Surprise!

A few weeks back, while I was in Dallas for work, Ed and James decided to surprise a special lady on her birthday.  Rather than spend the weekend alone with an active toddler, Ed thought, why not drive up to Long Island and surprise Grandma Mangiaracina on her birthday.  Since I wasn't there, I can't speak to the exact reaction, but I can tell you that she was probably the happiest lady in the world when she saw them with flowers and bagels in hand - even if she was still in her jammies!

They spent the day hanging out at the house and in Grandma's gorgeous yard and enjoyed a lovely birthday dinner where James didn't melt down until dessert!  The night ended with James chasing the cats and bonding with his Aunts and Uncles.  All in all, I think Grandma Mangiaracina had a wonderful birthday.

But the party didn't stop there. Day 2 of the birthday weekend was filled with sharks, jelly fish and monkeys.  Monkeys you ask?  Yes, monkeys.  :)  The Long Island Aquarium delivered all of the above and more including lots of great photos.

See... I told you. :)  Good times were had by all in New York with family.  I'm sorry that I missed it, but I'm so glad that Ed and James were able to make Grandma Mangiaracina so happy on her birthday this year.

Everybody Loves a Kid Fest

These days, we need to make sure that our weekend time is mapped out with fun activities to keep a certain someone occupied and happy.  This past weekend, we hit up Fall for Fairfax Kid Fest at the Fairfax County Government Center and even though it was a Fall event, the weather didn't get the message and served up hot temps for our day at the fair.

The main driver for our participation in this event was the petting zoo.  James is an animal lover so whenever there is an opportunity for him to get up close and personal, we take advantage.  The best part - the Petting Zoo was a free attraction so yippee for us!  The Llama Llamas in Pajamas scared him a little bit, but he was in love with the bunnies (as usual).  He even got to see some ducks and put the word "duck" in action - one of the many words on his ever growing list.

After we said bye-bye to all the animals, we made our way through the many vendor tents, and came upon another favorite - Firetrucks!! The local squad was there giving tours of the different rigs and letting the kiddos sit in the Fireman's seat.  Ever since a Fireman visited James' school, he has been a fan - what boy isn't!  We actually read a book about Firemen every night before bed.  James was very excited to see one up so close - but not excited enough to sit in it.  I have to give the Fireman credit for keeping his cool as he hoisted a screaming James into the seat. :)

The best part was watching the reaction on James' face when he was looking up at the ladder extended into the sky.  I'm pretty sure that was the first time he saw it which, as a parent, is always amazing to witness.

All in all, it was a fun couple of hours and served as some entertainment for the little man.  If you live in Northern VA and have kiddos, this festival is a great one.  There are a ton of carnival rides and games as well as bounce houses, craft areas, a scarecrow building competition and pony rides.  James was a little young to take advantage of everything, but we definitely head back when he is a little older.  

For those of you who don't have kiddos, Kid Fest is the best form of birth control out there.  :)