Disney Bean

On tax day, the Bean headed off on another adventure. Even though she hasn't won the Super Bowl (yet), she was going to Disney World! Her first big adventure came at the hotel, shortly after arriving. After a quick change of clothes, and a brief consultation with Dad...



She headed straight for the pool...and loved it!



The vacation was off to a great start.



The hotel (the Animal Kingdom Lodge) was spectacular, and the Bean was always particularly excited to see the giraffes.



On the second day, the Bean headed to the Magic Kingdom.



Her favorite ride? Appropriately, It's a Small World.



But she also relished the chance to stretch her wings and explore new places, whether in Minnie's house...



Or just walking around with Mom.



By the third day, the Bean had begun to look distressingly like a long-term Florida resident.



She was engrossed by the world around her, whether watching from the monorail...



The people-mover...



Or the Jungle Cruise.



But the true highlight of the day was the chance to return to the pool.



On her final full day in Florida, the Bean visited Epcot. She learned a bit about recycling...



And Italian mimes...



But once it started raining, it was time to head home and watch the giraffes.



It was a wonderful vacation, and Mom and Dad really enjoyed the break and the time together as a family...but the Bean's just as happy to be home in New York!

Good Friday, Great Weekends

On Good Friday, the Bean's school was closed, as was Dad's office. Mom, however, had to go to work. The weather was spectacular, so Dad and the Bean headed out to play with Liana, Daria and Juliet on the rare weekday off in the city.

There was some swinging...



Some more swinging...



And even some sliding.



It was a great start to the weekend. Easter Sunday brought even better weather, and the trees in Central Park decided to celebrate the arrival of spring.



The Bean thought it was pretty sweet!



By the next weekend, the Bean was really into the swing of things on the playground.



She had also decided to explore anything which required climbing--even if it was designed for kids twice her age.



What better way to celebrate such a great weekend than by having lunch outside, with Vivian and her mom?

Marching along...

March brought even more birthdays (Happy birthday Rosie!)...



Even more bad weather (which the Bean decided to escape by visiting Ikea and practicing her cup skills on someone else's floor)...



And some very special visitors! Grammie and Grandad returned, just as the weather began to improve. There was time for playing on the floor...



Playing in the kitchen...



And even time to take a call while waiting for lunch.



Before they left, the Bean even took Grammie and Grandad on visits to the zoo...



And to the playground.



Come back soon!

February

According to the calendar, February is the shortest month of the year. This year, it didn't feel that way. Two major snowstorms in New York (and the Bean's first two snowdays home from school) and several business trips for each of Mom and Dad made for a looong month.

Fortunately, the Bean took it all in stride. She spent much of the month playing with her new birthday presents--including her beloved walker.



The Bean also had special visitors on Presidents Day weekend--Nicole and Peter were in town from D.C.! The Bean was MUCH healthier than the last time she saw them, and she and Nicole really enjoyed getting to spend some time together.





Like everything else, February eventually came to an end and the Bean isn't looking back!

The Bean's First Birthday!

On January 29th, the Bean celebrated her actual first birthday quietly at home with Mom and Dad. She read her cards...



Got ready for bed, and got a long night's sleep so that she would be ready for Saturday and...Her Party!

Surrounded by friends and family...



The Bean had a wonderful time.



Brett, the special entertainment at her party, was quite a hit.



By the end, everyone was bubbling over with excitement.



Happy First Birthday, Bean! Mom and Dad are constantly amazed by how you have changed in the last year.

Party Girl

With the Bean's first birthday fast approaching, many of her friends are also turning one...and celebrating!

Last Saturday was a two-state two-party whirlwind.

First, in New Jersey, she celebrated with her friend Nicholas...



and danced to the music.



Later, back in New York, the Bean celebrated with her classmate Felipe.



There was more music...



And several of her other friends from school were there too.



She especially enjoyed her time in the gym, practicing the skills she learned in San Diego.



After a long night's sleep to recover from all of that partying, the Bean spent some quality time on Sunday morning with the pet seal she brought back from San Diego.



And she spent a relaxing Sunday afternoon with special visitors from China--Helen and John!

Winter Warmer

By mid-January, after several consecutive weeks of below freezing weather, the Bean decided it was time to warm up. So she packed up her pacifier, and headed off to visit Grammie, Grandad, Aunt Leila, Uncle Kurt and her cousins Calvin and Phoebe in San Diego.



After some practice flights in the terminal, she was ready to go.



In San Diego, she found warm, sunny weather...



Time to relax...



And a lot of relatives to play with!





The Bean especially enjoyed playing with her cousin Calvin...



And eating with her cousin Phoebe.



She even had special visitors from LA--Catherine and Jack--who joined her for a trip to the zoo...



And who helped to turn Leila and Kurt's living room into a zoo.



But the Bean's greatest accomplishment came unexpectedly, early one morning, while she was exploring Grammie and Grandad's house. Presented with an intriguing challenge, she felt compelled to overcome it, despite a complete lack of experience. Mom and Dad were simply amazed.



It was a great visit, and a wonderful birthday gift for Dad to see the whole family.