New York and Piper Jane

 Visiting my bestie also means we get to head to Pipers house (as Reagan calls it) Piper is 4 years old and lives at a children's rehabilitation center. When we get there Reagan first heads over to the drawers and picks out an ever so hip or thrifted outfit for Piper. She then brushes Piper's curly, blond locks and usually puts it into a very "in" halo braid. When Jake is there Piper grabs his hands and raises them up, that means she wants to be on Daddy's shoulders. The relationship between this cute little family  is truly inspiring, Reagan has such a fun and positive attitude about Pip Squeak (one of her many nicknames). Piper loves many things just like any other four year old, Having her Momma Reagan read her stories, play with little action figures and bears,  watching Yo Gabba Gabba on the I-pad, and playing with her little buddies when they come for a visit.. 

I took some Q and A's right off Reagans Blob 

 Q: What is Piper Jane’s condition called and how does it effect her?

A: It’s called CCMS and it mostly effects Piper Jane physically, specifically with her respiratory system. There are many minor anomalies, but the bigger ones are that she has an underdeveloped chin, a severely crooked spine and is missing half of her rib cage. The combination of these problems prevents her from breathing on her own, so she relies on a ventilator. She requires so much support that it’s not safe for her to be home with us. Which is basically suck-central.

Q: Lots of people can live at home on ventilators, why do you choose to have Pippy in the hospital?
A: I know, thanks for rubbing it in! It would be completely dangerous to have a child so fragile and vent dependent away from regular doctor/nurse care. Plus we’re just not even allowed…meaning, it’s not even an option for us.

 Piper and Luke played soo cute together... 

 Of course all three cuties couldn't be looking at one time right?

 Playing at the Park

 Tickles from brother

 Mr. Model face

This night we headed downtown to get Pizza, Jake was adorable with little Noah and told him we were going to be having "Monkey Pizza"

 On the Subway

Thanks again for the fun time Brienholts' we love you and will see you soon! 

New York Tourist

Even though I have  been so lucky to able able to go to New York multiple times, and Alex lived there for two years while he served a mission for the LDS church, we  never get sick of seeing Times Square, walking through Central Park, the great food, shopping and the overall energy of the city. There really is nothing like it!! We lucked out and had weather in the 60's the whole time we were there.. It was perfect! Most of the stores already had their Christmas window displays up and the trees on the streets were lit! Although it wasn't easy pushing a giant stroller around and fighting the crowds of the holiday weekend it was still worth it!! 

So we totally acted like tourists 

-walked through the park

-played the Piano and FAO Schwarz (BIG style)

-Ate at POP (Delish)

-M&M and Disney at Times Square

and many other things along the way... 

This Barbie table is only $25,000 what a steal right?

 Make your own muppets.. We didn't do it, but I think next trip I totally want to do this!!

 POP!! Such a yummy place, I am still dreaming about the fries!! Delish

 Ah Tiffany's

 The tree was up at Rockefeller Center but they don't light it until December.. 

 Washington Bridge.. Noah loves bridges and calls them fridges

 The LDS temple

 Oh Mr. Jonathan Adler.. Why must your store be so incredible?

 Best picture ever... Noah couldn't believe this robot man, he was saying oh my gosh and covering his mouth in disbelief!! 

Ah how I love this place... 

It's Thanksgiving time in the City..

Over the weekend we made the trek to NYC!! One of my BFF's Reagan lives there.. Her and I share many amazing memories together, dating back to the mid 90's.... Nothing like visiting friends for the holidays. It is awesome living East-ish to be able to drive to New York. It is always brave for people to take in my two wild boys.. 3 if you include Alex. She slaved over a hot stove and hosted an amazing Turkey and Tofurkey meal!! Preparing everything from scratch even the pie crusts. PS where did the term as easy as pie come from? It is hard work!! Thanks again Mei!!
{Mei is our nicknames for each other}

some of Reagan and Jake's friends came to dinner too, Amanda Blair and Anwar.. It was awesome meeting them and they both played sooooo cute with the kiddos!! 

Me and the love of my life!!  

Before our meal we were able to go and visit Reagan's daughter Miss Piper Jane!! Always a MUST while in New York!! 

 The last time I saw Pip she couldn't stand up on her own, now she is all grown up!! 

Um I don't know about this guy Momma

 Noah sharing is prized power rangers

 Sweetest moments of my trip

Instant BFF's