fast cars and girls

Wow! What a weekend. Ella and I had our lovely girly day yesterday. We caught the train in early...got into the city just after 9 and made it to the "American Girl Place" nice and early. We had a look around, Ella chose her doll, we bought it and unwrapped her and then looked around some more before we went and had lunch in the American Girl Cafe. I just heard today that there used to be a 6 month waiting list to get into the cafe when the shop first opened, but we were able to book a place that morning. That was fun actually. They put the dolls in little chairs that attach to the tables and give them little cups. And the serviettes come with little scrunchies wrapped around them that the girls get to take home. Ella kept thanking me all day for taking her, and it really was special (lets not talk about the cost!) So she has her doll which she named Lucy. She loves her dearly now. I forgot to take my camera with me, but had taken some cute photos with my phone. I just can't work out how to send them anywhere...I think because I'm on a prepaid plan that I can't do anything with them.

Anyway, we came home and then had to make some furniture for Lucy out of all the cardboard Ella has been hoarding away when we buy things from IKEA. I just snuck up to her room and did a quick photo shoot. Lucy also got some new PJs and Ella got matching ones.

But then it was a quick turn about in the afternoon trying to sort out a babbysitter so Matt and I could go to a Santana concert at Jones Beach that evening. Matt had booked these tickets when I was still in Sydney with the kids. We kind of sorted the babysitting thing which ended up being a tag team effort by the neighbours and Oscar and a bit or remote parenting by the mobile phone thrown in for good measure. Matt and I raced off to his work to pick up the tickets...while I was trying to program the GPS he came back down saying his weekend access pass wasn't working. A few phone calls later and we went to pick up another pass to try that one...it did work and we were finally on the road at 6.44 (concert billed to start at 7.30). The GPS was saying it was a 51 minute drive to Jones Beach. But then we hit traffic and watched as the time went up. Actually it wasn't too bad until we got out to Long Island and the roads suddenly got narrower and the cars faster and more reckless. Seriously I was so stressed by the maniac drivers I felt like I was going to be sick. But we made it there alive and were seated by about 8.15. Of course Santana didn't actually come on the stage until 10.30...but we had 2 other bands before that. It was great. I really enjoyed it. The Amphitheatre at Jones Beach is outdoors and you get sea breezes and it was a gorgeous night. We made it home about 1 am. I think the concert finished just after midnight.

But we were tired today and then had to do the made dash to COSTCO to STOCK UP before going to a birthday party for our little friend Francesa...which was really an excuse for some adults to get together and have some fantastic curry that Francesca's grandmother visiting from Singapore cooked up. We got home at about 7pm. So here it is Sunday night and I feel like I've hardly been home.

My Dad arrives tomorrow having come via my brother's wedding in Korea. So busy times ahead. I wonder if we'll get our shipment this week....???? I won't hold my breath!

P.S. I did have 2 more photos of Ella and Lucy to upload, but Blogger doesn't want to play. Often does that at this time of night, so I'll put them up first thing in the morning. Poor Lucy, I don't know how she'll cope without Ella tomorrow.