Comfort and Joy

I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will
give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
Jeremiah 31:13

Friday, June 29, 2012

Five for Friday

Woo hoo...today is Friday!  Love that the weekend is around the corner.  We have a great week planned because David's mom is coming in town tomorrow!  We can't wait to see Yaya!!!

So here is our Five for Friday:
1.  It has warmed up in Boston which is great for some things such as water balloons, car washes, and Frog Pond but not so great when it comes to not having Central Air in your apartment! =(  We thankfully have 2 window units and fans but some days its just not enough.  We have tried to really enjoy the warm weather lately though.

A little water balloon action.
Nothing better than water balloons on a hot day
Having a car wash on our sidewalk.  Washing all our favorite cars, trucks, planes, and motorcycles. Just a having a car wash on our sidewalk
Going to the Grand Opening of the Frog Pond at the Boston Commons.  Had a blast at the Frog Pond Grand Opening today!

2.  I am so thankful for the wonderful friends I have made in Boston.  I know this year would have looked a lot different if God had not placed these precious friends in my life.  Loved having dinner with these two until 11:30 on Tuesday night.  Such a blessing!
So thankful for good friends, good food, and lots of laughter. @ameduri @keljohnson

3.  These 2 crack me up on a daily basis.  There are days where I want to run as far away as possible because I don't know if I can handle one more question, one more whine, or one more tear but for the most part...I LOVE their relationship, their silliness, and their precious spirits.

Wednesday evening they realized they could both shut themselves inside the kitchen cabinet.
Why yes, 2 kids can fit in a closed kitchen cabinet
Thursday morning they had a busy morning...commuting to work and cleaning the showers. Austin told me its hard work being old.  I told him "I hear ya brother!".
The boys have been busy this morning...commuting to work and cleaning the showers. Austin told me its hard work being old. I hear ya brother!
And then this morning I found Austin laying on the floor next to Miller's crib when it was time to get up because he said Miller was scared. He is truly the sweetest brother ever!Be still my heart...this morning I found Austin laying on the floor next to M's crib because he said he was scared. Sweetest brother ever!

4.  Tuesday afternoon we had to say goodbye to our best buddy William.  William's family moved back to Nashville on Wednesday.  We are so sad to see them go but thankful that we will see them soon.  They are planning on coming to the Forrest Spence 5k.  Saying goodbye is hard and I am already dreading saying our goodbyes in a month. Saying goodbye to our friend William

5.  Yaya flies in tomorrow so we have some awesome things planned for the next week!

Whale Watching trip on Sunday.
whale23
Crane Beach on Monday.
crane-beach-boardwalk
Boston Pops 4th of July Concert on Wednesday.
112_med
We are also hoping to just wander around Boston and show Yaya the wonderful things we love to do in the summer.

Happy Friday y'all!!!

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Ellen & Maggie's trip to Boston

What a great few days we had with Maggie and Ellen.  The boys and I loved having them here.  They flew in Monday night and immediately had a schedule of things they wanted to see and do.  They wanted to start off Tuesday morning with the brand new Georgetown Cupcake.  The Grand Opening was the Saturday before and Maggie is obsessed with the cupcakes so we made sure to stop there early on Tuesday morning.  I agree with Maggie, they were incredible!  So, so good!
Untitled Untitled
Yes, I am already showing with little bit!
Georgetown Cupcake
We then shopped till we dropped on Newbury Street (the girls much more than me).
Untitled
So much shopping that the running shoes Ellen purchased eventually made it to her feet.Untitled
I headed on home a little early to relieve Nim while they kept shopping.  The boys were super excited to see what we brought home for them.  I think that sealed the deal on the boys loving Maggie and Ellen.
Untitled Untitled
On Tuesday afternoon we headed to Cambridge to see Harvard, visit the Curious George store, and enjoy some great mexican food at Border Cafe.  The girls were so good with the boys.  They were such a help getting around Boston.
Precious friends Untitled
Miller made himself very comfortable in the Curious George store while Austin enjoyed a little reading while watching George on tv.
Untitled
Untitled
Untitled
 That night as we were getting ready for bed, Maggie snapped these pictures. I think this is an accurate picture of life with Miller right now. Untitled Untitled
Wednesday morning we woke up early to head for a day out in Boston.  The girls wanted to make sure we enjoyed Caramel French Toast at the Paramount.  So, so good...definitely going to miss this when we move.  Afterwards we made the trek to the Charles River so they could see that beauty!
Untitled
Untitled
We then walked at least 3 miles along the Freedom Trail.  Both boys were troopers, especially Austin.  Because we left during morning commute I knew I couldn't get the double Bob on the train so I only took our single stroller.  Miller spent majority of the time in the stroller but sweet Austin walked or scooted the entire morning.  It was close to 4 miles once we made it home.
Untitled
We rewarded them with a frozen lemonade in Quincy Market and a ride on the Carousel.
Untitled Untitled
We then rode the ferry to Charlestown. The boys and I did a round trip but the girls got off in Charlestown to finish the Freedom Trail. Untitled Untitled Untitled Untitled
We loved the ferry.  Such beautiful views of Boston while enjoying a little cool breeze on the water.
The trip home was of course tedious as most commutes are when dealing with numerous trains, 2 small children, a stroller, and 2 scooters.  It was also the hottest day of the year.  Temperatures rose in the mid to upper 90's.  It was seriously hot...and we don't have air conditioning!!!

When the girls got home (only 30 minutes after us and they finished the Freedom Trail, that tells you how much longer it takes commuting with kids because you have to deal with elevators) they went down in the basement and got our window unit for the den.  They then set the fan up to blow on them and I found them this way about 10 minutes later. I think Boston, my kids, and the heat have worn these 2 out. @ellenm93 @maggie_leavell
That night we went to the Red Sox game! Such a fun night. Hot, sweaty, and sticky but so fun! The girls and I had a blast!
Untitled
Untitled
Yes, we do all match. I have a different shirt but "little bit" has caused my belly to poke out quite a bit so my cute, fitted Red Sox shirt made me look like I had a huge beer gut so I wore David's shirt instead.  I also have an awesome farmers tan from walking around Boston all day.  Take me out to the ball game  Untitled Untitled Untitled
We finished the trip with a visit to our favorite bakery, Flour, for breakfast. Untitled
Then the girls ran into Georgetown Cupcakes for a treat to take home. The cupcakes had a difficult time getting through security but I'm sure they were delicious all the same. Untitled
It was a wonderful 4 days and one I won't forget.  Thanks Maggie and Ellen for making the trip and loving on my boys and family.  We love both of you so much and are so proud of the beautiful women you are becoming.  Enjoy your last 6 weeks before college begins!

Friday, June 22, 2012

My precious 2 year old

Today is Miller's 2nd birthday!  I can't believe my baby is 2.  How did that happen?!?  Wasn't he just born yesterday?  In honor of his birthday I thought I would do a top 10 about Miller.

1.  He is hilarious.  He has the funniest facial expressions and makes such funny noises.  He makes us laugh constantly.
Enjoying an after dinner bike ride Ice cream at Russell Orchard after a fun day at the beach
Untitled

2.  He has such a sweet spirit.  He is a lover.  He loves to cuddle, be held, and receive kisses and hugs.
Cuddles after naps

3.  He adores his big brother.  They are two peas in a pod.  I am so thankful for their precious relationship.  Miller wants to do whatever Austin is doing.
They are supposed to be napping. Don't think we will be napping in Portsmouth.

4.  He idolizes his daddy.  He gets so excited when David walks in the door and runs straight to him and gives him the best hug.
Untitled

5.  He has the most beautiful eyes and the best curly hair.
Untitled

6.  He is very particular about food and what he will or won't eat. This heat is doing wonders on my hair

7.  He loves ice cream.
Ice cream cone for a treat after a hard 2 year check-up

8.  He loves music and is always asking for me to turn on his favorite songs.
IMG_6089

9.  He loves all things monkey...especially his monkey lovie. IMG_6506 Ready for our day trip to Rhode Island

10.  He is a true gift from the Lord and we are so thankful he is our son.
Untitled
Happy birthday Miller.  We love you to the moon and back.