Just Because I Love You Day

I declare today to be Just Because I Love You Day.


Daddy: It feels like the humid summer is coming to an end, which feels great, especially now that it's Just Because I Love You Day.

The family recently returned from San Francisco and San Diego, where we say cousins and grand parents and Tina. We'll recap the trevails of air travel and new ways for a meltdown over the next week.

Victoria Gardens

What do they grow at Victoria Gardens? Roller Coasters! That's why it's my favorite garden.


Daddy: Emma is 5. Her B-day is the event of the universe!

Well, maybe just to me. I was not able to meet the 15 kid minimum. My invitations don't carry the same wait as say Seinfeld. I invited every kid in her class, and all the kids we play with and then kids from past classes! Everyone claimed to have other plans such as their own birthday party (which was on the same day) or they are attending another party they were invited to first or they had to do their laundry.
I had to pay for a party with 15 kids when there were only eight. Victoria Gardens gave my bruised ego an extra kick in the gut.

It was a super fun party for Emma, and it is actually easier to have 6 kids and their parents than 15. Every kids party is a chance to learn and grow. What is my lesson? I am ready to commit to a 12 step program.

Rocking Horse Ranch

Riding Ponies, water slides, bungee jumpin', fireworks, disco dancin', ice cream at every lunch and dinner (Next year they should have ice cream at breakfast. Daddy said I can e-mail mangagement.) Rocking Horse Ranch rules!

Daddy: Imagine a world of horses, western music, rocking horses, families with kids you've never met surrounding you 24/7. The rooms are creaky, you hear the people above and next to you, but it doesn't matter because you only children are so hyped up that they don't fall asleep until 1 AM. I took Emma and Maddy to the front desk at 1 AM and told them, "Please, please help me." The girl at the desk laughed. She thought it was really cute.

As a 46 year old dad, if I was writing for Tripadvisor, I'd point out, that though it may be cute to have all the dining room furniture made of sticks, grown men need back support. For the love of God. The kids had an awesome time but I feel I need to put into a padded room, debriefed, have my back messaged by twenty midgets and slowly be allowed back into adult life.

Jamaica

I almost forgot, I went to Jamaica. People said things like "Ya Man." When they said "Man," it was with a really slow and deep ah sound. I got to go into the Lazy River and the ocean. It was great to travel to a new island.

Daddy: Ya Man, I have returned from Jamaica and I have the Jamaican beads to prove it.

The Weather

At night I post the weather. It is important to know if it is cloudy, partly cloudy, windy, blustery, rainy. That's why I post the weather in my living room.

Daddy: It is hard to sea the clouds at night, but Emma needs to know. She is precise. We're off to Jamaica. The weather, when on vacation, reveals its extreme importance. I am extremely scared of bad weather. I made the mistake of checking the weather on my iPhone and it says: Partly rainy. Please no!

Sisters in matching pajamas (with attitude which says, 'Dad, one day we won't put up with this')

Big Girl Bed

My dad and I picked out the bed on the internet-(US Mattress had the best price but my dad had to set it up). It arrived 26 days later. I picked out the heart sheets at Bed Bath and Beyond. I love being out of my low to the ground toddler bed, up in the air, now, where I belong, stretching my feet out with all the extra room! Hooray! HOOORAY!!!


Share the Joy, even baby sister Madeleine was estatic with the furniture's arrival. Dad: Emma counted out the days on a calender until the bed arrived. On the Wednesday the bed was due she ran into the bedroom at 7 AM and said, "Daddy, zero more days until the bed arrives." My greatest fear was the day of it's arrival. The shipping firm warned me they would just drop the bed unassembled on the curbside and it weighed 160 pounds.
Woa, how would the bed get up the four steps, through the double doors, into our third floor apartment. I'd need an Angel!
Emma's desire was so strong that an angel appeared: Angel, the super. He actually answered his phone and came over to help assemble the bed (I guess now he'll get his wings.). It takes up half her room but I don't think I've ever scene anyone so happy. The big girl bed is set up! HOORAY!

Elmo Grows Up (at last!)

Elmo wants to be a fire fighter, a cowboy, a cop! Apparently he's not interested in mathematics or literature. He's funny, he's floppy but he still has a lot of growing to do.

Daddy: Emma was un-phased by the throngs of crazed Madison Square Garden Elmo groupies. I found them a little nerve wracking. Elmo Grows Up, it helped me to realize, I'd better pick a carear, asap!