Saturday, April 24, 2010

A Happy NYC Birthday

Scout and I have birthdays two days apart. I decided this year the thing that would make me the happiest would be to share my birthday with her. This was a landmark year of 10 years old for her. It seemed hardly possible. They live close to the school so we were able to walk her and Calder each morning. It was beautiful spring weather and such fun to walk them and see where they go to school.
This was the first time we had seen Travis and Sara's new home. I love everything about it. I think I've always dreamed about living in a home just like theirs.
Travis and Sara are minimalists..as seen in their living room.
We call David "the baby whisperer" because babies and children gravitate to him. Crosby was no exception.
Scout stopped eating her ice cream long enough for a photo in front of the blossoms.
We went to see Calder at his swimming lessons.

We went to back to school night. Their school is like a mini Ivy League college...so traditional and beautiful. The neighborhood that they live in was developed in the 20's. There us a great deal of diversity and pride.
Calder is quite an artist. He is sitting in front of one of his paintings. I should probably snag some of his work before he becomes famous and expensive.
We are in Calder's room looking at the project I had prepared called "Flat Stanley". Flat Stanley came in the mail to Midway. We were asked to take him around the city and give him a tour of where we lived. I placed Stanley at various places in Midway then told about them. I was gratified when his teacher met us in person and told us we got an excellent grade for the project.
Scout is a very gifted writer. She read us the stories and poetry she had written.
For her birthday her mother made the best cupcakes ever to be seen at their school.
For my birthday David and I met Travis at his office in Soho and we had a birthday lunch with his partners and employees.
Travis took us to some of his favorite places. This is his favorite graffiti/art wall.
This is the Breton Way street he lives on. He is at the end of a cul-de-sac. The home next to him at the end was built and lived in by the gangster Bugsy Segil.
It is a great place for Calder to learn skate boarding tricks with his dad.
David in his GQ pose.
On Saturday Travis, Scout, David and I went to Manhattan for a day of adventure. This is the trail to the train that Travis walks on every day. It is a beautiful nature walk to and from home.
It was a little chilly when we got to the pier. We went to an exhibit on the body at a museum.
We visited Ground Zero. This is the church yard that was just a block from the twin towers that miraculously escaped damage.
Part of the monument that is now being built.
On our way home at Grand Central Station.
Amy and Enoch Palmer..best friends live close by Travis and Sara. They exchange baby sitting and take care of each other.
I like this mother and daughter photo.
Scout is the best big sister.
Scout's birthday Sunday morning started out with breakfast in bed.
She and David and Calder played some good games of checkers.
Here she is opening her gifts.
A bunch of friends came for dinner and had a great time with computer games.
The next day Scout wasn't feeling well so she stayed home and enjoyed reading her new books.
David and I walked down to the village..seeing one of our offices in the nicest building in town.
Fun shops, beautiful architecture.


They still wear furs.
An "only is Scarsdale" reminder on the grocery store door.
This is the all white "celestial room" much like Travis' Aunt Marilyn had. We loved staying there and felt so special. Being with family is the best birthday I could have had.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

The Wedding Dress

The way I foster closeness with the grand daughters is to provide a costume/princess room where they can be creative and dress up as their imagination warrants. I am always looking for new ways to add to the collection. When I know they are coming it is always fun for them to anticipate a new gown or accessory. A few months ago I picked up an antique 50's Audrey Hepburn 3/4 sleeve Chantilly lace wedding gown at the thrift store. I threw it in the washer and it came out beautifully. When I finally got around to making it over to fit a four or five year old, I noticed the label "Cahill of Beverly Hills". When I googled the name I realized I had a very valuable and sought after gown. There is a whole industry of vintage clothing I knew nothing about. After thinking for awhile I decided the grand daughters were more important than the $$ I could get from selling it on EBay. The following photos show the enjoyment we have gotten from such a find. Three little girls and a good sport boy cousin have modeled and enjoyed the new gown.
Anna was the first to try it.
She wanted her grandpa to be the first to see.
Emma, as usual, was a natural at posing and made a beautiful dark haired bride.
It is fun to see them walk around with the train like a true princess.
Ella is usually fairly reserved but she asked to make a special trip to my house so we could do the costumes together.
She is sweet with her bob haircut. She is enjoying my make-up drawer.

Wyatt got into the act taking the part of the groom.
They are "best" cousins and enjoy playing together. The dress has indeed been worth the $4.00 I paid.