Seren and Craig, The Life: March 2014

Monday, March 31, 2014

Levinsons

Gems from the our recent airplane ride

We flew home from Toronto yesterday after enjoying a family-filled weekend. Belle wanted to meet the pilots of our flight home so we stopped in the cockpit on our way to our seats. The captain asked Belle who she was visiting in Canada and Belle said that she was seeing cousins. The captain asked Belle how many cousins she has in Toronto, and Belle said, "A lot."

Cute, and, yes, Belle certainly has a lot of cousins.

Later during the flight, when the flight attendant offered Belle a beverage, Belle said: "Could I have apple juice, please?"

Flight attendant: Would you like ice?

Belle: No, thanks.

Flight attendant: Would you like a cookie?

Belle: Yes, please!

The flight attendant told Craig and me how refreshing it is to hear a small child use such lovely manners. She said she doesn't hear that often. I was so proud of Belle.

Emily was also well-behaved on the plane ride, and even fell asleep during landing and remained asleep through our claiming our luggage.

We're glad to be home and on the ground now.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Like a moth to a flame

My kids think our neighbor's house (where Joey and Mina live) is their second home.

I try to take little walks, just to the end of the block, when we get home as an attempt to squeeze a little fresh air into the day. When we stroll, Emily instinctively walks up Joey and Mina's driveway. Or, if she is distracted and walks past the driveway, she'll try to get up the front steps that lead to Joey and Mina's front door. Emily may be a tiny toddler, but she knows what she wants, and she wants to play with her best friends Joey and Mina.

I feel so lucky to have such wonderful neighbors.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Preparing for a future desk job

And, yes, it's a typewriter.

Peekaboo!

Belle and Seren are under the weather, but Emily remains all smiles!

Belle plays with Emily's napkin hat

Fun times at Gaga's birthday dinner

Emily is thinking, "Why does Gaga get a margarita in a fun glass when all I get is water from a plastic cup?"
And then Emily reads her (upside down) book while Gaga reads her menu.

Daddy hugs are the best

A happy birthday girl

Birthday kisses!

Happy birthday, Gaga!

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Sick selfie

Belle:How did you get sick, Mommy?
Seren: I think from you, sweetie.
Belle: I'm sorry, Mommy. (Commence crying)

We are sick :(

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Emily listened to the Megillah with Craig

Oh, the fun we had today!

Mommy/Belle selfie, and pink explosion (Craig and Emily in costume with cotton candy).

'Twas a ridiculously busy day, but a productive and fun one. Purim carnival, visit with great-grandparents and then the rabbi who made us a family, and dinner with Cepler families to celebrate Purim and Grandpa Richard's birthday. I am exhausted just recalling the events.

The girls were wonderful today. They kept up with our busy schedule, rested in the car rides between social events, behaved well, and sparkled. What joys.

Girls, meet cotton candy

Belle and Emily had their first experience with cotton candy today at the Purim carnival. It was a hit, especially since it matched Emily and Craig's costumes.

With Great-Grandpa Leon

We welcomed Great-grandpa Leon and Great-grandma Selma back to NY(from Florida) today. The girls enjoyed the fishies. 91-year-old Great-grandpa Leon picked up and held snugly, smiley Emily. Wow!

With Rabbi Sarna

Rabbi Sarna married us nearly seven years ago, and now the family he helped start has doubled in membership. It was a pleasure to catch up with Rabbi and Michelle Sarna at NYU and introduce them to our girls.

Happy Purim!

Friday, March 14, 2014

Belle playing with Emily

Belle plays so well; it makes my heart sing. Belle is creative and able to play nicely by herself with her toys, books, and imagination. Belle lately has been eager to include Emily in her play. In the video, Belle asked me to put Emily in the tube so the two girls could play together: giggles ensued. Last night before bathtime, Belle and Emily walked through the kitchen. "We are going to a party!" Belle exclaimed. "We are fancy." Belle had found two purses: one for Belle to wear on her arm for the "walk to the party" (through the kitchen to the living room), and Belle put the second pocketbook on Emily's arm. How sweet that Belle included Emily in her imaginative play!