Reason Two - Day Trips

Marblehead, Lexington, Concord, Wellesley, Newburyport...  Whatever your fancy, there is never a shortage of day trip destinations in New England.

***side note - one of Radiologists's comment:
"Oh, I love his 'pantaloons'."
His what???

Wellesley, MA 

Family Picnic for the Fellows 

September 2010

Concord, MA and Walden Pond

October 2010

Marblehead, MA

My favorite spot thus far (I've been 3 times)

October 2010

My Love of the City - Reason One...

There are so many reasons why I love this city, and I will 'attempt' in documenting each of them before we leave. 

First, I'll devote a paragraph or two to running (a hobby I love but also find way too easy to retire)

Running in Boston will make you smile no matter what shape you are in.
Usually on a run when I find myself out of shape each heavy step is sheer agony, AND when I first arrived in Boston this was the shape I was in.  However, the agony was not agony at all.  I had chills (good chills, happy chills) each time I set out to pound the pavement.  There is just something about Boston - be it the city, the running trails along the Charles River saturated with sailboats, the charming brownstones, a brilliant imix always playing "Please Come to Boston" at the opportune time, or the Bostonians yelling in their thickest accents upon any type of encounter?  I can not identify exactly what it is, but I love this place and running feels great here.  I think it's because you're right in the thick of life when you jog.  

Jogging for me has improved, and now I find myself working on pace which isn't all together a great thing.  Yes, it's nice to push yourself and my jogs generally feel better; however, I am not savoring the thrills of Boston as I once was.  What I need to do is chunk the Garmin & bar my competitive drive before they ruin a great thing!:)

photo compliments of someone?  not me
this is my favorite jog sans kids - running along the Cambridge side of the Charles, crossing over  one of the bridges, & wrapping up my run on the Boston side of the Charles as I head for home

Each week (as long as weather permits) the kids and I mix a "kid's" activity with a little exercise.  We jog to our destination.  Below is a trip to the Children's Museum.  

water, water everywhere in Boston

Result of the Big Dig - walking trails and expansive green areas amid the traffic

We arrive at our destination and illustrate a pretty typical scene - Edward wide awake in the "carriage" with a slumbering Langston

Apple Picking

In the Northeast, a popular Fall activity is to take the family apple picking, so on Saturday our family followed suite and went in search of apples (sans Jeffrey who sadly is on night float all week).
Great Fall weather, a petting zoo for the kids, pumpkins and apples a plenty, and the token hay ride led to a very enjoyable Fall experience for us all!

I promise,
Edward was a happy participant.
Though it is  certainly
tough to tell from this picture.

Why I love you

Edward's new enjoyment - climbing steps

One of my favorite things about having two children is discovering how truly unique each one is.  I assumed after witnessing Langston's behavior for over two years that our son would be relatively similar in nature.  I prepared myself for an easy, angelic baby; however, at birth I saw and heard something entirely different.  Edward came into the world screaming.  He wanted all to know that he was in fact here.
I love this little guy, screams and all!  His personality captures me!

It is so funny because strangers often comment how "easy" my little boy seems. Edward presents an award winning facade!

Look at that face - an angel.

Well, this is indeed a part of him, but there is another side too.  A very energetic side full of curiosity, spunk, and a voice.

Our little Beggar...
This developing behavior is pretty cute.  For a little guy, he loves his food!  All activity is dropped at the slightest hint someone might be opening a snack bag in the kitchen.

I want that!

I love you buddy.  Every aspect of you!  Even as you're calling for me as I type  "Mama, Mama, Mama......"  after your 30 minute nap  

An ongoing list of Edwardisms I love...

• 
  
  
  Takes a small army to change your diaper (admittedly not my favorite 'ism')
• 
  
  
  climbs EVERYTHING!  stairs, onto the bed, from table to top of highchair, etc...
• 
  
  
  the mischievous smile you give at the onset of any impish activity
• 
  
  
  tossing food you don't like onto the floor from the highchair
• the way you love & imitate your sister
• your crazy blond shaggy hair
• your frantic look
• 
  

to be continued...

First Day of School

All Set

A huge blessing in Boston was the discovery of a great school .2 miles from our home.  Langston could not be happier there, and walking to and from to drop off and fetch her is such a joy.  You have got to love a neighborhood school, and I hope to find just that when we return to Memphis!