I almost died of other things too, not to be melodramatic. It was never my trip to take, but I couldn’t have taken it anyway because I was dealing with PTSD. My heart started pounding in strange and uncertain places, and sometimes not-so-strange and not-so-uncertain places. I was breathless and heart-poundy a lot. And I’m ok with that. I’m ok with that because it happened for a reason and I have done nothing but challenge it since. And this year? I could have gone. I could have loved it. I could have been breathless and heart-poundy in large crowds and cities, but knowing I can find my way to the other side.
Being breathless and heart-poundy can be good too, sometimes. When it threatens to overwhelm you, well maybe you’ll find your way to the other side. It takes all kinds. And maybe my way won’t work for you, or your way won’t work for me, but hey. In this particular movie with this particular girl, the hero made her way to New York City to take it by storm. And her mother was fine with that and knowing that one year, maybe they’ll all go as a family. And maybe her mother can be a hero too.
I also want you to consider that this trip was followed by Scarlet’s performance in The Nutcracker, a trip on the Polar Express, a trip to see Santa, a two day fever and then a trip to see Star Wars. Girl’s got style and stamina. And grace too.
I’ve noticed lately that people smile at the two of us whenever we’re out in public. It happened so many times the other day when I took her to see The Good Dinosaur that I finally made us stand side by side in the restroom mirror to see if I could see it. And sure enough, I did. Matching red coats and matching tousled hair. Matching smiles and joy. Matching wonder. We’re in sync a lot these days, whether together in NYC or not. Knowing I can be fully happy for their trips and fully present for when they get home is big. I also think you can’t underestimate the power of a peacoat, a smile, and messy, happy hair.
As we walked out of Star Wars on Friday, Scarlet asked what the plot was. Then she delved into her own theories. If I had to come up with a plot for this story, it would be that chocolate, moose and blue whales are awesome. Oh yeah. I already told you that plot. It would be that annual holiday traditions like this are lifelong locked into the memory banks. And that messy hair and red peacoats will not only open doors for you out there in the world, but will knock them off their hinges.
**All photos taken by Cassidy, or by random, friendly strangers in NYC.
W
What an adventure for your precious little girl! Love the pictures and the tradition of the daddy-daughter trip/
And I love that it’s becoming a tradition. Those two are way cool. Fearless and fast. Probably, Des and I would have tired out. But I love to think that these two have found their match.
They look like they both had an amazingly good time. Maybe you should rename it “Scarlet and Cassidy take Manhattan”. 🙂
Right? I guess with continuity I didn’t and because Cassidy has already taken Manhattan.. a lot.
Still, though. It was a big day for both of them.
Aw, she looks adorable. Seriously, I can see why people smile, because I just couldn’t stop smiling reading about her second NYC adventure, which I think topped last years (if that was even possible). And topping it with Star Wars, seriously couldn’t get any better in my book!! 🙂
And we have to talk about Star Wars and if you four loved it!!
I love this! I remember part 1! I love all of the memories that she is making. It is all so magical!
It totally is! It’s so much fun for me to see the photos of what I missed.
She has an AMAZING life! I can’t wait to one day take the cousins together for a magical trip….maybe not NY, how about a beach house like old times, the next generation!
Maybe we can get the same condo with the spiral staircase! Or the one in Ocean City with Mrs. Odorifica. Ah, to be young.
So fun! I am JEALOUS. I need to get back to Manhattan soon. I LOVED the frozen hot chocolate. I think I got something else there too because I couldn’t decide on one. And did you cry at The Good Dinosaur? Because I did.
I totally cried! Not in the beginning part which was totally sad, but during two key end points.
loved seeing these pictures of scarlet and nyc! she’s ready to move into a high rise in manhattan!
Right?? I can just see it happening.
Scarlet certainly has all of the style. and grace and stamina that yu you mentioned, Tamara! She did so much and handled the entire experience so well! I hope she is feeling much better. I love all of the pictures and especially the pictures of Scarlet and Cassidy together. I see so much of you in the picture of Scarlet sipping the frozen hot chocolate.
What a compliment that you see me in that photo!
Scarlet is feeling great. Des is still sick but definitely better than he was two days ago. I predict he’ll be back to normal fully by tomorrow. As it stands, he’s mostly there. Still very spirited and hungry.
That’s my Anonymous comment above Tamara. I didn’t notice that my name and e-mail spaces were blank.
Oh, thank you! I thought it might be you from the kind words.
I need to borrow Scarlet’s white boots. I know I can fit them, so please tell her I need the hook up on those fancy-schmancy boots.
ha! You’re still in toddler sizes?
Famous Footwear, baby. I have $37.20 in my gift card there if you’re interested.
I’ve always wanted to try that frozen hot chocolate, but I never have. She is so beautiful and sweet – a lucky girl with lucky parents!
Thank you! Lucky and lucky, for sure. The hot chocolate looks so good. I don’t even like it hot that much. I’d be curious to try the frozen kind.
Love that girl’s stamina, and love that she loves NYC. What a fun weekend! I also love a red coat – guess what I bought myself with birthday money?
A red coat???
I’m also on the lookout for a blue one.
So much cuteness 🙂 I looks like they had another wonderful trip together. I’ve never been to NYC but these pictures are making me want to go during the winter and I’m not a cold weather person.
Me neither! And I used to go every winter. It could be frigid. The skyscrapers block the warm sun. Brrrr…
All the cuteness! At dinner I asked Sam if he is going to take Eve on adventures (I already know he will).
Ooh, what kinds of adventures will they go on, I wonder?
That’s quite the girl you have there! I wish we lived that close to Manhattan, Phoenix is it…. I hope that you get lots more smiles with you and your little girl. Things like that do the heart good.
I drove through Phoenix once. We were doing San Diego to Sedona and back. Anyway, lots of traffic but one of the best sunsets of my life.
So much cuteness! Scarlet is definitely living the good life, and I have no trouble believing the two of you draw smiles wherever you go 🙂
Thank you! I sure hope so. I think she gets the smiles and I’m just lucky to be with her!
Too cute! Christopher said, “Whoa” to the frozen hot chocolate. That was impressive. Also great candids by Casey and strangers 😉
I’m intrigued by the frozen hot chocolate too! I can only imagine how it tastes. One day.
I was wondering who was snapping those photos! Looks like a LOVELY day! I want to come up there now!
Come! Although we’ll be down where you live soon enough. I can’t wait!
Scarlet is a lucky girl, that trip looks amazing! I love her red coat, and I bet that frozen hot chocolate was amazing. And….that is the fattest pigeon I have ever seen!
ha, you can tell it’s a very ambitious and well-fed pigeon.
Scarlet’s had a red coat for every year of her life, I believe. Almost time to get a new one!
Oh my gosh!! So much cuteness!! I remember a post very similar last year!! Time flies like crazy!! That little girl is DARLING! <3 – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Yup, I posted it a year ago from when I posted this one. Good memory!
Also… LOVE the picture with the girly backpack not on a little girl… but the grown man. Haha! Love it! <3 – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
I think my sister took that one of Scarlet and Cassidy. It makes me smile all the time!
She is just adorable, and the happiness pours right out of her! I wish I could take day trips to New York City – one of my favorite places in the world. The frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity is one of the best treats EVER.
I want to try the frozen hot chocolate so badly!! My stomach is growling for it as we speak.
Aww!! Is this an annual ritual? Go lady! 🙂 It’s fun! I hate all the cluster of people but I deal when I go visit dad. 🙂 I’m too busy right now my head can’t stop – I DON’T LIKE IT! I DON’T LIKE HAVING NO TIME TO BLOG! I’M HAVING PANIC ATTACKS! Lol. This BLOWS! I am prepping for an exam and I can’t stop. I can’t slow down. No time to think just drill information and more information. I can’t tell another soul what I’m studying for since I believe in bad juju/jinxes, Lol! I don’t want anyone’s bad aura coming to me but I’ll tell you it’s happening next month and I am a nervous wreck. No time for nothing. Just read, study, digest. Ha! Love the photos of her on top of the Empire State, such beautiful scenery if you can get past the height and all the noise that goes on below. 🙂 Hope they had another wonderful trip and have a very very very Merry Christmas if I don’t speak to you between now and Friday! <3 -Iva
Slow down and breathe! Maybe eat some potatoes.
Ok, I was speaking for myself.
This has become a special ritual for them indeed. And I Love that they’re doing this. And I’d love to go to the top of any skyscraper and drown out any noise!
Lol potatoes make everything better. 🙂 I’m trying to breath but it’s very hard when ones thoughts are so loud. They don’t stop – I’m exhausted of hearing them reminding me of all the reading I need to complete and quizzes I need to take. >.< There isn't enough time! Lol Maybe I'm just managing it poorly. AH well. It is a great ritual that they have, it's good bonding time. 🙂 One day you will and it will be glorious!! 🙂
I need to hear more about this venture of yours!
Sounds fascinating.
I’m having trouble with the breathing thing. Too much work here!
So sweet! And what an awesome tradition. This reminds me of all the things I love about Manhattan. And yeah I haven’t seen the movie yet but I’d go with your plot too 🙂
Yes, let’s go with that plot!
I love that Scarlet is seeing NYC the way I did as a kid. With wonder and during the holidays!
When DA HECK is Scarlet taking LOS ANGELES??!
I think she needs YOU for that and not Cassidy!
THAT IS OF COURSE what I am TALKING ABOUT!!
Too cute for words. And Cassidy and the random strangers got some nice shots! These are such sweet memories now and will be even sweeter later. Magic. (I want to go to NYC during the holidays!)
My dad used to take us every holiday break. And it was FUN.
oh my gosh the two straws is my favorite!
Me too! It’s almost too cute!
I love this so much. So much fun in the big city. My oldest dreams of one day going to New York – Scarlet’s adventure makes me want to go even more now. And I too believe in smiles and peacoats – although in my case, they are with short, messy hair. 🙂
I bet you will make your oldest’s dreams come true!
Daughters and dads need trips together. Recently a friend visited me with his five year old daughter. That was a good time, and we had fun going places together or just hanging out at my home.
Every time I’ve been to New York, as an adult, not being taken care of has been a battle. I’ve always won the battle, but it’s a far cry from my preferred peaceful Florida home.
That’s so cute about your friend and his daughter!
I have trouble in NYC. I prefer the pace of life here. Cold, but also peaceful.
We’ll be going to Florida in a few weeks, where I envision it will be warm, but NOT peaceful. Orlando!
Awwww, I love when Scarlet goes to Manhattan! It is such a lively city and the photos are amazing!! What a great day for her! We saw Star Wars this weekend and loved it!
Awesome!! I loved it so much. Cassidy and Scarlet have already gone twice. I might see it again. It was very emotional for me.
Messy hair and travel becomes her! She is just adorable Tamara! And YES to frozen hot chocolate and giant chocolate fountains!
I swear I thought she had just stuck her tongue into the chocolate fountain! I bet she would.
Barriers are built for kids like her. (and moms like me)
Naturally, all your photos are amazing but my favorites are on top of the Empire State building. Next time you are in NYC let me know. I’m an hour away by train and would love to meet a blogging buddy. I’m glad you checked out Serendipity and their frozen hot chocolate. It’s been years since I’ve had it but I know it’s amazing and quite a feat to actually wait in line and be seated. Happy Holidays.
I will let you know for sure!
I skipped this trip but maybe we’ll do a spring or summer NYC trip.
The red jacket on Scarlet is absolutely adorable. I love so much about NY and adore that this is a daddy-daughter trip.
Me too!
At first I was upset it wasn’t a family trip, because that was my own anxiety. It’s exactly as it should be.
Scarlet is such a brave young girl! I love her radiance and enthusiasm! I’d love for Reiko & I to take our own BIG travels too. Soon.. Someday.. 🙂
Perhaps your travels will take you to NYC! And then we’d come meet you, of course.
What a wonderful life she has! I love NYC! Please thank them for sharing!
I did! I’m so glad Cassidy uploaded to Facebook and to smugmug so I could share his story!
It’s like a magical story I want to jump into the pages and become a part of. With the red peacoat of course too.
Of course. #1 reason why I wanted a daughter! This is like.. her fourth red peacoat. I keep buying them as she grows.
No shame.
Spreading a little bit of Christmas magic here again, one year later. The fact that Cassidy and Scarlet found random, friendly strangers in NYC is amazing… Looks like such a fun day.
Not only did they find friendly strangers, they ran into Cassidy’s good friend.
In a city of millions!!
How does that happen??
I love seeing Scarlet take Manhattan!!
I hope it becomes a whole book series! That would be fun.
Oh, I guess I should be the one to write it.
Hmm…
This is such a wonderful tradition for Cassidy and Scarlet. Looks like they both had a blast.
They did! They still talk about it a lot. There’s just something about Christmas in NYC.