New Holiday Tradition

I didn't finish the summer posts, but it's almost 2017 so I decided to just get on with it. 😉

This year (and last) we made food bags for the kids that come to the local food pantry. It's a great activity & this year I think the concept clicked a bit more with my 4 year olds. I overheard them in their pretend play talking about giving toys to kids that don't have many. For me it helped set a very grateful mood in early December which persisted through the busyness that followed/is following. Trish was a huge help with the shopping & prep. It would have been very challenging without her. Plus I couldn't ask for a better local tribe-such authentic, inspiring & funny mommas. We packed 50 bags -5 per kid. I also loved all the simple math that was involved with planning. Those of you who know me well are not at all surprised.

Good Times at the Lake-Part Two

The Kelly & Mubaiwa clans joined us to celebrate July 4th week in NH.  

Happy Birthday to Nanna!

Making paper boats with Backa

Good Times at the Lake-Part One

We spent lots of time at the NH lake cottage this summer.  The girls and I got to stay for almost two whole weeks at the beginning of the season.  They didn't even want to come home at the end although I felt like I needed another vacation 😜.  The first half of our visit we spent with the Kwartler/Mazzeo clan.  It's nice to see Nora & Brenna play with their cousin Hazel.  Plus Molly the dog was there👍🏼

Summer is over?????

We obviously had lots of fun this summer hence no blog posts.  Ted had half day Fridays so the girls and I went into the city to do fun city-like things with him.  

We enjoyed the aquarium especially the seal (sea lion?) that swims back and forth over and over again. I felt a bit sad for some of the creatures since I've been lucky enough to see them in the wild when I've scuba dived.  

The Swan boat ride was such a treat and of course Make Way for Ducklings statue.

Nora and Brenna didn't want to pose with me.

Strawberry picking

They filled up those cartons in no time at all.  Plentiful crop at nearby Verrill Farm.

Play

Brenna wanted me to take a picture of Molly.

Earth Day Parade

Concord's Earth Day was such fun last weekend.  There was live music in the town center, parade & a kid friendly festival. We had lots of fun with so many friends & perfect weather.  I left feeling particularly grateful for our community.  

Matching colors & outfits

Many days Nora & Brenna like to wear all "all pink" or "all purple".  So much for my preference for gender neutral colors.  😉

They like to pretend they are grapes, grapefruits, blueberries.  As you can imagine this puts unique constraints on the laundry schedule.  They also like to coordinate their outfits with each other.   Their latest trend is wearing one rain boot from each pair.  They get a lot of public attention for this one (need to snap a photo of this).   

My Garden

Nora & Brenna made me a garden "because I've always wanted one."  (It's right between them in the photo). They have been finding "plants" & flowers to plant there.  Such sweethearts.

 

Spring Break

Brenna & Nora used to be content to have quiet days at home, but since they started preschool they will ask me "where are we going today?".  They want action :)

Spring break was filled with play dates, hiking with family & friends.  We even had a beach day road trip with friends to Gloucester.  The water was so cold, but they still wanted to swim.  Hardy New englanders for sure.  The sand & rock climbing was lots of fun!   Now back to spring cleaning. 

April Snow

It was hard to be grumpy about snow on April 4th because these girls were so excited.  This is the view from Grandma Trish & Saba's new condo nearby where we've been helping prepare for their arrival.  

Big Bikes

I scored two balance bikes on a yard sale site & the girls LOVE them.  The bikes sit low to the ground & have no pedals so hey learn how to balance by pushing the bike with their feet.  They started riding a little over two weeks ago & it's truly amazing how quick they are learning.  Big bikes are in our near future.  Fun times.  

It's too quiet

I was in another room & was intrigued/worried by the lack of kid sounds.  I go into the guest room to find these sweethearts cuddled up reading together.  Bless their hearts.