NYC and MoMA

Last weekend we went into New York to visit the MoMA and see Grandpa Jim and Grandma Gail. Sue was doing a MoMA workshop at Eli Whitney Museum summer camp the following (last) week, and we thought it would be more interesting for her if she'd actually been to the museum first.

We had a great time! Although the weather was rainy, everything went incredibly smoothly. We took the Shoreline East train from Branford into New Haven and switched to the Metro North, an easy walk across the platform. Sue really enjoyed the ride, as you can tell in the pictures below.

This was our first trip to MoMA since the renovation. It's so much bigger! But it was fun to see old favorites, like the helicopter, the bicycle stool, French impressionists, Andy Warhol, and Jackson Pollock.

On the way back to Grand Central, we stopped by the American Girl doll store, and the grandparents bought Sue her first American Girl doll (#14, which has hair and eyes similar to Sue's). At the store, a personal shopper was incredibly helpful, because frankly, it was a little overwhelming. Sue was in seventh heaven on the way home, full of modern art and ecstatic about her new doll.

The Elusive Child and Random

The other day I thought that Sue was looking particularly cute, so I asked if I could take her picture. "Sure!", she said. Right. She's at that age where as soon as she knows she's being photographed, she starts making funny faces.







I had spun some rainbow yarn and make a little shawl for Sue, more for the fun of it than thinking she would actually wear it, but surprise surprise the other day she wanted to wear it. So of course I had to take a picture. The shawl didn't make it all the way to school, but still, I'm very happy she thought of it.



Sue and I both love rainbows. We haven't had one around here in a while, but as I was leaving for tennis last week I noticed the remains of one out by the water. I called back to the house so that Brendan could take Sue to see it. Later I found out that Sue had taken a picture of it!



This is Kipper's favorite place in the house during the day. Looks pretty comfy.

Firsts

Little Sue had her first piano recital last Sunday, after only four lessons. Being the proud parents that we are, we took some video footage. You can see Sue in her YouTube debut here.

Also, my mother gave me a rigid heddle loom for my birthday, and I just finished my first project, a wool scarf. Woot!

Bozeman Ski Trip

Tired but happy, we're back from our annual visit to Grandma Val. Unfortunately, little Sue was sick for part of the visit, but she still managed to fit in three ski classes.

Valerie gave me ski lessons and lift tickets for this year's birthday present, which was a fabulous gift. The lesson was just the thing, and the day afterwards Valerie and I got in a good 6 runs on a spectacular sunny mild day.

Sue And Maia

Sue and Maia are best friends. They are in the same first grade class, and in the same after school program. Today, Mommy took them both to the Peabody Museum (of natural history), out to lunch, and then shopping. Grrrrls ruled today!







After the Peabody it was time for lunch. Given the choice of Friendly's or Wendy's, Wendy's won the day -- because of the toy. Despereaux!

Grandma's Jumper

Grandma Sue knitted a dress for Sue last year that Sue rejected immediately. This was painful for "Gammie", as Sue calls this (of her three) grandmothers. I sadly put the knitted jumper in the back of Sue's dresser drawer, and expected to give it away (or reclaim the yarn) when it no longer fit.

Surprise surprise, Sue came down from getting dressed for school today wearing Gammie's jumper! She just decided that this was what she wanted to wear. And after coming home from school, she told me that it was very comfortable, and that all the adults had commented on her dress and given her lots of attention. Now she wants to wear it for Christmas Eve dinner too.

Thanksgiving

This year's Thanksgiving dinner was similar to previous years, although somehow it all seemed better. The turkey was especially delicious -- Richmond had brined it. Everyone seemed very well, and was relaxed, and there was good conversation. Although Little Sue was somewhat bored, she dealt.



Brendan was relaxed.



The pumpkin pie was especially lovely.



So much to be thankful for!