Mason's secret twin, Malka, who we've known since they were about six months old and partners in crime in the baby room at Nursery North. We stopped by to visit Malka and her Eemah on Saturday so the toddlers could get some playtime in, and us mommies could stare at Malka's new baby brother.
Here they are giving each other a big ol' hug, while Mason tells Malka that she's his "bestest buddy."
It's so cool that even though we don't get together as often as we'd like, whenever we do, they're "bestest buddies" all over again!
It's been frigid here in the Northeast -- though the temperature was 41 degrees when I woke up this morning, so for one day I can't complain. Anyway, the dipping temps did necessitate a crafty weekend, as a made the Macey Man a scarf to bundle himself in. Here he is after our early morning Saturday swimming lessons looking oh-so-cute.
Mason wrapped up his session with the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation last week with a gymnastics gala at Riverbank State Park. Dad-O and I were pretty excited to see the show, as the gymnastics class was of the drop-off variety, so we didn't know exactly what the Macey man had been learning behind closed doors for the past few months.
We watched the show front and center with Kellyn's family -- her mom, dad, grandma, aunt and cousin were all on hand to take in the scene.
Here are some shots and a little video for you to enjoy!
Mason and Kellyn are the third and second in line, respectively.
Getting ready for a somersault!
The landing
Waving goodbye to their adoring fans
And, still waving. Kellyn took center stage until one of the coaches came to pluck her off the center of the mat. We got a HUGE kick out of it!
Here's Mason's official 3-year-old photo shoot. He was quite the little charmer and seemed to love the attention showered on him by the ladies at Kiddie Kandids.
A couple days late, but here's what we've been up to this holiday...
Mason and Mommy baked cookies on Christmas Eve morning, while Dad-O had to head off to work. Mason, as you can see, is a good helper and always willing to test the batter.
In the evening, we headed to 5 p.m. mass and took some time afterwards to take in the beautiful nativity scene and all the decorations set up at church.
Next, we headed downtown and grabbed some dinner before our traditional stop at Rockefeller Center to see the tree in all it's glory. Here are some of our favorite shots.
On Christmas morning, we awoke to find a pile of presents from Santa on top of the pile of presents that had already found it's way to our tree thanks to all Mason's generous aunts and uncles and his Grammy and Papa.
Mason opened.
And opened.
And opened presents.
Then, we got to take our turn. Dad-O, as you can see, was very pleased with his new video game.
We enjoyed a low-key day. We spent a little time out in the lobby of the apartment visiting with the neighbors and watching Mason and their little guy play with some new toys. Later, we closed out the night with a trip to visit Melissa and Kellyn next door.
Mommy was wearing her comfy sweats all day and decided that's just about the best way to spend Christmas!
We celebrated Mason's official birthday yesterday with a day full of family fun. Both Dad-O and I were lucky enough to have the day off so we could devote the whole day to doting on the birthday boy.
We started off with a very nutritious birthday breakfast of donuts and followed that up with opening more presents. Mason had plenty of time to play with all of them: he and Dad-O built a Lego tower taller than Mason, Mason had a ball with his new Diego Mobile Rescue Unit and then we all headed into the lobby so he could go wild with his remote-control car from Grammy and Papa.
After recharging at naptime, we headed downtown for the much-anticipated Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Mason posed for some quick pictures before we set out to find our seats.
The show did not disappoint. Afterwards, Mason said his favorite part was the arrival of the three wisemen, presumably because they were accompanied by real-live donkeys and camels (seriously, I work right across the street from the place. I want to know where they hide those animals when they're not on stage!). Of course, later, he was overheard telling his Uncle Kirty that it was the Rockettes who really stole the show. My how fast he's growing up...
After the show, we grabbed some cupcakes at Magnolia and headed uptown for one last surprise: Pizza, soda and games at Chuck E. Cheese. Mason always points it out when we pass it by, but we rarely go there. It's a special treat. Dad-O, with Mason on his shoulder walked by the door initially, only to turn around and go back, and plop Mason in front of the door -- where we were treated to a big ol' birthday smile. He was so excited.
We closed the place down and headed home, only to find our door all decorated by Mason's daycare buddies. It was so cute -- two collages, plus a card from each of his friends and a portrait of the birthday boy. Mason remarked: "This is beautiful work!"
It was that, and a pretty awesome end to his third-birthday extravaganza. We all had a great day...and will have to work real hard to top it next year!
