Our Cowgirl

Jayden really evjoys musical instruments...this time as a cowgirl with a fiddle!

Farewell O' Friend

Unlike most people, Jayden will remember January 18th as the day she had to say goodbye to her o' furry friend Samson. Samson was an extremely lovable domestic shorthair black cat. He had a history of kidney problems and finally surcomed to the disease. We will forever remember Samson as a loving cat that really acted like a dog!

Here we see Samson (the black cat) and Memnon laying together on the couch. During the time Samson was very ill, Memnon stayed along side him.

The Beginning of a New Decade--2010!

Happy New Year!! Happy 2010, the beginning of a new decade!

New Year's Eve was celebrated by Mommy, Daddy and Jayden. We went to dinner at Ruby Tuesday around 8pm when Daddy came home from work.

We watched the ball drop in Times Square with Dick Clark...an icon of every year. Jayden had difficulties keeping her eyes open, so after all the wishes for a Happy New Year and kisses...Jayden, Mommy and Daddy went to sleep!

On the 1st we all went to Aunt Sandy's and Uncle Johny's house to celebrate the New Year. Jayden and JP had a jam session in his room! Jayden on the drums and JP on the electric guatar. She's definitely got rhythm...perhaps she just maybe the "Rock Star" she keeps saying she wants to be!!

A Year In Review

2009 Year End Review

As we begin to reflect on another year, we realize how far we’ve come and eagerly look to the future!

It was another year of firsts…Jayden Making Cookies at Mom-Mom's house all by herself, and finally making her first snow angel when March blew in white! What's that? Well, the sky dumped about 8 inches on our town in one day!

April was packed with activity. We celebrated Noni’s (Jayden’s Great Grandmother) 90th birthday on The River Lady in Redbank. We celebrated Jayden's 4th birthday at Gymboree! She enjoyed her 2 hour party with 17 friends. Jayden and her friends played different games, experienced parachute-play and bubble machine! Mommy got a new tattoo in the morning in honor of her Little Ladybug Jayden...she calls it "Flight of the Ladybug".

However, April 29, Jayden's actual birthday!! Mommy took the day off to spend Jayden's special day with her! Jayden wanted to go to Funtime America where we played Skeball (Mommy's favorite), obstacle climb, games and even went on rides with Mommy! Afterwards, Mommy and Jayden went for lunch. Mommy let Jayden pick her favorite restaurant...PeterPank Diner! Jayden had the "Happy Face Pancakes" which are her favorite all because of the M&M eyes!

Jayden's debut!! I'm a Ballerina Doll! First dance recital at State Theatre. Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, Dadoo were all so proud of Jayden. She did extremely well and was center stage!

Moving-up day at Jayden's nursery school was held on June 17th! This was a ceremony similar to a graduation…that means in September Jayden will be in Pre School. Jayden was part of the "purple" group of the rainbow in "The World is a Rainbow".

The summer was interesting. There was an exciting trip to the Crayola Factory with Grandma and Dadoo and the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia. There was lots to touch and play with, including a power shovel, musical instruments of all kinds, a huge water maze, and Jayden’s favorite, a kid size Shop Rite. She couldn’t resist the boy behind the meat counter, as she went back about five times to get more “meat and fish”!

How could we forget Christmas in July!? It was the Lighting of the Christmas tree! Literally…Daddy and our neighbor Dan lit a bond fire using the dried out Christmas tree with fireworks!

September 11: That's right, Jayden's in Pre-K this year! Brand new teacher, Miss Sharon and Miss Denise. Mommy went with Jayden to her first day of school. It was a 'Frog' theme this time. Jayden even had homework to bring with her for the first day. She had to cut out the pre- drawn frog, assemble its arms and legs. We had a lot of fun. Jayden recognized many of the same friends from last year. She was so excited to see that Kaitlyn was in her class this year!! Philip, Murnal, John, Justin, & Brianna were also among the familiar faces from last year.

Now that Jayden is in the 3 timers Pre-K class, they are old enough to go on school trips! Jayden's very first school trip was November 23rd. Mommy's and daddy's were encouraged to come along. We all met at the Nature Center in Cheesequake State Park. Here we met Jim, our Naturalist. We started off with a short hike to the Nature Center from the parking lot. Everyone learned about Frogs! Remember, this was the theme of the first day of school...

Sometime in early September, Jayden decided she not only wanted to take ballet/tap, she also wanted to play soccer. Mommy decided to contact our town's soccer association to register Jayden to play. First day of soccer was September 26th! Grandma and Dadoo brought Jayden to her first practice because Mommy and daddy were vending at a medieval fare in Wrightstown, PA. Jayden did so well and even scored a goal during the scrimmage game! Jayden plays on the 4 year micro girl’s team.

This year we spent Halloween in Disney! It was a grand adventure dressing up, Trick o’ Treating with Mickey, Minnie and all the Princesses. The adventure was shared with Grandma, Dadoo for an entire week!

We now close the year with the solice of how much stronger we are from challenges we’ve overcome. We are greatfull for the friends and family we have and will cherish those we’ve lost. Happy Holidays to all and best wishes for a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Always,
Jodie, Erik & Jayden

Christmas

Christmas is always a time of many feelings. A time of joy, a time of hope, and sometimes a time of sadness. Sadness for those loved ones that we've lost and are remembered of at times of celebration.

Christmas Eve Mommy cooked for Aunt Chrisann and Uncle Herman, Nicholas and Herman Sr. Uncle Chip & Aunt Eva weren't able to make it to dinner.

After everyone went home, Mommy and Jayden went over to Grandma & Dadoo's to spend the night for Santa to come! Daddy stayed behind to 'finish' putting something together...before coming to Grandma's. Jayden gathered cookies and milk for Santa and put it by the fireplace before going to bed.

In the morning Jayden found that Santa come! Santa come..."Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, Dadoo...Santa came!" There were so many presents to open! Jayden was so excited!! Santa brought Jayden almost everything on her list...how exciting!!

Jayden had lots of fun playing with her cousin JP!

Jayden's Holiday Sweet Treats Show

Once again Jayden was on stage. Her Pre-K school put on the Winter Holiday Sweet Treats Show December 18th. Mommy took the day off of work to spend the day with her little ham. Daddy saved us a seat in the front row!

Jayden was a cup of hot chocolate with a great song and dance too!

The Singing Tree

December 13th Jayden, Mommy and Grandma took a ride to NYC to see Dadoo sing with the Big Apple Chorus. It was raining today so they sang in the food court of Peir 17. Dadoo even had a solo!

Of course Santa stopped by South Street to join in the festivities with The Big Apple Chorus!

Jayden took this opportunity to ask Santa if he received her letter and also to ask how his preparations for his big ride were coming along.

Thanksgiving In Pennslyvania

It was a stop at Grandma's and Dadoo's for breakfast before heading out to Pennslyvania to see Uncle Chip and Aunt Eva for Thanksgiving dinner! Jayden had a blast as usual driving Jennifer and Nicholas crazy for the day. Danielle and Michael were both home from school for the holiday.

Jayden's class had a "Thanksgiving Feast" as well. Mommy took the day off to be a class mom and help in the festivities. There was turkey, stuffing, mac n' cheese, corn bread, fruit, cookies and brownies!

This is Jayden's friend Kaitlyn!

An Exciting Family Vacation to Disney

October 30th thru November 6th, 2009

Day 1: Friday, October 30th, 50 degrees and sunny.
On our way! Last night we finished packing and it was off to Grandma & Dadoo’s to spend the night. Grandma & Dadoo are coming with us on the 2009 Prestholdt Family Vacation. Where are we going? To Disney World!! The flight out of Newark International Airport was uneventful except for Jayden’s medication. The security officer had to do a ‘white powder test’…twice! Other than that, it was rather uneventful (thankfully!)
Once in Orlando and checked into our timeshare, Pops and I decided to go food shopping. We have a two bedroom suite with full kitchen and dining area. The one bedroom has a whirlpool tub! It’s huge!!

Day 2: Saturday, October 31!
Happy Halloween!! 84 degrees and humid, not usual for this time of year in Orlando.
It was up early today because we were having breakfast in Cinderella’s Castle with the princesses. First, Jayden had her picture taken with Cinderella. Once we were seated Snow White stopped by, then Briar Rose (Sleeping Beauty), Cinderella, Belle and Jasmine! Breakfast consisted of eggs, sausage, bacon, fruit, pastries; coffee, orange juice and Jayden received a ‘Wishing Star’ and a Wand. Our waiter, Scott, was very nice and informative.
Tomorrowland was the first stop after Cinderella’s Castle. We kept seeing so many plushies! (This is what we started calling all the characters) Waiting on the lines to see them was making Mommy and Grandma a bit tired. However, we did see Silvermist, Tinkerbelle and Rosetta all at the same time! We went into Ariel’s Grotto and met Ariel herself! Jayden drew her a picture and gave it to her. Jayden also experienced Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant ride, Minnie’s Country House, Mickey’s Country House & Judge’s Tent (we met Mickey!),
We took the 3pm shuttle back to our timeshare for dinner since we were coming back for the “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party” that starts at 7pm! Jayden will be dresses as Ladybug Girl! Mommy is a Pink Lady. We are all going to dress as part of Cinderella’s Royal Family but that was scratched when Jayden decided she didn’t want to be a Princess for Halloween.
We had to hand in Special Event tickets for the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. It was so much fun. We even went ‘Trick or Treating’ around Magic Kingdom! All the Disney characters were dressed in Halloween costumes. The Halloween Parade was spectacular!! The ‘Headless Horseman’ started it off! Pirates of the Caribbean were a bit scary for Jayden. By 10:30pm we were all exhausted and decided to come back into the park tomorrow since somehow we were sent a 5 day pass when Mommy only ordered 3 day passes!!

Day 3: Sunday, November 1, 84 degrees and humid
This morning we slept in a bit especially since it was the end of day light savings. By noon we were ready heading back into Magic Kingdom! Today we decided it was good to hit the rest of the park that we didn’t see yesterday. We hit all the favorites…Tom Sawyer Island, “It’s a small world”, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel, Swiss Family Tree house, Jungle Cruise, The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress (Mommy’s favorite), Stitch’s Great Escape, and Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.
We did see some more ‘plushies’…Lilo & Stitch, Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, The Princess (Tiana) and the Frog (Naveen), and two different parades!

Day 4: Monday, November 2, 80 and less humid, threatening rain
We decided to visit Animal Kingdom today instead of Epcot due to the weather, figuring the animals would most likely be out today. Turned out to be a great choice! First thing entering the park we headed for Africa to take the Kilimanjaro Safaris. This was an open air safari vehicle that took us on an exciting expedition through an African-style savannah where giraffes, gazelles, elephants, rhinos and lions roam freely! We even saw crocodiles! Jayden and the rest of us highly recommend it. Next we took the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. This was a foot trail discovering exotic birds, fish, a troop of gorillas and underwater hippo viewing area. We also experienced African dancers in Tusker House during lunch.
A train ride to Rafiki’s Planet Watch lead us to Habitat Habit Conservation Center where we stopped to see Pocahontas, Jiminy Cricket and Rafiki himself! In Affection Section petting yard Jayden was able to get up close and pet goats, sheep and even a warthog!
It was onward to Asia! Here we wondered through Maharajah Jungle Trek to ruins of an ancient palace inhabited by exotic animals, including giant fruit bats, birds, tapirs, Komodo dragons and tigers!
In the mist of all this was DinoLand USA. Jayden was able to take a ride on Triceratops Spin.
On Discovery Island we watched a wonderful 3D show called “It’s Tough to be a Bug!” The show was housed in the root system of the Tree of Life. It Featured Flick and Hopper, inspired by Disney’s “A Bug’s Life.” Not only was it 3D but it also touched our 5 senses!! Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade was an interesting twist that Mickey and his friends gave tribute to a safari experience!
Lastly, in Camp Minnie-Mickey we watched the Festival of the Lion King. This high-energy tribal celebration of music, dance and acrobatics from characters from “The Lion King” movie! Jayden was even picked out of the audience to be part of the finale!

Day 5: 70 degrees and on the chillier side, very cloudy
After the last three days of trekking all over Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, a quiet day at the Bonnet Creek Resort, Lake Buena Vista was highly looked forward to! Grandma and Dadoo are visiting with their friends while Daddy, Jayden and Mommy check out the amenities of the Resort.
Daddy decided it would be a great idea to take a shopping break to Downtown Disney. Here we walked around the shops, stopping in the giant Lego store and Disney store. Jayden got a book with all the Disney stories in it.
Dinner was at the T-Rex Restaurant. It was similar to the Rainforest Café only dinosaurs at every turn! The animatronics were amazing and Jayden highly enjoyed eating her pepperoni pizza among the 3 horns!

Day 6: 80 degrees, warm with 30% chance of showers.
No rain was had today at Epcot! It was a B-line to Epcot Character Spot…here Jayden poised with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald and Goofy for photos, autographs, hugs and smiles!
From there it was The Seas with Nemo & Friends. We boarded a ‘clamobile’ and met our undersea pals on a quest to find Nemo! In The Land we experienced Soarin. It was almost as if we actually felt the exhilarating rush of free-flying hang gliding adventure! Also in The Land we boarded a boat through innovative greenhouses and a fish farm. Figment led a journey into our Imagination and our senses. Image Works provided a quaint interactive play area for Jayden.
Afterwards it was off to a World Showcase featuring countries Norway, China, Germany where we had an authentic family style buffet dinner in Biergarten Restaurant with Oktoberfest entertainment, wine and beer; Italy, The American Adventure, Japan, France, United Kingdom and Canada with its Circle-Vision 360 film ‘O Canada!.’ Along the way Jayden fell asleep while Mommy took pictures with Mary Poppins and Marie from ‘The Aristocats’!
The night ended with IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth over the lake!

Day 7: 80 degrees, warm partly cloudy
Nice relaxing day at the resort. We took a quick ride to Downtown Disney and then back to the resort for a swim in the pool. Afterwards we watched Jayden’s new DVD movie Tinkerbelle and the Lost Treasure before packing up for tomorrow’s flight home!

Grandma took over 700 pictures! If you would like to see all of these, contact me and I will send you the link so that you can view more pictures!