Meeting Cousin Austin

About a month ago, my sister-in-law Kristin and her son Austin made the trip out to Massachusetts to visit us.  Austin was due only a few days before Rory but was born three weeks early.  Since Rory was almost a week late, the two are about a month apart which is definitely fun!  We aren't sure when we will try to visit California so I was thrilled that we got to meet little Austin James before he grows up too much!  And how awesome that first time Mom Kristin was willing to travel solo on a 6 hour flight with a 3 month old!

Austin James (8/3/2015) and Rory Louise (8/31/15)

Most of their time here was just spent doing baby related things like feeding, burping, changing diapers, and getting kids down for naps.  However, Josh did have the weekend off that they were here and so we took a trip into Boston to visit the aquarium.  We had taken Ryan last year around this time, but at 2 years old, she certainly was way more entertained by the fish this year.

Rory and Austin slept through most of the aquarium visit, but we did get a few group pictures in front of the harbor before leaving Boston.

We also took them to walk the Rail Trail and Kristin even watched the three kids (with the help of a babysitter) so that Josh and I could have our first night out since Rory was born.  Not much of a vacation for her huh!?!?!

This is our "we're thrilled to be out of the house without kids face." Ha!

We are so lucky that we have so many family members that want to come visit us in Massachusetts.  And I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'm kind of sad that this was the last set of planned visits, at least at the moment.  We certainly love that our kids get to know so many of their family members even though they live so far away.  It makes it a little bit easier to be in Massachusetts.  Hopefully we will be making a trip to California in the near future!

Sibling Visit

We've had lots of visitors during the last few weeks which we always welcome with open arms.  When you have more than one child, an extra adult (or four) goes a long way in improving one's sanity!

All three of my younger siblings and my sister-in-law made the trip out to Massachusetts for a week in late October.  Bert, Rachel, Anna, and Adrienne all got to meet Rory for the first time and be endlessly entertained by Ryan's antics.  All four of them stayed at our house and at first I was a bit worried that it would seem crowded and uncomfortable and while it was definitely a full house, we had a great time.  Ryan would wake up in the morning and come downstairs to a living room full of bodies and say "Hi guys!"  Which I'm sure they totally appreciated at 6:30 AM.  She called her Uncle Bert, "Duncle Bob" and by the end of the week "Duncle Burp."  Anna was referred to as "Amy" the entire week, eventually she said Rachel the day before they left and Adrienne never did get an exact name!  But I tell you, Ryan certainly misses bossing around her adult playmates!

They watched the girls while I went to a dentist appointment, helped me take them both to the pediatrician for shots, played endlessly with Ryan, and helped console Rory during every evenings "witching hour."  They were all such a huge help to me and I tell you what, there is nothing better than watching your siblings love to love on your children.  Ryan and Rory are so blessed to have so many amazing Uncles and Aunties.

We did take a trip into Boston and got to enjoy some brisk but sunny weather.  I stayed with the girls for the day and the rest of them stayed a night in Boston and got to go out on the town as well as travel to Salem the next day.  At least they got to have some fun kid free moments while here in Massachusetts!

They also threw me a little 30th birthday party which was so sweet and thoughtful of them.  They may have thought it was somewhat silly but I appreciated it none the less.  I truly am so blessed.

Hopefully we didn't scare them away with our handful of kids!  Because I certainly would love to have them come visit us again, you know, cause I love free babysitting. :)

Red Sox Game

On occasion, rare occasion, Josh and I get to have a date night out.   Residency doesn't leave much free time for dates and then having a child makes it even more difficult.   It requires timing up Josh having a day off, having a babysitter who is available, oh and having some money in the bank. :)

Anyway, ever since we moved to Massachusetts (a year ago this week!), I've been wanting to go to a Red Sox game.  Now, I'll admit, I don't particularly care about the baseball game itself, but the atmosphere at MLB games is always fun and experiencing Fenway Park is pretty necessary for any Massachusian.  Except, don't tell the Red Sox fans that I really didn't care that they had a rough game, I'd probably get beat up in the stands.  Those people take these games VERY seriously!

My Mother-In-Law, Denise, is in MA with a friend right now to run a half marathon and so she graciously gifted Josh and I with some tickets to Friday night's game.  I'm so glad we got to go.  Ryan did great with our sitter and we enjoyed a much needed night out.  We had "Fenway Franks," beers, and non-alcoholic drinks for me, the 26 week pregnant girl, and sang along to "Sweet Caroline" with the crowd.  I hope it won't be the last time we go to a game while we live in MA.  Next time I want to actually sit in the Green Monster!

Hocus Pocus...

....and other Halloweenie type things.

My parents have been here in Massachusetts since Saturday and we have been going non-stop since they got here.  Although, I suggested they go off to explore Plymouth, MA on Wednesday on their own so that I could give Ryan a day off from sightseeing.  Poor girl has been such a trooper the past week.

Let's see, Saturday they arrived bright and early and we attended my churches Harvest Festival where Grammy won Ryan her first pet, a goldfish, lovingly named "Fish."  We'll see how long Mommy can keep Fish alive.

Sunday after church, we went to West End Creamery & Family Farm to pick pumpkins.  Josh was sleeping most of the day in preparation for his night of work so he was absent but the four of us had a good time rolling around in the "corn crib."  It's basically a sand box full of corn kernels and it was quite entertaining, though Ryan was a bit unsure about the whole thing.

Then we picked pumpkins!  One of my very favorite things to do.  I look forward to it every year and I hope hope hope Ryan will inherit my love for pumpkin picking, that's why you start em young!

Lift with your legs Ry!

We spent Monday in Salem, MA.  Our preparation for spending the day in Salem was watching the Halloween classic movie Hocus Pocus the night before.  And I would be lying if I didn't admit that one of the highlights of the day was seeing Town Hall in the middle of Derby Square where the parent's costume party took place at in the movie.

Salem Town Hall

I imagine that anytime you visit the city of Salem, it is a little strange because of all the witch craft vibes that surround the city.  But when you go to Salem during the week of Halloween, you are hitting prime time Salem weirdness.  I had been warned prior to going, so the fact that there were witches on the street and a possible Siamese twin sighting was not that surprising.  The city is in fact really cute and extremely historical and it was the most perfect Massachusetts fall day to go exploring.

We spent Tuesday in the Worcester area.  I took Mom and Dad to the rail trail where I run regularly with my girlfriends.  So many of the leaves have now fallen off the trees and it was probably one of the nicest fall days that we've had here so far.  All the fallen leaves made for Ryan's very own personal playground.

On Thursday, we went in to Boston for the day.  I really love this city.  We enjoyed the duck pond and gardens as well as walked the Freedom Trail (or most of it) and ate lunch at Cheers.  Overall, such a fun day with perfect weather which always makes things better.

Now I guess it's time to welcome the month of November.  And prepare myself for the beginning of winter, especially since it's supposed to snow tonight.  OMG.  Toto, I don't think we are in California anymore.