The Zoo

So we decided to check out a local zoo not too far from our house. It was definitely smaller than what we are used to and the kids were not as gracious about it as I would have liked. I don't know what the animals were thinking by not doing tricks for us as we walked by!

Unfortunately it was a very hot and muggy day, but we did get to see a bird show which was pretty cool (until they forced us through the gift shop to get out.) Despite their complaints, the kids had a good time and were able to see at least a few interesting things.

Several people did compliment the kids on their good behavior. I should be more grateful and maybe lower my expectations for perfection are a little unrealistic... But the best part of all is, thanks to the local library program we got in free.

Sweet Aleia

Sweet Lillian

More of Downtown

We took a break from the water and strolled down through Quincy market. (If I was more up to snuff on my history, I could tell you the significance of this particular market:) But they sell lots of touristy stuff that my kids tried really hard not to want.

And back to more water fun. This fountain shoots up a ton of water. The kids played and played.

Playing In Downtown

On Moss' way in to do a post-op last Saturday, we had him drop us off downtown to play a bit while he worked (I forsee this happening a lot while we are here.) They have really made the downtown area super accessible to families. This spray park is right on the wharf.

Aleia and Lillian weren't quite up for playing in the water, so they enjoyed their pretzle sticks in my new favorite double jogger stroller.

Wonderful Friends

So I am not sure what I have done to merit such wonderful friends through out my life. My life-long friend (since the 5th grade) came with her daughter to help us get settled in. (A very special thanks to her husband for making it possible!) Needless to say she was awesome. She helped with everything from laundry to closets. Of course we also found time to get out a bit and see the sights. Our first stop was to Old Iron Sides. We weren't sure it was going to be worth the wait in the sun, but in the end the kids really liked it and it was pretty amazing to walk through. Needless to say, life for those on board was not so great.

The Upgrade

So after a lot of good memories and fun trips, it was time to say farewell to our dear minivan. I never thought I would be excited to own a 12 passenger van, but the day could not have come a moment sooner. We now have personal insight as to why inner cities are so violent. In general there should never be a crowding of space. In fact, there should be a safety law against children being allowed to sit within arm's reach of each other while driving at high speeds. After a two and a half day trip across the country and several weeks of loading six kids on top of each other, the reality of the situation could not be denied. We have outgrown the minivan.

While some might be tempted to pity me for having to drive such a vehicle, don't! I absolutely love it. We actually feel really blessed to have come across this van. It was owned by a family that also had 6 kids, but they had downsized back to a minivan. The best part is that given a choice, this is the exact color I would have chosen. Plus, with the possibility of so many people coming to visit, now we can actually take you places. So, c'mon! (you better believe that I rule the road in this machine. Nobody gets in the way!)

Thanks Mike and Steph

The kids were thrilled to have a little package come in the mail with their names on it. What could be inside??? Nothing more than the most attrocious looking fake teeth. They absolutely love them! Cheers!

Playgroup at the Beach

The kids were super excited to hear that we would be having our playgroup at the beach. Fortunately there is another family with girls just about Mary and Anna's age.

As you can see, Brooke is working her magic trying to make a new friend. Needless to say she can be a little over zealous- but always well intentioned!

Sweet Aleia- not such a fan of the beach, but a pretty good sport.

Lillian also wished we would have stayed home, but no such luck.

Our 4th of July Celebration

The Red Coats are coming! The Red Coats are coming!

We were all pretty beat after the long drive and all the unpacking, so our fourth of July celebration was very simple. We were tempted to head down town for the famous Boston Pops, but just didn't have the stamina to take the kids out late and join the masses. We decided to check out the Minute Man Trail and visitors center. It was pretty amazing to realize that we were at the actual place where the commencement of the Revolutionary war took place. It was great too see how the kids caught on to the meaning of what we were celebrating.

Just a fun tree on the trail.

So much for Paul Revere being in this photo. Luckily Jacob's head still made it. I guess we are grateful someone was willing to take the photo for us.

Our Baby is 9

MARY

Tender-hearted, kind, sensitive, loving, determined, motivated, hard working, beautiful, clever, creative, helpful, bright, believing, trusting, curious, and capable.

Mary has changed and grown a lot this year. She has gone from being a little kid to a little lady. She is so fun to have around. We are really enjoying her and appreciate all that she does in our family. She is so willing to pitch in and help her parents and siblings. She does a fabulous job as the biggest sister. We love our Mary.

Mary turned 9 just a few days after arriving at our new home. She decided that she was ready to get her ears pierced. I tried to convince her that it would be cool to be the only girl who never pierced her ears. She replied in a very "c'mon mom" voice, "Mom, I don't think that would be cool at all."

Of course I have my ears pierced, so after consent from her father, we got her a gift card to get her ears pierced. She has such issues with pain and shots, I thought she would hold out longer before she would be willing to go through with it.

Happy Birthday to you....

Just look at those lovely ears. Fortunately they did both at once, and she survived the experience quite well. Anna decided that if it didn't hurt Mary too badly, she wanted her ears pierced too. So many benefits to not being the first born! Needless to say, Anna can't wait for her birthday.