Return of the Quinge!

It was a fun morning at Tadas’ house (see previous two days posts), playing with toys. She continued to prefer the lamb piece of the puzzle. I asked her what it was she liked about the lamb. “Well lambs are just so cute.” Mystery solved. Kenny made a delightful breakfast, but all Gigi was interested in was the “salad fruit.” She was very sad and did not want to leave.
The New Jersey love continued (along with the obsession with the EZ pass) today. She stated repeatedly that she did NOT want to go home, she wants to live in New Jersey. We stopped at an indoor playplace (McD’s) for some leg-stretching time. She played that she was going back to New Jersey with her EZ pass (climbing up the tunnel to the slide). As she progressed, she yelled back down every level or so, to remind me that she was going to her New Jersey with her EZ pass. She returned to NJ at least 12 times.

While Gigi was pretending, I overheard “Quinge.” Excitement! The Quinge is back! It has been a long time. We all thought the Quinge was dead (that’s what Gigi told Lily when Lily asked why she never did the quinge anymore). Later, I was addressed in a Gigi-funny voice (which is what happens when inanimate objects speak to me via Genevieve). I assumed it was the computer telling me that it was ready to show Gigi another movie because that is for what she had just been campaigning. I answered, “Yes, computer?” The response (in funny voice) was, “I’m not computer, I’m Quinge – new Quinge. I’m not died.” Spread the word. The Quinge has returned.

EZ Pass Fever

We Went to Princeton, NJ to remember the life of Spencer (Gigi's 21 year old, 3rd cousin), and offer condolences to his family. After a breakfast with Sigita and Tadas in Cranford, NJ that ran long, we made it in record time.

Genevieve played on the church playground while Daddy attended the memorial service in the church. After the service, she was distracted with searching for clues (she found a UK football under a hedge). She was far too busy to be polite when introduced to Daddy’s (and her’s too) cousins. We moved to a building on campus for a livelier celebration. Genevieve really enjoyed the parmesan cheese slices on the salad and the tiny desserts. She met some other little girls who ran all over the open floor with her. Then, she remembered Nick’s (Lydia's beau) promise of a garden with good fairy house materials. We headed outside with her new friend Pamona. It was here she had her first experience with a cactus. It looked very different than the other fairy house materials, so she lifted it up to take a closer look. The reaction was delayed, but LOUD. She then calmed down during a slide presentation. As soon as it was over, she had to report to Daddy what happened. Then the escalation began. Genevieve realized whenever she touched anything with her right hand, it hurt.

Later that evening, we picked up Sigita and Tadas and headed into THE city. Genevieve’s behavior was TERRIBLE, all because she wanted her seat to be next to the window, like Tadas’. After the crying subsided, whining continued because we could not use the purple EZ pass lane (toll road/tunnel electronic pay). The questions started, why don’t we have one? How do we get one? Mommy gave quick answers, not understanding the long-term impact. I told her that one had to live in New Jersey to have an EZ pass. This began her desire to move to New Jersey. When we finally got through the traffic and tunnel to New York, Genevieve-crabby-pants said she did not want to go to New York, she doesn’t LIKE this city, she wants to go back to New Jersey.

We went to Daddy’s old neighborhood (105 W. 75th @ Amsterdam) and had dinner at an old favorite – La Caridad (78th & Broadway); a unique fusion of Cuban and Chinese. After we were fed, attitudes changed. Genevieve loved the newly renovated Plaza Hotel, glimpsing the Tavern on the Green, and store windows on Fifth Avenue all made up for the holidays (“O Mommy! Look out my window!”). She loved watching the ice skaters at Rockefeller Plaza. After our brief city tour, we returned to Jersey City to visit Kenny at the firehouse.

Gigi was impressed with the trucks, but even more impressed with the “wall of fire” which had photos to commemorate fires and firefighters. She had question after question for Kenny. The questions continued on the ride home, and she got very cranky with our flimsy responses. Clearly we did not understand her real questions. As Daddy helped her get ready for bed, the questions regarding the EZ pass resumed.

I want to live in NJ

We loaded up our lovely electric blue Subaru Forester and headed to New Jersey to attend the memorial service and celebration of Spencer Barnett (Penny Fox Parkin's 21 year old son). Most of the trip to NJ, Gigi demanded to go home RIGHT NOW. The day was filled with some special treats – lots of DVD viewing, a trip to McDonalds, some chocolate from the Russell Stovers outlet – but she still wanted home. Poor Daddy was stuck with Mommy pouting too. Overall, the trip was smooth. We arrived at Kenny & Sigita’s house outside New York City around the 10 o’clock hour. Genevieve quickly made herself at home with Tadas’ (almost 2 years old) toys. She named his bouncing “rabbit” (in fact a horse) Glen - not sure where that came from. She loved the lamb from the farm puzzle and included it in all her play. She got to use her new Hello Kitty sleeping bag.

I Give Myself a "G!"

We gave thanks today with a lovely meal at the Historic Iron Horse Inn in Glendale. Mommy thought it was the best thanksgiving meal ever (perhaps because there were choices beyond turkey). Genevieve was served her first Shirley Temple (a gesture by the waiter – who “kept them coming”). Genevieve’s behavior was not good. Tired? Perhaps. Three? Definitely. She enjoyed the bathroom with “bowl sinks” and an elevator ride to get there.

After dinner, we headed to the cinema for a matinee – Genevieve’s first trip to a real movie theatre. On the ride to the theater, Daddy announced that Grammy got an A- for her behavior. Mommy said that Daddy got a B+, and she gave herself a C-. Then Genevieve piped up, “and I give myself a G!” Daddy and Grammy laughed and concurred. Mommy thought maybe it was a G-.

At the theatre, Gigi was impressed by the player piano on display in the lobby. How could it do that? Mommy suggested that there was a computer inside. Genevieve corrected, “No Mommy, it’s not a COMPUTER, it’s a PI- AAANNN-OOO.” Sigh. She did not want to go watch the movie, she wanted to stay and watch the piano. She was lured with popcorn, but complained the whole way. The movie we chose was “Madagascar 2.” Gigi wanted the old Madagascar with the same story. Contrary was definitely the theme of the day. The movie was too loud. After the first two minutes, she was hooked. About three quarters of the way through the movie, interest waned. She noticed the letter on the end of her chair and –gasp—it was NOT a G! She called it to my attention and explained she needed to move. She moved to row G. There were three families in the entire theatre. One happened to be in row G, so she sat with them. At the end of the movie, she was very seriously dancing to the closing credits. She cried because the movie (that she did not want to see in the first place) was over.

We took Grammy home, and colored briefly there. Then it was on to pre Black Friday door-busting at Michaels. Gigi loves the craft store. There were many treasures to see. She picked items for Lily. She selected faux fruit to “decorate my bedroom.” She finally settled on a sparkly foam snowflake and a headband with rosebuds – for which she is very thankful.

Dress for Success

Genevieve loves to wear dresses. It is a battle to get her into anything else. So, one must find ways to "sell" her on an outfit that is not a dress. This morning's choice I was sure would be a cakewalk - sparkle pants with a girl iceskating on the cuff, and a blousy pink shirt with pom-pom tie decorating the collar--a really girly-girl outift. Well, mommy miscalculated once again. It was a fight. I wrestled her into it and she was crying because she did not care for the pom-pom tie. As luck would have it, the pom-poms snap-on. I told her, no problem, I can take them off. Then she cried harder! The poms were replaced, we headed out the door. She explained to me that it is not nice to take a girl's pom-poms off her shirt and they are so-so special because her Grandma bought them for her. Where did that come from? The shirt was not from Grandma and I do not think Genevieve had even see it before this morning.

Gigi got to come into Mommy's work today for "just a little bit." She whispered whenever she spoke to Amy or Missy because she had been warned to be quiet. She searched the kitchen for treats. Missy offered her a sucker, but she politely refused, explaining that her Daddy said no candy at the office today. When she left, she used the elevator by herself - asking Mommy to use the steps and meet her downstairs (to open the heavy door).

She went to the barbershop with Daddy and befriended the barber. After a lot of pretend play using one of the footrests as a slide, touching all of the barbers plants ("can I pick this pretty purple flower? " no! it is an African violet and the flower just bloomed last week was his reply). She got to touch the hot shaving cream. After saying goodbye we get in the car and she tells me she has to go back in to see the barber. OK. She marches back into the barber, "What is your name? Victor, the barber replies. Here is one of my cards with my phone number. She says Happy Thanksgiving, goes outside the window of the barbershop and holds Victors card up to her ear, looking at him inside as if she were already calling him up for a chat! He was very amused.

A Thanksgiving Event!

From the moment Daddy reviewed the Fountain Square schedule of events months ago, he knew he had to go to the 2nd annual Turkey Bowl. Armed with canned goods for a donation, he and Gigi headed downtown. The event took place on the ice rink. The object was simple - roll a frozen turkey across the ice and knock down bowling pins to win a prize. Daddy complained that the pins were too far apart. Genevieve said she did not want to throw a turkey, but changed her mind. She was interviewed as the youngest person to participate.

When it was her turn, she discovered that she could not lift the turkey. She and Daddy did it together. When she described the event to me and Aunt Lizzy, she referred to it as "turkey toss." A much better name, don't you think?

Mommy's big excitement came in the evening. Gigi FINALLY got her first haircut - only a year and a half late! She went to Avalon Spa & Salon. Her stylist was Debbie. Her manicurist was Kelly.

She was very excited, but serious about the experience. She had many questions. She was apprehensive about the "sink chair" at shampoo time, but a slight smile could be seen crossing her face as she relaxed a bit during the final rinse. She declared that she looked like a bat when the black smock was put on. She talked Debbie's ear off. She loved the blow-dryer, belly-laughing when Debbie tickled her ear.











For her nail polish, she selected two colors - pink and orange (salmon) as she had planned from the time she learned she got to have them painted.
Aunt Lizzy came to the salon to see the final result.

Add to the "It Seemed Like a Really Fun Idea" File

What could impress a kid more than over a dozen hot-air balloons gathered around Mirror Lake "glowing" in unison? As it turns out, just about anything. We planned ahead for a cousin night (Daddy had to go to UC's biggest football game, EVER). We got to Eden Park and discovered that our many extra layers were not enough to keep us warm. Holiday music was played by a brass band (oops Mommy Breaks her rule again- another Christmas event before Thanksgiving). We strolled about the area, and were surprised to see Santa Claus! Genevieve said hello. We tried to work out logistical issues with Daddy's transportation and Aunt Kristen's parking with tensions running high. Just as things were settling down and cousins were approaching, Genevieve needed to potty. And the tears began. We moved briskly to the world's coldest port-o-let. Tears continued. We started the trip back around Mirror Lake to find cousins, when the sadness of Daddy separation set-in. Tears escalated.

We found cousins - Alex checking out the scene, Lily pouting in the stroller. Genevieve immediately spread the love telling Alex,"I can't stop crying!" She tried to tell Lily her problem, but Lily was far too deep into her own pout to be sympathetic. Genevieve's crying continued. We gave up and started to the car. Crying continued. The original plan was to go to Frisch's Big Boy (Lily's favorite restaurant) after Balluminaria. Once the kids learned that crying kids who do not cooperate cannot go to Big Boy, the crying escalated briefly, and then stopped.

Kristen navigated football game traffic and we played the game "who knows a rule about eating at a restaurant?" The kids were champs. With the exception of a handful of hyper-Gigi outbursts, restaurant behavior matched what was outlined in the car game. As a result, the kids got to order dessert.

Mommy Breaks Her Rule

I've long felt that the Thanksgiving holiday does not get the attention it deserves. It is overshadowed by the retail madness that is Christmas. I've long held firm to rules to try to "bring back Thanksgiving" -- forgoing Christmas music, decorating, and baking until Black Friday. This year however, I caved. A free event at the Taft Museum, "an Antique Christmas" featuring 19th and 20th century Christmas decorations made me cross-over to the dark side. It seemed like something
Grammy and Gigi would enjoy, and Daddy likes "free", so it seemed justified. I think Grammy enjoyed it (though she did not care for the wine - Pinot Grigio). For Gigi, it was harder to tell. She did enjoy the cheese and grapes on the buffet and the hot cider, but the actual touring part of the evening, maybe not so much. She marched down the lovely halls of the Taft Museum shouting "Let's get out of this place!" Gigi did enjoy the craft and picked out a ladybug shaker in the gift shop.

Let's Talk Turkey!

After Miss Amanda's Musikgarten class, Genevieve got a special treat. A trip to Glenwood Gardens to play with Lily(bo) and Alex(bo)! There was a program about wild turkeys. The naturalist asked if anyone would like to help her. Genevieve volunteered enthusiastically. She was a turkey model! ( who said cousin Crissy and Bobby would be the only modeling grandchildren?) She had a lot of fun learning about Jakes (baby turkeys), Toms, and Hens. At the end, all of the kids got to pet Freida, a live turkey (spared several years ago by the mayor of Greenhills, now residing at Parky's Farm).

Santa's elves work begins

After a fun sleep-over with Lily and Alex came many tears as it was time to leave. Will there ever be cousin separation that is not filled with tantrums or extreme sadness?

We went to the art studio (Happen Inc) for the canine celebration activity. Genevieve and Mommy made a dog bowl for Mickey. It will be important to remember that it was made with love.

Lantern Walk

Upon entering the lobby, Gigi greeted a man stuffing the mailboxes. "Which number do you live in?" "I am the mailman and just deliver the letters to the building" "Oh. Are you the one that writes my name on the mail?" "No, I make sure that you get the mail delivered to you." The mailman was very amused by her innocent questions as was I -- from her perspective, this was the person that was writing and sending her mail.

Peter and the Wolf

After weeks of listening and studying, it was time for Lilianne and Genevieve to go to the symphony to hear and see Peter and the Wolf performed. I was not there, but a picture paints a thousand words - so I have an idea how a portion of the outing went (and truth be told, I've seen the situation before). Here you see grumpy Genevieve, protesting some perceived wrong against her; and sweet compliant Lilianne desperately wishing Genevieve would just cooperate for peace. I learned the pictured pout came when Genevieve discovered she was not in Box 3, Seat 3. It is the same pout which occurs at the gas station pump and the grocery store checkout aisle (must be #3). As usual, there was a turn-around. There is no evidence of the sadness just moments earlier. Call it life with a three-year-old.

After the concert, special treats continued. The girls plus Alex and Aunt Kristen got to have lunch at Big Boy - and later a cookie from the bakery. (Daddy is taking full advantage of trick-or-treat coupons)!

In the evening, we went to Grammy's for a magic show - featuring possibly the worst magician ever. Really. I think even Gigi could tell how some of the tricks were done. He did however engage the audience well, and gave my daughter special attention - which I always appreciate. She got the opportunity to validate that the ropes used were "just ordinary ropes."

She spent time coloring with Grammy which she enjoyed more than the show.

Rye Russell to the front office please

Daddy and Genevieve had a hide and seek un-nature trail hike at Farbach Werner preserve. She was the star of the class and Daddy nearly burst with pride. The naturalist, Matt, asked a series of questions and Gigi knew all the answers. What kind of tree does this -an acorn- come from? (oak) What is this plant? (bamboo) What animal eats bamboo? (a panda bear) What is this called? (a hedge apple/an osage orange) What nut is this? (a walnut)

Afterwards, they went to a park with six playgrounds and had a picnic lunch with her friend, Rye. Never before had daddy seen so many playground options (mega slides, castles, tractor tires, balances, rope swings, music bars ...) . Rye and Gigi immediately found a small sandpit that was surrounded by castles and this became their only interest for the next hour and a half -- pretend play at its best. Hauling, building houses using pine cones, honey locust seed pods, branches and any other matter they came upon.

On the way home in the car, Gigi and Rye gleefully giggled and repeatedly requested daddy to say (using his hands in a muffled loudspeaker tone) "Rye Russell to the front office please".

For dessert, Genevieve tried a pomegranate. She loved tearing it apart. She enthusiastically shoved nearly every "red seed thing" in her mouth.

To Grandmother's House we go!

Cousins had a fun weekend with Grandma, Grandpa, Granny Ele, and Mickey. Lily, Gigi, and Alex got to sleep over at Grandma & Grandpa's new apartment. Each kid got a new sleeping bag - very exciting and grown-up!








Grandma & Grandpa's driveway has just the right incline for fun bike and scooter-riding. The tree in the front yard has fun berries to pick and a bird's nest. Genevieve explored the area with Grandpa, Grandma, and Mickey on her bike. Granny Ele came for lunch.

On Sunday, we took a little trip to Uncle Ray and Aunt Ramona's house in North Manchester. We took a coffee cake, which Genevieve was excited to learn that unlike coffee, kids CAN eat coffee cake. A cake you get to eat for breakfast - what could be better?

Gigi was practicing her navigation skills. She read the county and state route signs. "Mommy, this is 4-2-1 path." (SR 124)

Hey Aunt Lizzy! It's your birthday!

Gigi had a big day. No surprise, that's the way it goes in Daddyland. Wednesday is Miss Amanda's Musikgarten class where Gigi said goodbye in the shape of a rainbow ((( . Today, she also had a zoo class, "Does A Kangaroo have a Mother Too?" where she pet a baby alligator and a baby opossum. For the craft, she was given a pouch where she put in her own "joey" and draped it around her neck while hopping around like a kangaroo. Afterwards, we saw the three newborn cheetahs; born October 28, 2008!

After a brief stop at home, we went to Happen Art Studio for "family and friends forever". A pirate popped out of a treasure chest and drew our favorite treasures. When asked about his favorite booty, he said he most valued family and friends. He sorely missed them when he was out on the seas. So, he drew them on his flag so they would always be close to him. We were given our own flag. Genevieve drew Mommy, Lily, Gigi, Daddy, and her favorite toy. A previous project was available for pick-up: clay jack-o-lanterns. We posed, mimicking the faces we created in clay.

Happy Birthday Grammy

Today, Genevieve and Daddy went to Embshoff Woods to her current favorite playground. After spending 15 minutes playing, Gigi was busy building a fairy campfire / campground. We took an hour journey through the forest collecting pine cone benches, sweet gum seeds, moss poss, black walnuts, honey locust bean pods, stones, large bark pieces, hedgeapples, pink leaves and helicopter seeds. Quite the camground!

After returning home for breakfast, we took Grammy out for her 84th birthday luncheon. Upon seeing Grammy, Genevieve serenaded her with happy birthday. After lunch, we went to yet another playground -- it was a beautiful indian summer day.

Mild November

Today was not a typical November day, temperatures in the 70s. After church, we went to French Park for a hike. Genevieve was great about carefully stepping on rocks in the creek to keep dry. Then, we encountered a college friend of John's whose children were ankle deep in the creek. Genevieve kept dry for about two minutes, but ended up thigh-high in the creek.

We decorated a lantern together to use at the annual Clifton Lantern Walk. We get through the walk without tears (first time in three years). The origami crane and tassle fell off, but Daddy found it when we retraced our steps. Rye and family were on the walk as well, which meant fun playtime running on Annunciation's lawn. Gigi found a branch more than twice her size with many leaves attached (probably leftover from the storm). She drug it around, saying that she was looking for its compost. She settled for putting it back in dirt and giving it a new place. She got to have dinner at Skyline afterwards.

A Few of Her Favorite Things

Genevieve got to do some of her favorite things today. It started with breakfast at her favorite restaurant - (Skyline aside) the "pink yogurt restaurant." We were joined by Leela and Joni, which made it that much more exciting. After breakfast, it was time for favorite #2, a concert(also with Leela). It was a Lollipop Symphony concert - even more special than a regular concert because of crafting, instrument demonstrations, and the lollipop to top it off.

Later, we saw Leo at the Trailside Nature Center. He showed us Stumpy the turtle and a yet un-named toad. We did a giant puzzle and an owl craft. Daddy brushed-up on trees.

Favorite thing #3 was a trip to Aunt Kristen's house. As if that was not exciting enough - Grandma and Grandpa were there too! It was one big, fun day.