If a Boy Pees in the Woods / Definition of Schmutzy

Sam hit another milestone today.  We were celebrating a successful visit to the dentist with a trip to Central Park to get what might be our final cross country ski of the season in (sorry, no pictures of that).  Sam did great, but right as we were about to play "Avalanche Patrol" (a game I mad e up where I pretend to get buried in an avalanche and Sam skis over to shovel me out) he announced he had to pee badly.  With at least 1 mile between us and the nearest bathroom, Matt knew it was time to use nature's urinal for the first time--the nearest tree.  Sam obliged and peed on the tree, then he happily noted that he was melting some ice at the bottom of the tree too.  Another #ProudParent moment.

Pictured below: After we got home, I grabbed Sam some lunch on the go so he could eat while we strolled and the dog got his chance to pee on things outdoors as well.  When we got halfway around the block Sam announced: "Daddy, I'm schmutzy!" (A Yiddish-based term we use to describe messy hands, face, etc.)  If we looked up schmutzy in the dictionary, I think one of these pictures might be appropriate.  <;

Irish Equality / 1 Year at Ross

While Sheyna was celebrating her 1 year anniversary at her NYC employer, Sam and Matt did a bit of celebrating (ice skating in Central Park) and protesting while viewing the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade along 5th Ave. from E 79th to E 60th Streets (it went to E 44th, but we had enough).  I forgot a camera, but a kind woman wanted to take our (Sam's) picture and then let me email it to myself using her phone. Thanks Pam W.

Concert of the Year! (for Sam)

The Shabbat Celebration Music Program that Matt and Sam regularly attend put on their Annual Benefit Concert on March 15, something Sam has been looking forward to for a LONG time!

Official pictures of the show can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152837232662857.1073741849.89693387856&type=3

 

"Kokomo"

BELATED POSTING DISCLAIMER: The events pictured were originally documented the second week of March 2015.

After a taste of a tropical spring break last year in Puerto Rico, we set our sites on an equally pleasant warn getaway in March.  In short, we accomplished our goal and would highly recommend Key West, FL to any needing a relaxing place to escape that last gasp of winter that many Northern climes find themselves in during the early weeks of March.

 

  We even made a trip to visit a Ross Store, Sheyna's employer (the stores aren't in NY).

 
Ever since seeing the movie Cocktail as a boy (and enjoying the soundtrack, including the hit Beach Boys song, "Kokomo"), visiting the Florida Keys to get a glimpse of "Kokomo" has been on Matt's list of tropical destinations.  [Now, why was Matt watching a movie about a bartender's love life as an 11 year old?  Good question.  Possible answer: Elisabeth Shue]

On the way to the Miami airport, we stopped at the Everglades National Park for a quick tour of the local flora and fauna...

 After the Everglades, the whole family portion of the vacation came to an end; Matt and Sam flew home to NY to claim the dog and Sheyna ended to relax at a West Palm Beach Resort.  She reports enjoying herself immensely.