Today I'm hoping to get a bit of feedback on a few things that we're working on at our house. So, if anyone has some wisdom, knowledge or even just random comments to share, please do! Here are my topics:
1. Parenting the almost-three-year-old Samantha. It's been a real challenge for me lately. She's just being two, I know. But sometimes she gets soooo wild and out of control. She only does what she has in mind to do, most of the time. Sometimes that coincides with what we'd like her to do, sometimes it conflicts. Example: today I asked her to pick her puzzles up off the floor so I could vacuum. She was busy coloring and didn't want to. I asked her a second time, with a warning that the puzzles would go in time-out if she didn't pick them up. She looked at them and said, "okay, put them in time out," then went back to coloring without a second thought. The puzzles are now in time out for two days, and she really doesn't care. So, anyway, I feel like I've done everything from praising her every move, to calmly putting her in time-outs, to screaming at her frantically, to spanking her soundly, to ignoring her antics, to cuddling her like crazy, etc. Anyone got any fresh ideas, or even just some words of encouragement that I'm not messing her up or damaging her self-esteem or whatever? I've love to hear from whoever.
2. Along the same lines, I confess bit of an anger-management issue. The little things dealing with mothering sometimes seem to drive me CRAZY! I have yelled when I have no right to be yelling. I have slammed doors when I should not be slamming and should be calm instead. I have almost bitten a hole in my lip from gritting my teeth. Example: last night Samantha picked up some dirty silverware off kitchen table and started to put it in the dishwasher full of clean dishes. I said, "Woops, no Sammie, please put it in the sink, it's dirty." She was still heading for the dw. "No Sammie, that goes in the sink! Not the dishwasher." Still going to the dw. A little louder, I say, "In the SINK, SAMMIE! the SINK!" Then, as she is defiantly putting them in the dishwasher (just because that's how she is -- she just HAS to do whatever it is she wants to do), messing up all the clean silverware, I find myself shouting, "NO! NO! NO! THAT GOES IN THE SINK!!! IN THE SINK!!"
Really, what she did was not that big of a deal, definitely NOT worth shouting about. I was really embarrassed, especially when Brian turned around with a shocked look on his face. But at the same time, I was so angry. Even writing about it, I'm feeling tense. Goodness. I have stress relievers -- play the piano, clean the house, listen to music, workout, etc. They aren't working for me in this department. I need something more. Any ideas? Please don't think too terrible of me for admitting this. I know I'm supposed to always be the sweet, kind, patient mother. And I really AM trying. But not always doing a good job of it, sigh.
3. I need some good book suggestions. If you want to recommend some on the above topics, I'm open. I'd also like some good reads on getting and staying healthy. Also, just good fiction would be appreciated, if you've read anything good that you'd like to pass on. I went to the library with Brian last week, and all I checked out was a bunch of Sammie books, because I couldn't think of any for me. That's so lame. Give me your ideas, please!
4. I'm a person who believes in praying regularly. But I am having trouble making it happen. This is another big thing to admit, I know. I'm not saying I don't pray, but it's more that I don't have a set time and place that is a part of my daily routine right now -- other than prayer with Brian at night, and prayer with Samantha, and prayer on meals. I guess I'm just looking for any suggestions for making time for a little personal prayer and meditation, and making it a habit.
I'm sure there's more I could confess here, but I'll leave it for now. Hope everyone's enjoying a lovely week of gorgeous autumn time!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Update from us
I thought I'd go for a RECENT update, now that I've put up most of the big stuff from the past few months. So, starting with today... we had a church/community Harvest Party this evening, with all the fun games and food and costumes, etc. Sammie was a princess and I daresay she knew she was lookin' cute!
When we got to the party, she got several "ooohh she's so cute" comments from the young women. Of course, she accepted the praise with polite smiles and darling giggles. She won a little polly pockets doll at the fish pond, and a cupcake at the cake walk. She done us proud!
Spencer was a pumpkin for the party tonight, but umm... we forgot to take his picture. Oops. Well, here he is modelling his latest trick...
That's right, folks. Spencer can sit up, all by himself! I know it looks like he's sort of leaning against the couch, but he's not! He's sitting unassisted, what a big man! He did happen to have a major "throw-back" accident at church last Sunday, where everyone cringed as they heard his head hit the floor at the start of RS, but other than that, he is quite steady. He's also army crawling and rolling like a champ -- all over the place. He just celebrated his 8-month mark on Wednesday, big boy!!
Tonight after the Harvest Party we went to the hometown high school football game -- showdown between the rivalling high schools, Caldwell and Valivue. Caldwell got stomped, but Brian roots for Valivue anyway. It was fun to watch, and be part of the small-town crowd. Samantha especially loved the marching band at half time, the falcon mascot waving what she thought was an "American Flag" (no, it was actually a school flag), and she apparently loved taking off her shoes and coat because she kept doing it.
Sammie also loved sitting by Grandpa Bishop, who met us at the game. She paid the most attention when she was sitting with Grandpa.
Spencer didn't exactly love the game. I don't think football is his thing yet. But he was pretty patient and didn't put up too much of a fuss even though it was cold and an hour past his bedtime.
In other news, we got a new bathseat for Spencer, and he loves it. He (and I) gets to be more "hands free" at bath time now, which is great. (aside: look at those gorgeous baby blues! his eyes seem to get blue-er every day, thanks to his daddy's good blue genes!)
And he has a little added protection from his "playmate." Yes, the bathseat is a good thing for all of us.
It sure beats bathing in the kitchen sink, but we still do that sometimes too, when we don't want a huge production. (Truth: I just CANNOT keep Sammie out of the tub any time I try to bathe Spencer. She hears the water and her clothes come off. Since I'm busy making sure Spencer doesn't drown, I can't very well physically make her keep her clothes on and stay out of the tub. So, it's either sink bath for Spence sometimes, or bath time together.)
As for me, I've been proud of my domestic efforts lately. I made three batches of pumpkin bread last week when my parents were here. (That deserves a separate post, but unfortunately we didn't take ANY pictures, can you believe!?!?) Anyway, my mom loved the loaf with raisins and pecans, everyone else seemed more partial to the chocolate chip loaf. There was plenty of both kinds, and muffins as well. Good stuff, that pumkin bread! Thankfully it's "seasonal" and now is its season!
I've also been busy learning to can. It may seem silly to post the pictures, but I'm very proud of my fun things I've canned this year. Here's my homemade grape juice, compliments of one of Brian's parents' friends... a couple who grows grapes but just didn't want to can them this year. It's really powerful juice concentrate -- tastes alot like Welch's, to me.
Here's the massive steamer Brian's mom let me borrow for the grape juice. Imagine our house filled with that sweety grapey aroma for a few days while I was canning. mmmm, good stuff.
I've also canned salsa and tomatoes with Brian's mom, but I don't have pictures of that. And here's some of my strawberry freezer jam. I've always wanted to do freezer jam, and let me tell you this is gooooood stuff. But so much sugar! I will not always make the "gooood stuff" but will search for the low-sugar recipes in the future. (Confession: I also had peaches and plums from my mom and dad that I wanted to use for more freezer jam and fruit leather, but I didn't get it done in time and... well.... I'm sad to say they molded. Maybe next year, I hope!)
That's all for tonight. Let's hope I can start being more regular about this, right?!
When we got to the party, she got several "ooohh she's so cute" comments from the young women. Of course, she accepted the praise with polite smiles and darling giggles. She won a little polly pockets doll at the fish pond, and a cupcake at the cake walk. She done us proud!
Spencer was a pumpkin for the party tonight, but umm... we forgot to take his picture. Oops. Well, here he is modelling his latest trick...
That's right, folks. Spencer can sit up, all by himself! I know it looks like he's sort of leaning against the couch, but he's not! He's sitting unassisted, what a big man! He did happen to have a major "throw-back" accident at church last Sunday, where everyone cringed as they heard his head hit the floor at the start of RS, but other than that, he is quite steady. He's also army crawling and rolling like a champ -- all over the place. He just celebrated his 8-month mark on Wednesday, big boy!!
Tonight after the Harvest Party we went to the hometown high school football game -- showdown between the rivalling high schools, Caldwell and Valivue. Caldwell got stomped, but Brian roots for Valivue anyway. It was fun to watch, and be part of the small-town crowd. Samantha especially loved the marching band at half time, the falcon mascot waving what she thought was an "American Flag" (no, it was actually a school flag), and she apparently loved taking off her shoes and coat because she kept doing it.
Sammie also loved sitting by Grandpa Bishop, who met us at the game. She paid the most attention when she was sitting with Grandpa.
Spencer didn't exactly love the game. I don't think football is his thing yet. But he was pretty patient and didn't put up too much of a fuss even though it was cold and an hour past his bedtime.
In other news, we got a new bathseat for Spencer, and he loves it. He (and I) gets to be more "hands free" at bath time now, which is great. (aside: look at those gorgeous baby blues! his eyes seem to get blue-er every day, thanks to his daddy's good blue genes!)
And he has a little added protection from his "playmate." Yes, the bathseat is a good thing for all of us.
It sure beats bathing in the kitchen sink, but we still do that sometimes too, when we don't want a huge production. (Truth: I just CANNOT keep Sammie out of the tub any time I try to bathe Spencer. She hears the water and her clothes come off. Since I'm busy making sure Spencer doesn't drown, I can't very well physically make her keep her clothes on and stay out of the tub. So, it's either sink bath for Spence sometimes, or bath time together.)
As for me, I've been proud of my domestic efforts lately. I made three batches of pumpkin bread last week when my parents were here. (That deserves a separate post, but unfortunately we didn't take ANY pictures, can you believe!?!?) Anyway, my mom loved the loaf with raisins and pecans, everyone else seemed more partial to the chocolate chip loaf. There was plenty of both kinds, and muffins as well. Good stuff, that pumkin bread! Thankfully it's "seasonal" and now is its season!
I've also been busy learning to can. It may seem silly to post the pictures, but I'm very proud of my fun things I've canned this year. Here's my homemade grape juice, compliments of one of Brian's parents' friends... a couple who grows grapes but just didn't want to can them this year. It's really powerful juice concentrate -- tastes alot like Welch's, to me.
Here's the massive steamer Brian's mom let me borrow for the grape juice. Imagine our house filled with that sweety grapey aroma for a few days while I was canning. mmmm, good stuff.
I've also canned salsa and tomatoes with Brian's mom, but I don't have pictures of that. And here's some of my strawberry freezer jam. I've always wanted to do freezer jam, and let me tell you this is gooooood stuff. But so much sugar! I will not always make the "gooood stuff" but will search for the low-sugar recipes in the future. (Confession: I also had peaches and plums from my mom and dad that I wanted to use for more freezer jam and fruit leather, but I didn't get it done in time and... well.... I'm sad to say they molded. Maybe next year, I hope!)
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
I've Been Tagged
Two of my sisters-in-law "tagged" me recently, so I figured I would respond. But first, you may have noticed that my blogging activity has decreased significantly in the last months. A short explanation, then I'll do the "tag" thing. If you just want to read the "tag" skip this paragraph... Okay so, Brian's office is upstairs, along with the someday-family-room. The rest of our house is downstairs. With me so far? Well, the computer I used to use to blog is now a resident of Brian's office, and is upstairs, and is in use by Brian all day long. There is another computer (the one I'm using right now), but it is s--lll-ooo---w. And the systems are very outdated which makes blogging (and especially uploading pictures) a big pain. With many other things on my daily agenda, I avoid the ones that seem like "a big pain." Then I whine to Brian about needing a better computer, but can I really justify it just for the purpose of blogging? Probably not, so instead I am just not blogging. sigh. Sorry. Someday it will be more convenient again and I'll do it more often again. In the meantime, here's a quick post that doesn't require uploading pictures, so I can do it from the crummy computer.
I've been Tagged.
The way this tag works is that I'm supposed to write seven random things about myself -- things that all my imaginary blogging audience may find amusing, quirky or otherwise. Then, I'm suppose to tag some of my friends to do the same, and leave a comment on their blogs to let them know they've been tagged. Well, I will probably not officially tag other friends at this point. But if you feel so inclined to share random information about yourself, consider yourself tagged, okay? Now, on to my seven random things...
1. First, my favorite number really is seven. I was happy to learn I am supposed to list seven things, just because I've always thought it was the best number. In fact, just this morning I was listening to a radio show where callers were supposed to "guess that number." I was slightly vexed that no one guessed seven. I bet it was seven. I should have called in and won.
2. I have very long toes. And the second toe on each foot is the longest, extending almost the same length as my fairly long pinky fingers. A friend in college used to constantly tease me about my toes actually being like another set of fingers. I probably should be self conscious about this, but I never have been -- maybe because a boy I had a crush on once told me that long toes is a sign of intelligence. To all my fellow long-toes friends (and my two children who seem to have inherited my toe gene), that should make you feel better now, right?
3. I have glasses. I have to include this one because it's still somewhat of a surprise to me sometimes when I realize I really can't read that road sign. I did pass my driving test without them two months ago, but I should wear them for distances and driving. I've needed them ever since my mission (ten years, now!) but I always forget to wear them. Or I lose them (in the ocean once), or I break them, or I leave them at my parents' house (just recovered them last week), etc. If you look hard on my blog, you may see them in some older posts, but most people look at me weird when they see me in them, because my glasses aren't a frequent accessory.
4. I have a memory for numbers. I have been called a walking phone book before, multiple times. I very easily memorize phone numbers, which is a little unnerving for some people... how good of friends should we be before I memorize your number? Truth be told, I'll probably have it down long before we're good enough friends for me to tell you I have it down. I'm also good at birthdays. I still remember birthdays of guys I had crushes on in high school, old college roommates, co-workers, etc. I try to remember to wish people a happy birthday, just because their name pops into my head on their special day. But lately I have trouble knowing what the date is, which is messing with birthday calendar. I'm sure I'll get it all sorted out once we have a routine here.
5. I have very thick ear lobes. I've heard this is a sign of beauty in China, (which means my long toes have blessed me with intelligence and my chunky ears have blessed me with beauty?) I waited a long time to pierce my ears, and finally did it in college when I was 20. It hurt VERY badly. Because my lobes are so thick, the holes never healed up properly and I have never had much luck wearing earrings. I did wear them on my wedding day -- a new set of pearls that Brian gave me. Those ones were good and I was able to wear them for several months until one dropped into our floor boards and was lost forever. Since then, I've not found a single pair (cheap or spendy, pierced or clip) that I can wear for more than an hour at a time. Oh, the curses of thick, beautiful ear lobes.
6. Almost every time I buy clothes (which is rarely, until I lose this baby weight), I buy solid colors. That means, almost every thing I own is a solid color. I have red shirts, blue shirts, green, yellow, pink, black. I have a few stripey shirts, a couple flowery skirts, and maybe an old print shirt here or there. But mainly I am a solid lover, I guess. This actually annoys me somewhat. I'd like to be bold, make a statement with something different sometime. But when I shop, I'm just drawn to the solid colors and that's always what I bring home. Even my pants, skirts and dresses (I don't own a dress that fits me right now, but even in the past) are almost all solid colors. Oh well.
7. My name is made up. So many people in England asked me about my name, I found myself explaining its origin often. For those who haven't heard (or have forgotten), camber is an architectural term for an arch support system. Camber is used in bridges and in cars and airplanes, etc. In England, they actually have road signs on curves that say "adverse camber." My dad was a draftsman when my parents first got married, and he worked with camber. My parents thought it might be cute as a girl's name, so they switched the "C" to a "K" and saved it for their first and only daughter... Kamber. People don't always get it right away when I introduce myself, so I often tell people I'm Kamber -- like Amber with a K. It usually sinks in after a few seconds and they say, "Oh -- Kamber!" That's me.
And that's my seven random things for tonight, folks. I hope some of my friends will also write their randomness, even though I haven't "tagged" anyone. Cheerio for now!
Kamber
I've been Tagged.
The way this tag works is that I'm supposed to write seven random things about myself -- things that all my imaginary blogging audience may find amusing, quirky or otherwise. Then, I'm suppose to tag some of my friends to do the same, and leave a comment on their blogs to let them know they've been tagged. Well, I will probably not officially tag other friends at this point. But if you feel so inclined to share random information about yourself, consider yourself tagged, okay? Now, on to my seven random things...
1. First, my favorite number really is seven. I was happy to learn I am supposed to list seven things, just because I've always thought it was the best number. In fact, just this morning I was listening to a radio show where callers were supposed to "guess that number." I was slightly vexed that no one guessed seven. I bet it was seven. I should have called in and won.
2. I have very long toes. And the second toe on each foot is the longest, extending almost the same length as my fairly long pinky fingers. A friend in college used to constantly tease me about my toes actually being like another set of fingers. I probably should be self conscious about this, but I never have been -- maybe because a boy I had a crush on once told me that long toes is a sign of intelligence. To all my fellow long-toes friends (and my two children who seem to have inherited my toe gene), that should make you feel better now, right?
3. I have glasses. I have to include this one because it's still somewhat of a surprise to me sometimes when I realize I really can't read that road sign. I did pass my driving test without them two months ago, but I should wear them for distances and driving. I've needed them ever since my mission (ten years, now!) but I always forget to wear them. Or I lose them (in the ocean once), or I break them, or I leave them at my parents' house (just recovered them last week), etc. If you look hard on my blog, you may see them in some older posts, but most people look at me weird when they see me in them, because my glasses aren't a frequent accessory.
4. I have a memory for numbers. I have been called a walking phone book before, multiple times. I very easily memorize phone numbers, which is a little unnerving for some people... how good of friends should we be before I memorize your number? Truth be told, I'll probably have it down long before we're good enough friends for me to tell you I have it down. I'm also good at birthdays. I still remember birthdays of guys I had crushes on in high school, old college roommates, co-workers, etc. I try to remember to wish people a happy birthday, just because their name pops into my head on their special day. But lately I have trouble knowing what the date is, which is messing with birthday calendar. I'm sure I'll get it all sorted out once we have a routine here.
5. I have very thick ear lobes. I've heard this is a sign of beauty in China, (which means my long toes have blessed me with intelligence and my chunky ears have blessed me with beauty?) I waited a long time to pierce my ears, and finally did it in college when I was 20. It hurt VERY badly. Because my lobes are so thick, the holes never healed up properly and I have never had much luck wearing earrings. I did wear them on my wedding day -- a new set of pearls that Brian gave me. Those ones were good and I was able to wear them for several months until one dropped into our floor boards and was lost forever. Since then, I've not found a single pair (cheap or spendy, pierced or clip) that I can wear for more than an hour at a time. Oh, the curses of thick, beautiful ear lobes.
6. Almost every time I buy clothes (which is rarely, until I lose this baby weight), I buy solid colors. That means, almost every thing I own is a solid color. I have red shirts, blue shirts, green, yellow, pink, black. I have a few stripey shirts, a couple flowery skirts, and maybe an old print shirt here or there. But mainly I am a solid lover, I guess. This actually annoys me somewhat. I'd like to be bold, make a statement with something different sometime. But when I shop, I'm just drawn to the solid colors and that's always what I bring home. Even my pants, skirts and dresses (I don't own a dress that fits me right now, but even in the past) are almost all solid colors. Oh well.
7. My name is made up. So many people in England asked me about my name, I found myself explaining its origin often. For those who haven't heard (or have forgotten), camber is an architectural term for an arch support system. Camber is used in bridges and in cars and airplanes, etc. In England, they actually have road signs on curves that say "adverse camber." My dad was a draftsman when my parents first got married, and he worked with camber. My parents thought it might be cute as a girl's name, so they switched the "C" to a "K" and saved it for their first and only daughter... Kamber. People don't always get it right away when I introduce myself, so I often tell people I'm Kamber -- like Amber with a K. It usually sinks in after a few seconds and they say, "Oh -- Kamber!" That's me.
And that's my seven random things for tonight, folks. I hope some of my friends will also write their randomness, even though I haven't "tagged" anyone. Cheerio for now!
Kamber
Saturday, October 11, 2008
P-Jammie Time!
So, I have a lot of cute pictures of our kids sleeping, or lounging, or hanging out in their pajamas. It's been a long time since I've just posted cute kiddie pictures and I thought I'd put these up for fun. (Lots of these were from our Boston trip, since we were sharing a room with them and "watching" them sleep a lot of the time. )
Aside: the binky is now a thing of the past! I may find time to write a separate post about it, but if not, celebrate with us for NO MORE BINKY!!!
Twinners! Aunt Janice bought matching pajamas for the nieces. Sooo cute!
This last one is the princess bed at RC Willey. Samantha LOVES it and takes her shoes off so she can climb in, every time we go there (even though we encourage her NOT to climb on in). She LOVES that bed, so we continue to visit it (rather than buy it for $650!)
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Boston Reunion Trip
As it turns out I'm the last one to write about Boston, and it's holding up my blog in a bad way. Rats. So, if you want a more detailed account about our lovely Boston Reuionn Trip of 2008, I suggest you look back at Alicia, or Randi, or Jeni's blog for great recaps. My blog will not contain a great recap, because it's now been over a month since we've been home, and if I'm ever going to get back into blogging, I HAVE to move on with life and start talking about what's happening NOW, instead of a month ago, right? So, here's the brief, brief synopsis of Boston, and then lots of pictures and very little details:
Once upon a time (eight years ago) Alicia moved to Boston, then Kamber moved there too, to be with Alicia. Then Scott moved there, then lovely Jeni. Turns out, Brian was already there, doing school, and Randilish was there teaching ESL. So long story very short -- we all met, became roommates/lifelong friends/married (take your pick which fits for each one). Then, four years ago, we all left Boston and went our separate ways... London, Seattle, Salt Lake, Alabama. This trip brought us all back together to relive our Boston past and remember what made our time there so amazing and wonderful. And, the trip WAS soooo wonderful. We loved it and had such a great time being all together again.
What we did (some with the group, some on our own): Walked the freedom trail, ate Italian in the North End, went to Mikes Pastries, got my wedding ring sized and cleaned, ate at Legal Seafoods, stopped by Sharon, Vermont, swam in Lake Winnepesaukee, ate Fenway FRanks at Mormon Night at the Red Sox game, attended church at LP2 (our old Boston singles ward), walked along the Charles River, Stayed at a 200-yr-old B&B on Cape Cod, ferried over to Martha's Vineyard for a day trip, walked along the board walk in Plymouth, basked in the last rays of summer sun at lovely Walden Pond (recently endorsed by Elder Ballard in our church's General Conference!), snarfed down a pint or two of AMAZING Kimball Farms Ice Cream, reconnected with old friends still in Boston, visited the Turley-Bensons and their gorgeous new baby boy, walked around the old stompin grounds of Harvard, toured the renovated Willow House and the same-ol Ronaele House, and on. Here are the picts...
Sammie at the airport, after our all-night flight. This puzzle was a life-saver, until she figured out how to do it in 2 minutes -- then it lost its appeal.
Best friends, back in Boston together again!
Starting the Freedom Trail...
The way Sammie traveled much of the time...
Cannolis and the Boston skyline...
Professional T-riders...
Two princesses relaxing at the Wilsons -- compliments of Caroline and her hand-me-downs!
Outside of Sharon, VT -- one of my favorites of Spence and Daddy...
My lovely Sharon... I soooo wish we could have spent three DAYS there, instead of three MINUTES!
Robin's Hill Farm, can't believe I didn't shoot a pict of that gorgeous skyline you can see from the top of the park!...
GOOOO Red Sox!!
Church-goers... (Kids in tow meant we were in the hallway and balcony, rather than actually in the chapel)...
Gingerbread houses on Martha's Vineyard. Funny, but this is the only shot I got, and there were hundreds of these darling little houses. Alicia has a nice photo tour, for those interested...
Auntie Gloria and her dog, Blue. Samantha was actually brave enough to touch the dog... one time only.
Mratha's Vineyard, on the beach...
Auntie Gloria's lovely little B&B house...
Monument to our Forefathers, in Plymouth...
That sunshine was sooo bright, it still makes me squint when I look at this pict...
Jeni and her darling Sara Katherine...
Mike and Marissa, and their cute baby Jonah (No, they are not really feeding him diet Coke. And no, Mike did not suffocate during this photo shoot)...
A too-short visit to Soundbites and the park, with Kynthia and Elizabeth. (We dropped Elizabeth at the temple for work, and Sammie now thinks Elizabeth LIVES at the temple)...
Our lovely Boston Temple, on a cloudy day...
Inside the new-and-improved Willow House (for those in-the-know, you'd hardly recognize the kitchen -- and the sponge door is actually GONE. There's a REAL door and wall!!) ...
Cute little Ronaele, oh what good times we had there...
Goodbye, fun vacation with fun friends!!
Okay, that's all, folks! If there was more you really wanted to see and didn't see it, let me know. But I think I'm moving on now. Goodbye lovely Boston trip. Time to get back to normal blogging, I hope!
Once upon a time (eight years ago) Alicia moved to Boston, then Kamber moved there too, to be with Alicia. Then Scott moved there, then lovely Jeni. Turns out, Brian was already there, doing school, and Randilish was there teaching ESL. So long story very short -- we all met, became roommates/lifelong friends/married (take your pick which fits for each one). Then, four years ago, we all left Boston and went our separate ways... London, Seattle, Salt Lake, Alabama. This trip brought us all back together to relive our Boston past and remember what made our time there so amazing and wonderful. And, the trip WAS soooo wonderful. We loved it and had such a great time being all together again.
What we did (some with the group, some on our own): Walked the freedom trail, ate Italian in the North End, went to Mikes Pastries, got my wedding ring sized and cleaned, ate at Legal Seafoods, stopped by Sharon, Vermont, swam in Lake Winnepesaukee, ate Fenway FRanks at Mormon Night at the Red Sox game, attended church at LP2 (our old Boston singles ward), walked along the Charles River, Stayed at a 200-yr-old B&B on Cape Cod, ferried over to Martha's Vineyard for a day trip, walked along the board walk in Plymouth, basked in the last rays of summer sun at lovely Walden Pond (recently endorsed by Elder Ballard in our church's General Conference!), snarfed down a pint or two of AMAZING Kimball Farms Ice Cream, reconnected with old friends still in Boston, visited the Turley-Bensons and their gorgeous new baby boy, walked around the old stompin grounds of Harvard, toured the renovated Willow House and the same-ol Ronaele House, and on. Here are the picts...
Sammie at the airport, after our all-night flight. This puzzle was a life-saver, until she figured out how to do it in 2 minutes -- then it lost its appeal.
Best friends, back in Boston together again!
Starting the Freedom Trail...
The way Sammie traveled much of the time...
Cannolis and the Boston skyline...
Professional T-riders...
Two princesses relaxing at the Wilsons -- compliments of Caroline and her hand-me-downs!
Outside of Sharon, VT -- one of my favorites of Spence and Daddy...
My lovely Sharon... I soooo wish we could have spent three DAYS there, instead of three MINUTES!
Robin's Hill Farm, can't believe I didn't shoot a pict of that gorgeous skyline you can see from the top of the park!...
GOOOO Red Sox!!
Church-goers... (Kids in tow meant we were in the hallway and balcony, rather than actually in the chapel)...
Gingerbread houses on Martha's Vineyard. Funny, but this is the only shot I got, and there were hundreds of these darling little houses. Alicia has a nice photo tour, for those interested...
Auntie Gloria and her dog, Blue. Samantha was actually brave enough to touch the dog... one time only.
Mratha's Vineyard, on the beach...
Auntie Gloria's lovely little B&B house...
Monument to our Forefathers, in Plymouth...
That sunshine was sooo bright, it still makes me squint when I look at this pict...
Jeni and her darling Sara Katherine...
Mike and Marissa, and their cute baby Jonah (No, they are not really feeding him diet Coke. And no, Mike did not suffocate during this photo shoot)...
A too-short visit to Soundbites and the park, with Kynthia and Elizabeth. (We dropped Elizabeth at the temple for work, and Sammie now thinks Elizabeth LIVES at the temple)...
Our lovely Boston Temple, on a cloudy day...
Inside the new-and-improved Willow House (for those in-the-know, you'd hardly recognize the kitchen -- and the sponge door is actually GONE. There's a REAL door and wall!!) ...
Cute little Ronaele, oh what good times we had there...
Goodbye, fun vacation with fun friends!!
Okay, that's all, folks! If there was more you really wanted to see and didn't see it, let me know. But I think I'm moving on now. Goodbye lovely Boston trip. Time to get back to normal blogging, I hope!
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