny Little People

So Abby has said two pretty funny things in the last week and i thought i would write them down so Grandma can get a laugh while reading this at 5:30AM tomorrow morning :)

Last night i was laying down with Abby at bedtime and she said "I'll be glad when you never have to work again." I responded with "Well, that will be quite a while but keep in mind your Mom and I work so we can afford food, our cars, the clothes you're wearing and this great house in this awesome, safe neighborhood." She responded with "well....it's not THAT safe. Caroline got stung by a bee today AND there's a fox here." Clearly not safe.

Then last weekend she was running around outside when i heard her scream so went to the front door to see what was going on. She was running in circles holding her ears. And i said "what's going on? Why are you holding your ears?" She said, "there's a bee chasing me and they are attracted to flowers!!" It took me a minute to figure this out but she thought the bee was chasing her b/c her earrings are flower shaped. I guess we forgot to tell her bees are attracted to the SMELL of them, not sight. Much less fake ones. I told her not to worry but she doesn't believe me.

Six Going on Sixteen

Happy belated birthday to our little lady. These past few weeks it seems you’ve grown before our very eyes. One outward side of your newfound maturity is the fact that you got your ears pierced – quite a big deal in our house. You are so proud. You counted down the days until we could go, and when the day finally arrived you were calm and confident. That is, until you stood at the counter waiting your turn and watched up close and personal as someone else had their ears shot with the piercing gun. You turned pale and asked if we could go for a little walk, then you said “I still want to do it, just not quite yet. In a few minutes.”

We walked over to the mall play area and you climbed on some rides meant for younger kids – babies really – and it was strange for me to see how you had outgrown them. Seeing you looking so big in comparison to the other kids was striking, especially considering the reason we were in the mall in the first place! After a few minutes we walked back to the piercing place and the next thing I knew, you had sparkly blue flowers in each ear. You didn’t cry, just let out a little whimper as you squeezed my hands.

In addition to the outward sign of your new-found six year old maturity, you’ve been ACTING differently lately. Very helpful around the house… not much whining… just a cool KID.

We are so proud of the girl you are growing into. But don’t grow up too fast, you have the rest of your life for that. You’ll always be our little pumpkin.

Love you,
Momma

Happy 6th Birthday Abby

So this weekend at your last soccer game of the season, I was coaching your scrimmage and thought I would capture our conversation on the field:

Abby (after one of your teammates just scored): “Dad, was that our team’s first or second goal?”

Me: “The first”
Abby: “So it’s 2-0?”
Me: “No, 1-0”
Abby: “But I thought we had two goals?”
Me: “No. Now focus, let’s play soccer.”
Abby: “But wait. I really thought we had another goal…” (at this point play had resumed)
Me: “NO! It’s our first goal now c’mon…we’re playing soccer here not talking.”
Abby: “So you’re saying the score isn’t important?” (with hands on hips)
Me: “What’s important is to have fun and learn how to play soccer.”
Abby: “Then why do we cheer after goals?”
Me: “PLAY SOCCER!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Some lady from the sideline: “Man, that girl is a TRIP!!” (referring to you)
That lady’s friend: “Yes she is!”

A trip indeed you are. You are so determined and confident at 6 years old, I truly hope you keep these traits as you get older because they will serve you well in life and your career. A couple of years back, your preschool teacher used the word “spirited” and that’s a good phrase. She said “If Abby can harness that vigor, she could become CEO of a company if she wanted” (no pressure on your Mom and I).

But you’re not a CEO yet – you are a fun-loving, sweet, thoughtful 6 year old girl. And your Mom and I are so proud of the person you are becoming. And yes, sometimes your spirited-ness (ok, not really a word) manifests itself in ways that drive us crazy but I’m sure there are plenty of things we do that drive you crazy like not letting you eat a gallon of ice cream for dinner, making you comb your hair and refusing to let you go more than 3 days without a bath. But we wouldn’t have you any other way – you are a perfect Abby Dykes and we love you.

Below are some pictures from your birthday party at Wine and Design. No, wine was not served but you and your friends put a dent in some juice boxes. Happy birthday and we love you.
Dad

Our First Trip to Disney

(click on any of the above photos to make larger)

Although this post is a bit late, we wanted to record our first adventure to Disney that took place Feb 5th-10th. Dad and Debra secured an AWESOME timeshare resort through Marriott and we had a blast. Lucky for us, Deb was great about recording our daily adventures and sent them to us so we could post on the blog. We truly had a great time and i'm sure the girls will never forget. So thanks Pappa Sonny and Deb for "hosting" us and for being far more organized than we were by documenting everything!

We arrived on Saturday. The girls were excellent during the flight and there were no hassles as we got our rental car and headed to the Marriott Grande Vista to check in. Once there, David and Sonny headed to the grocery store and Jill, Deb and the Girls, headed out to explore the resort. (Jill announced that she hadn't stayed a place that nice since her Honeymoon.) They didn't get far, as the girls decided it was pool time. They swam for about an hour and then we headed back to the condo for dinner and enjoyed homemade "meal in a pot" with french bread and a salad. We turned in pretty early as it has been a long day and we had a lot to look forward to at Disney.


Day One - Disney Hollywood Studio

Before venturing out to the parks, Abby and Emmy helped Papa Sonny cook breakfast. Abby cracked the eggs and Emmy buttered the toast. It was delicious!

First stop was the Beauty and the Beast show. This was our "main event" for the day as it's one of Emmy's and Abby's favorites. (Emmy wore her Belle dress most of the day and actually was asked for her autograph as she entered the Beauty and the Beast stage area.) Our next stop was the Little Mermaid, which was also a stage show. We all agreed that it was very good, just way too short. Lunch was at the Backlot Express (hotdogs, hamburgers, salads). (It was at about this time that Jill discovered that Emmy's shoes had been on the wrong feet for most of the day!

After lunch we watched the Pixar parade and enjoyed Mickey Mouse ice cream sandwiches as we waited. Next was the Muppet 3D Adventure. (Abby loved this show. She laughed and laughed and tried to reach out during the movie and touch everything). Next, we ventured over to the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground, which Abby also loved. So much that Jill, Deb and Abby stole a few extra minutes to play, while David, Emmy and Sonny got a headstart on the stroll over to the The Great Movie Ride. Along the way, they scored a couple pair of Belle sunglasses that Emmy and Abby had eyed as we entered the park. The Great Movie Ride was one of David's favorites.

We'd had a full day at the park and it was Super Bowl Sunday, so it was back to the Condo to get ready for game time.

We also decided that eating lunch in the park was expensive. so Papa Sonny said he would sneak sandwiches in under his hat on his head. Abby thought this was funny!

We enjoyed dinner and the first half of the Super Bowl poolside on the giant screen, while David, Emmy and Abby swam.


Disney Day 2 - Animal Kingdom

The Kilimanjaro Safari was great! We saw giraffes, lions, birds, elephants! Everyone absolutely loved it! We hit the Pangini Walking Trail next where we saw fish, hippos and a Silverback gorilla who we all agreed was probably smarter than any of us. Next was the Lion King show - Wow! It was so full of color and fun! Abby loved the acrobats. After the show, everybody had to have ice cream! Anothert round of Mickey Mouse and frozen, chocolate bananas.

Next was a trip into the Tree of life and the show - "It's a Bug's Life." Abby laughed and Jill squealed when the termites ran under her seat. Emmy buried her head on Papa Sonny's shoulder when it got dark and the wasps came out. Abby said it was "The best day ever."

We watched Mickey's Safari Parade before we headed home. It was cute, but we didn't like it as much as the Pixar (Toy Story) Parade of the day before.

We enjoyed dinner Benihana Japanese Steak House. Before we left, Papa Sonny was fussed at by Emmy for starting the car before her dad was buckled in.

Disney Day 3 - Magic Kingdom

As we entered the Magic Kingdom, we spotted Cinderella's evil stepsisters "mingling" with the crowd. Emmy was fascinated, but declined to take a picture with them at that time. We were off to Cinderella's Castle for breakfast with the Princesses. We were greated by Cinderella as we entered the castle and we all posed for a picture with her. Then we headed upstairs for breakfast - we were hungry.

As we were seated at our table, one glance around the room told us that all the Princesses were there. It was exciting to see Aerial, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Belle, all in the same room. We just knew that Emmy would be so excited to see Belle. As we waited patiently for the Princesses to make their way to our table, breakfast was served. While the grown ups was offered a choice of breakfast, the girls were served eggs and french toast sticks with yummy syrup. Breakfast was tasty - so much so that Emmy actually "snubbed" Belle (ever so slightly) for the French Toast!

After breakfast we started our day in Fantasyland. Emmy had decided that she did want to visit with Cinderella's wicked step-sisters, so we were on the lookout for them.

It was cold and windy. (Papa Sonny had to buy a sweatshirt) The Kids rode Dumbo, the Carousel, It's a Small World, and The Mad Hatter Tea Cup. On our way over to Mickey's Philharmonic Magic show, we lucked out and ran smack dab into those step-sisters. David, Jill and the girls had a lot of fun chatting with them, and we took some great photos. Mickey's Philharmonic was great!

We'd had an early start and a full morning, so we went home so everyone could take a nap to be ready to head back to the Park that night for the Parade and fireworks show.

When we returned to the park later that night, Abby rode Space Mountain with her mom and Debra. It was her very first, big rollercoaster and she did great! David and Sonny took Emmy to ride Buzz Lightyear and the Transit Authority People Mover. Next, we all rode the Haunted Mansion, which was one of Abby's favorite rides. Afterward, the girls sat for their shadow picture.

We went to the castle hoping to see the parade. Unfortunately, there was no parade that night, but we did see a terrific lazer light show and fireworks, complete with Tinker Bell flying from the top of the Castle. Sonny and David went on an excursion to find dinner, and we ate in the dark as we watched the show. It was great!

Afterwards, we headed back to the condo! It had been a long day and late night, but the girls were wonderful!

Abby decided that "Papa Sonny is always on the move."

Disney Day 4 - Magic Kingdom Day 2

We started the day in Toon town with face painting. Abby picked the "wishes" pattern and Emmy picked "Snow White." They were adorable! After face painting, David. Jill and both girls rode the Barnstormer with Goofy. We all then loaded up and rode the Walt Disney Railroad over to Frontierland for lunch.

Lunch was at El Pirata Y El Perico in Adventureland. Jill and Debra were very excited about having a Burritto instead of a hamburger for lunch! After lunch, we ventured into the Pirates of the Carribbean ride. Abby thought it was Okay, but it scared little Emmy! (Jill said her heart was beating a mile a minute). Emmy declared that she didn't like that one very much. Jill, David and both girls rode Alladin's Magic Carpet ride. David was impressed with Jill's shopping skills at 50 feet in the air. (Jill had spotted cute sun dresses for Abby and Emmy in a little boutique.) After the ride we left Jill in the boutique to enjoy a few minutes of shopping while the rest of us ventured out on a mission - it was ice cream time for the Dykes family! When Jill joined us later, Emmy decided that she much preferred Jill's Ice Cream float to her ice cream choice and announced that they would simply "switch".

After ice cream, we were off to the Hall of Presidents, where we enjoyed a great presentation about, you guessed it, our Presidents! David did say that this was probably his favorite attraction at Disney! (He was also impressed that Abby had sat very still and quiet through the entire 22 minute presentation. She did say that it was "boring", but she knew that it was a grown up thing.) Right after, it was time for the 3:00 parade and we had prime, curb-side seats. Emmy was excited, as we were told that The Beast would make an appearance in the parade. The parade was fantastic! (The Beast was in the parade, but we only got to catch a glimpse, as he as on the wrong side of the float. Emmy didn't seem the least bit disappointed.)

After the parade, the girls sat for another shadow picture and then headed back over to Fantasyland for one more ride - The Seas with Nemo and Friends. Abby thought it was Okay, but Emmy really like it!

We headed home - what a great day!

David, Jill and The Girls went swimming when we returned to the Condo. It was an early night as we were all tired!

On Thursday, Jill took the girls over to the Maze zone for some playtime for their flight home and David packed. Abby and Emmy also painted some ceramic animals (Abby paited a giraffe and Emmy painted a lion). We met them later and posed for a family picture and then it was time to take them to the airport.

Sonny and Debra spent the rest of the day at Kennedy Space Center - it was terrific. However, the car and condo were so very quiet without the girls and they were definitely lonely. We had enjoyed such a great week and made some wonderful memories!

Happy Birthday Emmy! I mean Dorothy…. Oops, now it’s Belle.

In the past few months you’ve grown up a lot. You are following in your sister’s footsteps and have blossomed into a girly-girl. You love dress up clothes, and it’s rare to see you in normal play clothes these days. You go through about 4 or 5 costume changes a day, and your favorites are Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and Belle from Beauty and the Beast. (You’ve been on a major Wizard of Oz obsession since this fall, when we brought you to see the play. Mama Jo made you and Abby matching Dorothy outfits, and the director of the show picked you two out of the ENTIRE audience to bring up on stage before the show. Mama Jo and I were just a teeny bit proud. No big deal. (Yeah, right!)

Even though you’re growing and changing every day, one thing has not changed. You are still an amazingly sweet, adorable, easy-going bundle of joy. You say “please” and “thank you” all the time, you are kind, and you love to share. Truth be told, I wish I were more like you!

Thanks for bringing so much joy into our family. We all love you, little monkey!

Mommy

P.S. - Here's a picture of your birthday cake.

Happy 3rd Birthday Emmy

Emmy,
What a JOY you are!! You have such an easy-going, happy personality it’s infectious. It’s hard to go 5 minutes without you making someone around you smile. Right now you are sweet, optimistic, loving and trusting – traits I hope you carry throughout your life. You and I shared a sandwich the other day and after I ate all of my potato chips, you gave me yours unprompted (and you love chips!). You are considerate and thoughtful at such a young age it’s amazing. I wish I got to spend more time with you at this precious age but I’ll take the moments I spend with you as a blessing.

OK – I’m done with the mushy stuff.

Things that make us laugh:
• 10 minutes can’t go by without a Beauty and the Beast or Wizard of Oz reference. Seriously.
• You know every word to the “Beauty and Beast” song and it especially cracks me up when you do the Peabo Bryson part “Ohh, ohh, OHHHHHH!”. It’s safe to say you don’t exactly sound like a 40-year old black man
• You’ve already worn through 2 Dorothy dresses and are about to wear out your Belle dress
• The other night WELL past your bedtime we heard rustling from your room so I went upstairs and found you sprawled out on a heap of princess dresses and stuffed animals in your closet. You had somehow put on your Belle dress and had mismatched shoes on the wrong feet. Classic.
• If we ever want to know where your right ring finger is…it’s up your nose (you get that from Uncle Erik – ha ha)

Happy Birthday little buddy. If you can’t tell from the above, we sure love you.

All my love,
Daddy

Christmas in New York

David and I have such wonderful memories of our time in New York, and we decided to bring the girls to experience the magic of NYC at Christmas time. We started planning (and saving) for this trip in summer of ’09, and it didn’t disappoint.

The girls experienced their first airplane ride¸ and as we were getting ready to leave our house to head to the airport we told the girls it was time to get in the car. Abby said “What do you mean? I thought we were flying to NY.” We explained that we were indeed flying, but still needed to get in our car so we could drive to the airport. She replied “Oh, I thought the plane would just come to our house to get us.”

Once we were airborne, both girls enjoyed looking out at the clouds from their window seats. Abby was sitting by David and said “Dad, why didn’t you ever tell me how awesome this is?”

We had a quaint hotel on the Upper West Side and had a blast doing all the fun touristy things… first stop, Dylan’s Candy Bar where I got a s’mores dipped in chocolate. Heaven. The stairs are made of candy (covered in Lucite) and there was a bathtub full of gumballs. It was fabulous.

Next stop- FAO Schwartz, where the girls got to dance on the famous piano. Abby saved her money and bought a new Barbie, and Emmy got a Dorothy doll. We had dinner at John’s Pizza, and call me crazy, but it didn’t quite compare to our Friday night pizza.

Day 2 was horse and carriage ride in central park, the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center (where we met up with Shannon and Mikey) and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. We went to a late dinner at Carmine’s which was sooo good. Both girls feel asleep at the table, and then it was bitter cold and we couldn’t catch a cab to save our life. During the trip, the girls got to be pretty savvy at taxi hailing techniques.

Day 3 was a highlight – ice skating at Wollman Rink in Central Park. It was a beautiful day and it felt great to be out there on the ice with the skyline behind us. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I’m glad I got to experience it with my girls. We then headed out to Jersey for my cousin Kevin’s wedding, and a fun reunion with the Monahan Clan.

Emmy was a trooper the entire trip. She just goes with the flow and has fun whatever we’re doing. Abby soaked in all of the experiences and of course, took good care of her sister on those big city streets.

Special thanks to Mama Jo for accompanying us on this trip and letting David and I get a night out on our own for an incredible dinner. Here are some pictures of our magical trip.

Overheard...

I was upstairs doing something and i overheard Jill trying to coax Emmy into her room for a nap while walking upstairs. Jill said "you should take a nap becuase your little body is saying I need sleep". Emmy, dressed in full princess attire responded "No, no. My body is saying it wants to play!"