Trick or treating downtown:
And, back at the ranch, the kids open Halloween surprises from Gramma and Grampa Great.
“My very own cell phone?! Wow!”
Archive for the ‘Family’ Category
17 Oct
One last ride
We took one last boat ride before leaving the cabin last weekend. Ava was all smiles at the start.
Grampa’s pretty trusting these days–he didn’t even remind us not to “bend it” as we left!
Of course, he probably didn’t realize we’d let Ava drive.
We’ve been debating the merits of a boat purchase for a good three months now. Ava, in an effort to destroy any illusion that it might indeed be a good idea, starting to grouse about going home approximately 90 seconds after leaving the dock.
I still think it would be a good investment. We pulled Liv on board when we got back for a quick family photo. Look how happy we are!
Well, some of us, anyway.
I’m still optimistic. A love for the water is in my blood; it has to be in theirs, too, right?
17 Oct
High life
I think Bryan secretly loves helping out with home improvement projects at other people’s houses. I can’t blame him–there’s nothing better than cooking in someone else’s kitchen (everything’s so organized!).
He’ll mow at his parent’s house, he’s poured concrete with Dave and, while we were in Minnesota, he had the opportunity to help Grampa install a new stove pipe on the front cabin.
I think he’s quietly building a home handyman resume. Another box checked!
13 Oct
Another first
One of the highlights of our trip to the cabin was Olivia’s first boat ride. We entrusted the girls to Gramma and Grampa for the rainy occasion.
Gramma said that if they’d stayed out a bit longer, Olivia would have fallen asleep.
12 Oct
A preview
We took a quick trip to the cabin in Minnesota this weekend and caught fall colors at their very peak! More photos soon.
25 Sep
Excellent news
My sister Katie is the dean of administration at Excel Academy, a charter school in East Boston. The school is small, but it’s mighty.
State test scores show her 8th graders were second in the state in math. Her 7th graders were first in the state in English and second in the state in math. This is quite amazing, considering there are more than 250 schools in the Boston area included in this ranking.
Amazing!
21 Sep
Apple picking with Grandpa
Doug was kind enough to pick me a bushel of apples while we were visiting last weekend. Ava was on hand to help out, along with Scout.
We’ve put them to good use–sauteed over pork tenderloin, in apple crisp…
…and in this Streusel Kuchen Ava and I made for Bry’s company picnic this afternoon:
What should we make next? Any favorite apple recipes out there?
20 Sep
Quilt Weekend Wrap-Up
A week later, I’m finally posting photos from the quilting weekend I had with my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law in Nebraska last weekend.
Thanks to Doug, Bryan, Jason and Josh, the kids were completely entertained allowing Karyl, Jess, Debbie, Laura and me to focus on quilting (and wine).
First, the kids. They guys took Ava, Olivia, Leo and Wyatt to the new play structures at the botanical gardens and to the children’s museum.
I hear the big kids had a great time, and despite appearances, the babies were good, too.
It does look Olivia was trying to call me, though.
Back at Smiths, we worked late into the night on various projects. I was thrilled to find that I wasn’t the only one who still had work to do on the quilt I started at last year’s retreat. All in all, though, we made progress on a number of projects.
Laura has better shots of our work over on The House on Hudson, but here’s a quick look at a project I’m working on for Olivia’s room.
It was a wonderful weekend–one that we’re hoping to repeat again soon. Thanks to Doug and Karyl for a lovely time, and to the guys for keeping the kids so happily entertained.
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