Things to be thankful for...

AQVD couldn't have had a better Thanksgiving. The day started in Central Park, where she got to see her heros, Abby Kaddaby and Dora, in balloon form with the help of grandpa's sturdy shoulders. Then she got to spend the afternoon chasing and getting chased by her energetic second cousins -- thanks Blair and Ashley! And the big day ended with some turkey, turkey-apple making and chunks from a giant chocolate turkey. Yum.
Boots and swiper didn't make it to the parade- we think they were napping.

Yes - that's Kermit coming up behind us!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Birthday Bashes!

AQVD kicked off her first days as a two-year-old with an elevator-related boo boo. But things quickly improved, starting with a family party at home, a (admittedly slightly freaky looking) Dora birthday cake and a new kitchen! (The daily special is very al dente penne.) Then, last weekend AQVD had a co-birthday party with an old Inwood buddy and lots of little friends. Highlights included puppet making, cupcake eating and lots of drumming. AQVD has some rhythm, folks!


Ava and her buddy Mika - the two birthday girls- having a little disagreement at their party about who gets to hold the crying baby.
AQVD, Auntie Christie, Elmo and, of course, the Irish. Someday they will beat USC. Someday.

Stop! Cousin Time

AQVD got a chance to hang out with some of her favorite people last weekend - her cousins, Turner and Alex, Auntie Meggie, Uncle Matt, Grandpa Opa and Grandma Mary. When AQVD wasn't following Alex around like a lost puppy, she was wearing her sweaters or playing with her Dora toys. Toronto also turned out to be a great place to swim, eat dinosaur-laced oatmeal and do a lot of smiling...

House Party!

Witness AQVD's pure joy at not only having Auntie Christie (aka uncle crusty) and Grammy Christine but also grammy's doggies, Coco and Berry, in her very own little house! (Grandpa even briefly popped his head in.) Can't wait until you come back to NYC grammy and grandpa!

Big Kisses

AQVD has been settling into her new home and neighborhood - and now she's got a (rather big) new buddy to help her do it. Good old Raggedy Ann. Thanks for the special gift Grammy Christine!

Summer lovin'!

AQVD sadly said goodbye to our home in Inwood last week by partying with her buddies at a birthday party in the park. There was dancing, cupcakes and other nearby parties to crash. And that's not all. We've also had a visit from Kate and got to take a dip in Uncle Don's pool on the 4th of July. Now, onto settling into our new home. Visitors welcome!

Out and About

AQVD hasn't really been herself the past couple of days - we're hoping it's teething and not a preview of the terrible twos. But we've managed to eek some smiles out by doing a little naked dancing, pizza eating (a must for New York babies), and bonding with gama and gampa. Today she rewarded us by adding a new phrase to her repertoire -- "rock an roll!" Indeed.