Deep in Thought

Spa Day

My feet are now fit to be seen this spring.

Homework Helper

Buds No More

The magnolia blossoms are open! It's such a brief explosion of beauty, though. It seems like they open and start falling immediately.

Just in case you wanted to see what the tree looked like in February and earlier this month.

Sisters

So Many Moments ...

I just couldn't decide.

Lamington Production Station

Just in case you don't know, lamingtons are little Aussie treats. Squarish pieces of white cake, sometimes 2 pieces sandwiched with jam in the middle, covered in delicious chocolate frosting and dipped in dessicated coconut. This was my first attempt at making them and the first time I've had them in at least 7 years, maybe more. They tasted exactly as I remembered and I was 12 again, coming home from school on a Wednesday afternoon (my Mum worked 6 days a week and Wednesday was her half-day, and therefore her shopping day. We could always count on a special treat on Wednesday afternoons).

Vacation Homework

Take Your Kids to Work Day

While I had the little quiet one at speech therapy this morning, the big noisy three went to Dad's office. When I went to pick them up he had a desperate crazed look in his eye. They had a great time; him, maybe not so much.

Bath Time

Patriots Day at Fenway

I took 48 photos at the game today. We had fantastic seats, in a field box right behind the on-deck circle, four rows from the field. We bought the tickets in a charity auction last year and have been eagerly awaiting today's game. The Sox didn't disappoint: the final score was 12-1, with a thrilling 7th inning in which they scored 7 runs with 2 outs. The photo above shows Dustin Pedroia hitting a double in that inning.

The moment I wish I could show was before the game even started. Being Patriots Day, they invited 3 families of fallen soldiers to collectively throw out the first pitch. There were 3 young mothers with their tiny, fatherless children, and as each was introduced my heart broke for their unimaginable losses. I stood in Fenway Park and let the tears roll down my cheeks. It wasn't a moment I could photograph but I don't think that image will leave me for a long, long time.

The Fun Continues

Spring Break Begins ...

... with 2 sick girls on the couch and one sick baby in his bed upstairs. Ugh.

Watching the Game

After School Fun

Lollipops in the playground on a sunny afternoon. What could be better?

Hard At Work

Speech Therapy in action, as seen from behind the one-way window.

Dinner

Little Buddies

Easter Feast

Birthday Party Monster Madness

Monster Mini Golf. The kids loved it. I did not.

Swing into Spring

Bud Update

Walking by this morning, I noticed some of the magnolia blossoms about to burst open. It really is spring!

Slip Sliding

Life Goes On

It's somewhat unsettling, returning to the "real" world after losing someone and experiencing all the attendant ceremonial activities. Far-flung family becomes close again, in a short but intense period. Then you have to go home, playgroup still meets, and there are still cookies to eat. Life goes on.

Driving Away

This house holds many years worth of memories and it won't be the same without him.

Laughter and Tears

We sat around the table and talked and laughed and reminisced in whispers (it was late and the kids were asleep in the next room). We had drinks and he goofed around, wearing his father's hat and talking like Winston Churchill. Then the rest of us went to bed and he sat up writing his Grandfather's eulogy.

B-yootiful

Big Shoes to Fill

You have to laugh ...

... and you gotta eat. Even in a hospital cafeteria.

Wiggly Moment

I love that he loves The Wiggles. I'll admit that it's a bit Disney-fied and the new guy is a poor substitute for Greg, but they haven't tried to tone down their broad Aussie accents, and I admire the heck out of them for that!