The One With the Trip to the Zoo

Earlier this week, we went to the Franklin Park Zoo. It was the first time any of us had ever been there that we remember.

What a wonderful trip.

I remember hearing about it from my mother, who visited the zoo when she lived in Boston growing up. It was actually a long ride to get there - about one hour - but it was pretty scenic, particularly on the VFW parkway. Wow - now that's a road. According to Mom, Cardinal Cushing once lived there. And we also passed the Arnold Aboretum. We will have to visit there, too.

What a great zoo. Very neat, clean, and well laid out. We had a chance to see the rain forest exhibit and the Serengheti exhibit. Bri loved the lions and Kiff thoroughly enjoyed the giraffes.

Of course, we got something to eat there, but the prices were quite affordable (only $24 for the four of us) and the food was good, too.

And what trip would not be complete without a visit the the gift shop....LOL....but we kept the cost down there, too.

As we left, we realized that we will have to play a closer look to the Zookeeper, which was filmed there, the next time we watch it.

The One With The Bash

Yesterday was the annual after school bash at Bri and Kiff's school. It was a ton of fun.

Unlike most years, when we were participants, we volunteered to help this time.  It was plenty of work but a lot of fun.

Tons of people came. There was plenty to do, lots of music, opportunities to talk, and plenty of time on the playground.

Emmie was in charge of getting some of the food, so we started early in the morning. By the time the events and cleanup for over, it was quite time.

It was a great day and an excellent way to get back to school. It was great to see so many people volunteer to make the bash fun for their children and their families.

The One Where My Mother Turns 80

This past week, my mother turned 80. To celebrate it, we had a surprise party for her at her house.

It was quite a surprise. Although, she had expected to see her children and their extended families, she had no idea that our aunts and uncles were coming as well. It really caught her off guard.

And what a great day it was. Her three children all brought some appetizers. My sister made chicken cordon bleu with rice, my brother brought a great cake, and we made a snazzy salad.

In what has been a tough year, we were able to laugh, share memories, and have a lot of fun as a family....and bring us closer....while all celebrating a wonderful matriarch!


Happy Birthday Mom. We love you.

The One With the First Week of School

Finally it came.

The first week of school. Bri is in 3rd grade and Kiff is in 1st.

Bri could not wait to go, but Kiff was apprehensive. But a wonderful thing happened....they both loved school.

Always a great way to start the first week.

The One With the Swanboats

Yesterday we bid farewell to summer with a visit to Boston's Swanboats.

That is always a fun time...we enjoyed the gentle stroll around the pond and saw a variety of birds and even a few turtles and fish.

Of course, it was a little crazy....it was college "move-in" day...always fun.

It is a fun way to spend a day and well worth the little jaunt around the pond.

The One With Back to School

Yes it is true...it is time for back to school.

In retrospect, however, we had a great summer. We:

Went blueberry picking
Went strawberry picking
Went to Canada
Went to Cape Cod
Visited the airplanes
Played mini-golf
Attended NKOTB concert
Went to History Hits Harmony
Marched in our 1st Fourth of July parade
Went to a Red Sox Game
Visited Santa's Village


Phew! What a summer