July 4th

Today is the Fourth of July (Independence Day) so Daddy had the day off. After a slow start in the morning, we left the house to go to the Central Park Carousel - one of your favorite outings. Near the subway stop on 57th and 6th Avenue, there were some statues of men who worked on the Rockefeller buildings. It was a beautiful day outside - when we walked past the horse-drawn carriages, you kept saying "Horsies - yee haw!" You love riding the carousel - you went twice with Daddy. While you were on the carousel, Caden slept the entire time. When it was time to get off the carousel, you kicked and screamed and refused to let go of the pole. Daddy had to pry your hands off the pole and carry you outside while you continued to kick and scream. None of the other kids freak out like you do when it's time to go. Once you settled down, you ate some lunch and then I took you on the carousel one more time. When it was time to get off, you threw another fit - Daddy and I don't know how to stop your tantrums whenever it's time to go after doing something fun. After the carousel, we took a leisurely stroll through Central Park to the other side where FAO Schwartz (a famous toy store) is located. The first floor has lots of stuffed animals - the main display was sea animals including a hammerhead shark, great white shark and an huge octopus. We went downstairs to check out the baby/preschool collection - you had fun playing on the rocking ducky. While Daddy and you walked around on the second floor, I fed Caden in the parlor and enjoyed some split pea soup too.

On our way home, we walked along Fifth Avenue and passed the Sony Store - the window displays had video cameras that filmed people walking in front of the store. Say cheese! You fell asleep on Daddy's lap on the subway ride home. It was good for you to take a late nap today since we had plans to watch the fireworks at nighttime. We woke you up at 7PM and walked to David/Carley's house for a BBQ on their rooftop cabana.

You enjoyed slurping on noodles and eating hot dogs with Cairo. Next you blew some bubbles with Cairo while we waited for the fireworks to start.
Again, Caden slept through the entire party - he did not make a peep!
What a beautiful view of the Brooklyn Bridge and Downtown from the rooftop! Cairo told his Daddy (David) that he likes playing with you - then he gave you a hug. How sweet! Cairo and you also enjoyed eating ice cream together. Finally, the fireworks started around 9:30PM after the rain stopped. You kept shouting 'Fireworks. So beautiful.' We went home after the fireworks ended - it was way past your bedtime!