a new playmate

Yesterday we had a magical visit with this guy:

I've written about our fabulous local aquarium before. We visit often and the kids are quite comfortable there. But, never, I mean never, have we had such a special animal encounter. We were there for a short visit at opening on Monday morning and this Beluga Whale just wanted to play with the kids. 

He posed for the camera, swam up and down to be equal in height to either Isaac or Xavier and would react to them by opening his mouth, clicking or surfacing and "singing." Grandpa and I were amazed. Of course I and X had no idea how special this was. 

These photos look photoshopped, but I swear they are untouched. I could have stayed there for a long time. I think maybe Monday mornings might be a good time to visit again.

a perfect weekend

Columbus Day is my favorite holiday, not because I really have much to say about Columbus, but more  because it's a stress-free, no obligations, day off in the middle of fall. This year, it was sunny and 80. It didn't feel like fall, but we loved every minute of it. We spent one day at our beach with Mo's sister and her family (including my sweet godson!), one day around the house and yard and one day on a little adventure. It was wonderful.

When you move as much as we have, you tend to treat every new area like a tourist, exploring and taking in the sites when you can. With only so many short months left here, I'm working on my list: places I really hope to see before we move. On Columbus Day, we checked one off with a visit to the Bronx Zoo. It did not disappoint! It's huge but shaded and park-like. It features tons of big animals - polar bear, grizzlies, alligators, crocodiles (including one of those ones with the skinny nose - scary!), gorillas - and a monorail ride through the Asia exhibit. It had the best butterfly house and snake exhibit Mo and I have ever seen. We met friends there and had a great time. Isaac and I even got up close and personal with a gorilla, which was a highlight. And Xavier got the most excited about the ducks. Really, the ducks. He tries to quack these days (Moo too) and is now officially a 95% walker. He still cracks himself up with his wobbly walking. 

A trip to the farmers market

is a great way to spend a Saturday morning. Especially when said market is on a beautiful farm, with animals. We are so lucky to have this treasure so close to home.

The boys enjoyed picking out their dinner, collecting it piece by piece from the different vendors. We dined on homemade garlic hummus, feta bread, goat cheese, kohlrabi, chives and tomatoes. Delicious!