Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Happy Daddy Day!

This year for Father's Day we went into NYC with the little ladies to celebrate the Best Daddy Ever!! Shamefully, we have been avoiding going into the city with the girls... I don't know why, maybe the breastfeeding, potty training and two nap schedule? We conquered our fear (had no other excuses) and drove to the city for the day. We had a totally fun, non-stressful and gorgeous time celebrating our favorite guy. 
Happy Father's Day! Daddy & his girlies opening gifts and cards. 

First up was the Natural History Museum. The girls had a blast checking out the animals; the Peoples exhibits did tend to scare them, (think masks and bones) so we walked past those rather quickly. Lindsay's favorite animal she told us later was the cheetah... she like the polka dot fur. Madison who has a great love for most animals, was enchanted by the baby rhinos and the otters...  
 Dinosaur Bones!

They are both looking at the camera and smiling normal?! 
 Herd of elephants!
We worked up quite a hunger in the museum, and we walked across the street to have brunch at Isabella's. Mama and Daddy were super excited to discover that a free adult-only beverage came with our entree; we chose Bellini's!! Jarrett had a Filet Benedict: Filet with onion ring and au povire sauce... so decadent and rich; I had the Goat Cheese Omelet with marinaded tomato... delish. 

Daddy's Girl, Lindsay ;) When we told her we were going to New York city, we were surprised that she was excited and remembered it from books we read and shows we've seen.  
 The girls felt very 'fancy' eating in the city, and couldn't wait to finish eating so they could go to Central Park!

We took a leisurely stroll through Central Park, and it was a gorgeous and hot day. I was surprised to see so many folks out sunbathing. I guess when you only have two real months of summer, and limited days without thunder storm clouds, people get out as much as possible. I was feeling quite motherly, and wanted to bust out my sunscreen and say to all the folks (and my 21 year old self)... "Skin Cancer! Wrinkles!! Wear a hat!" Party Pooper..LOL.
The girls heard the tinkling music of the Carousel in the park and couldn't wait to take a spin...
 Throwing pennies in the fountain... make a wish!
 We walked down to FAO Schwarts for fun...
Water painting...there was so many things to try!
Lindsay and Madison had their own "Big" movie moment when they took a spin on the Big Piano!


We looked out the window and what did we see? Madison Avenue. 

 We walked around the corner with Madison Grace to take a picture with her street namesake.

Madison pointing to Madison Ave.
On our way back to our car we stopped for a sweet treat, gelato at Grom. We had a Grom in Malibu, and have not had it since we moved. Yum Yum! Much different view though. We drove the hour drive home and thought, "Let's do this again at Christmas Time!!" We love our Daddy Bear and had so much fun celebrating the wonderful Father, Son, Brother and Husband you are.

Happy Father's Day, Jarrett and Papa! We love you so much! 

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Daddy Daughter Date Night at Chick-fil-a

Last night I had a evening meeting for the Moms Club and Daddy took the girls on a fantastic date night! He asked his little ladies where they wanted to go, and Lindsay said, "Let's go to Chick-fil-a!" When they arrived, it just so happened to be Daddy Daughter Date Night... too adorable!! Here are a few pictures of their fun night...
Daddy and his Princesses
Jarrett said the place was decorated to be "fancy" with red table clothes, place mats and fun swag for the girls. They each received a tiny tiara, game and a stuffed "Eat more chickin" cow, not to mention a red or pink balloon. 

 Daddy and Princess Madison...
The girls each had their own chicken nugget meal, and ate all of it. I am thinking growth spurts? Of course, there is always room for peach milkshake!
 Daddy and Princess Lindsay (mid-bite!) What a special night with their Daddy... a great way to kick off celebrating our favorite guy this weekend!

Strawberry Picking

The little ladies and I went to the strawberry patch again this year to kick off summer! Boy, was it hot and humid. You can see in the pictures how red their little cheeks were and so sweaty.  We left with two pints of fresh strawberries and a great appreciation for all those who work in the fields to provide us with yummy fruit and vegetables! 
Strawberry Pickers
Before we went strawberry picking, we read one of our favorites, "The Big Hungry Bear and the Red Ripe Strawberry."


Lindsay ate almost as many as she put in her basket.

Madison was a serious berry picker... we had to clarify, only the RED ones!

Goofy Girls: Lila and Lindsay hammin' it up
When we got home the girls were eager to dive into those berries. They helped me wash them prep them for our favorite summertime dessert: Strawberry Shortcake!!
The girls helped me make gluten-free shortcakes, and Lindsay had the fun idea to make them bear-shaped in honor of the story.

MMmmm!! Maddie Gracie taking a swipe of whipped cream.
Last week the Princeton students went on break for summer, and things around Jarrett's office were finally slowing down. Daddy was pretty excited when he got home from work on the first day of his "summer" and saw a big bowl of strawberry shortcake waiting for him ;) Happy Summer!! 

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Memorial Weekend and Doctoral Candidate

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! We hope you had a fun time spending time with family and remembering those who have served our country! The little ladies and I had a fun "Girls Weekend" while Daddy was in California defending chapters 1-3 of his dissertation. He PASSED!! Hooray Doctoral Candidate, Jarrett D. Fisher!! We are so proud of you and your hard work! Just a few months more writing and you will be Dr. Fisher!!
Us girls tried to stay busy, and went to a neighborhood parade Saturday morning with some of our sweet neighbors.
Red, White & Blue cuties
 The girls were amazed by this guy on stilts...

 A few more years and they girls can do Girl Scouts... so much fun ;)
 Fire Trucks!
 Madison yelled, "Look Mama, Marshall!!" FYI... Marshall is the name of the dalmatian fireman dog on one of her favorite shows, Paw Patrol.
 I think they enjoyed the candy the most, especially the lolly pops.
 The girls and I visited different parks almost every day J was away. There was one park we hadn't been to in over a year, and when I told Lindsay we were going to "Veterans Park", she said "Yea! I love that dinosaur park." I was puzzled and couldn't remember any dinosaurs. But, my Lulu has a memory that amazes me. You can guess what the first thing was she ran to....yup, rocking dinosaur. LOL.


Maddie wanted to ride the pony, "Giddiup Cowgirl!"
Throwing rocks in the lake. Girls told me, "Let's go fishin' with Papa!!"
A couple weeks back the girls had their end of the year singing at Community Bible Study class. Madison was her usually serious self, and Lindsay said her verses and sang at the top of her lungs, "Jump Jump Jump into the Light."
Madison was so serious, but really excited to be wearing her tutu dress. Thanks Grammie!

Lulu singing her favorite song.
 I can't tell you how much I love Community Bible Study... every year it is fantastic. I have met so many wonderful friends both in CA and in NJ that encourage and inspire me. The girls have made sweet friends while learning about Jesus through the Children's Ministry. This was Lulu's last year in CBS, (she goes to Preschool next year) and I know she will miss it.  She might be a little angry with Maddie and I in the fall when she knows where we are headed without her ;)

Going to church with their stuffed animal friends.
The best thing about Daddy leaving is when he comes home he brings back goodies! Although we picked him up at the airport late, they were so excited to see what treasures Daddy brought back for them. Nonna helped him pick out some cute shirts, sandals and Frozen fork/spoon set. Jarrett had a great time in California seeing best friends, eating at all our favorite LA restaurants and going to a graduation party for his cousins Megan & Cameron. J got to hang out with the family, and the girls were especially jealous of the time spent with Nonna all weekend ;)  
We are so happy Daddy is home, and are SO PROUD of you!! xo