The Polar Express

PToday we went to Kingston NY to ride The Polar Express. Based on the book, it follows the main themes and plays out the story. Hot chocolate and cookies are served. The waiters dance. Santa joined the train and met all the kids and gave them silver bells. It was a lot of fun. Here's the photos:

Ethan's first dentist trip

So Ethan had his first dentist trip today. And boy, do American kids dentists know how to operate!

We went to a place called 'Rye Smiles'. It had a mini movie theatre (popcorn shaped) in the waiting room along with games consoles and lots of toys.

The dental hygienist was amazing with Ethan. He got to choose his sunglasses and his flavour of toothpaste. They had a tv screen for him to watch above his head. She explained Mr Tickle (the brush) and Mr Thirsty (the sucky thing). He got to pick goodies from a treasure chest at the end, got a favorite character themed toothbrush and stickers. Oh and a photo memento!

Unfortunately he needs a filling so we'll be heading back sooner than I'd like. And I'm not sure how realistic the advice is to floss daily (I consider brushing his teeth daily a win!). But it was an amazing service and Ethan was incredible.

I honestly don't know how he'll visit a normal dentist in the UK now!

Here's a picture of him and his glasses.

Advent adventures

The Christmas tree went up on Saturday and our advent adventures started today.

I've decided to do an advent book box, a new book each day (all Christmas/winter themed, this isn't as expensive as it sounds because I'm going to pack them away and reuse them again for several years!) plus they get a little bit of chocolate each in their calender.

The elf had also arrived again. He's here to have some fun with us and help get ready for Christmas. He puts the chocolate in the calender each night and delivers the books. You can follow his adventures below and I'll check back in with updates.

Thanksgiving weekend

Our third and final Thanksgiving long weekend.

We opted to go out for lunch to a favourite Italian on Thanksgiving so it was a fairly quiet day. Although it was preceded by a trip to the emergency doctor after Joshua spiked a high fever overnight.

On Friday we went into Manhattan and watched the 'Radio City Christmas spectacular'. A bit of a NY Christmas institution. Amazingly Ethan sat through a 90min show, Joshua and I made 50mins and that was only because he slept for the first 25! Ethan also met Santa.

On Saturday we had a quieter day at home. Although a great swim lesson for Ethan as he managed to swim the width of the pool without swim aids for the first time. And we put the Christmas tree up!

On Sunday we went to a Christmas fayre (where Ethan got to ride the train) and then Ethan and I went to the local theatre and saw a Curious George production.

We really enjoyed having the long weekend at home and having lots of family time together. Despite Joshua being sick and cutting molars we still managed to have a great time. Photos below.

Lunch... 

Meeting Santa

Cleaning Daddy's car

The Christmas fayre

Seeing Curious George