WHAT DID FINLEY GET FOR CHRISTMAS?

Among other things, a sloth (as avid readers will remember she fell in love with a grown man in a sloth's costume at the Bloomfield Halloween parade)

So soft..(ignore mommy's legs and tired eyes...). Thanks grandma ad pap-pap.

All sorts of little treasures to sort on her new tie-dyed (as Pete the cat would say, Groovy) Finley towel courtesy of her cousins!

Dino pjs (see Finley's shirt) thanks Aunt Judy and a new member of the crew - Snoopy

#hohowarriors

FIELD TRIP: SCIENCE CENTER (pre-COVID 19)

Pre-CORONA-19, enjoying a day at the science center with Levie. 

The main attraction, "Stars over Pittsburgh." Needless to say, Finny and Lev loved sitting in their big kid chairs. When the lights dimmed, Finley asked Lev,  "Are you ok?" Lev said "yes." And for the rest of the show they checked in with one another. Sweet Lev didn't get the memo that there was no talking at the star show...Finley and I often joke about how Levie didn't want to be quiet during the star show. Be free, Ldubbs!

Their smiles say it all

The simple things: Light

Playing in a blue and green (with a splash of purple) design and then picnicking on it...

Friends forever...

Keeping it real: After the science center adventure, the moms decided to skip nap and keep the adventure going at the house on 44th Street. Well readers, unfortunately, all good things come to an end - there were tears and a disagreement over plastic cupcakes...but all things considered a banner day.

#starwarriors

GHOST FOR SALE?

Don't let the picture deceive you, Finley's "sweet, little boy, ghost" is never (and I mean never) leaving us...

Speaking of ghosts, with some time off, I have been thinking about some key posts that I have missed over the year. For example, what was Finley for Halloween this year?

A ghost, of course! 

POP QUIZ: What was Finley for Halloween last year?

If you guessed ghost then you are a winner!

And just today, guess what Finley told me she wanted to be for Halloween when it comes around again...Yep, you got it a ghost!

#boowarriors

WE LOVE NATURE AND WE LOVE PROJECTS

What do Mommy and Finley do when the world has essentially pressed pause, we enjoy nature and do lots of projects around the house including putting batteries in all of our favorite toys that have been without batteries for days...weeks...months...(time is a funny thing sometimes).

A nature walk is not complete without a walking stick!

 My favorite helper/tinkerer. Hi Violet, the purple dog. Hi Finley. (photo bomb by roaring, walking T-Rex who also recharged so-to-speak).

#togetherwarriors

A WHOLE NEW WORLD

With the onset of COVID-19, Finley and I (along with everyone else) are living in what feels to be an alternate universe. Every day is different and unlike anything I have ever seen. As we edge closer and closer to complete, statewide shut-downs, I am grateful for how lucky I am to still have a job and to be able to spend this time with my splendid friend, indeed, the one and only Finley.

Adapting to COVID-19 by playing in the abandoned parking lot across the street. Who knew it could be so fun...especially when you load up a shopping cart with all of your treasures...

First few days of the reality of COVID-19 hitting us.

We do not know for how long, but Finley and I are in the bunker together. To keep grandma and pap-pap safe, they are social distancing in Greensburg. It's you and me kid. Although circumstances so devastating and sad, so grateful to be spending this time with you.

"Oh, it's such a perfect day. I'm glad I spent it with you..."

#socialdistancingwarriors

P.S. Thank goodness we both love to read.

DINO EXPEDITION

Readers, if there are dinosaurs then Finley and mommy will come (and sometimes Kim and Lev too).

Your eyes are not deceiving you, yes, Finley and I got to ride a dinosaur. Finley took the wheel and steered us right into an inflatable wall. So funny.  

Kim and Lev too! Thank goodness they like adventures as much as we do.

One of the best parts (besides touching a baby Velociraptor), was when Lev and Kim bought Finley "a walking dinosaur balloon with a string and feet." 

One of the best parts for the moms, was watching our little ones navigate the bouncy house with the "big" kids. Lev and Finley took such good care of each other. (I hope they will always take care of one another; Finley reassures me that they will).   

The bouncy house experience went something like this: Finley and Lev bouncing their little hearts out, getting bumped around a bit by the "big" kids, running and jumping into their moms arms for comfort, and then doing it all over again while the moms couldn't help but laugh.

Here they come!!!

#lifeissweetwarroirs

PURPLE LOLLIPOP AND PASSPORT

Readers, Finley's mother had a rare day off and was so excited for some mommy/daughter quality time. What did the dynamic duo do, you might wonder. They took a journey downtown and applied for/got pictures taken for Finley's passport, of course. Why does Finley need a passport? To travel to London for Mile's Bar mitzvah, of course!  

Despite much excitement about the London trip, Finley was not nearly as excited about the passport application process. 

BEFORE: "Stand off" at the top of the stairs. Ultimate bargaining chip - Finley got to wear her whale PJ top (courtesy of her cousins) for the outing.  

DURING: Unexpected detour to the bank to get a money order. 

AFTER: Finley enjoys a much-deserved purple lollipop. Mommy was so proud of Finley. Although it took two attempts for a "sufficient" picture, Finley successfully climbed on a step stool all by herself; held lovey to her side; stood "straight as a soldier;" and looked so sweetly into the camera, which is no joke for a toddler who is not a fan of having her picture taken.

#internationaltravelerwarriors

WHAT ARE GHOST AND FINLEY DOING?

Readers, those of you who know Finley are likely familiar with her rather complicated relationship with ghost. Are they friends are foes? Well, the verdict is in: They are officially friends. In fact, ghost is officially part of finny's inner circle- Not only did he get invited to the crib but he got wrapped up in the owl blanket (courtesy of cousin Isaac).  

#boowarriors