The Apple Picking Tradition Continues

Our tradition of taking Maggie and Lily apple picking together started when they were just babies! We all met up again last Sunday for a quick trip to a local orchard before watching the Pats game and hanging out together. The rain held off, the apples were delicious, and the company was better than ever. The girls aren't small enough for us to carry around any more, but they'll always be our babies!!!

Wow! Back to school and work really hit hard and fast. We're off to a good start, but not too much time for blogging these days. Paul did take me away for a mini birthday getaway. Karen and Alan (although I guess it was mostly Alan) took the kids overnight and we headed up to Kennebunkport Maine. We stayed at an amazing bed and breakfast cottage, poked through lots of shops, and ate seafood by the sea! A short but sweet escape!

Beach Days on Cape Cod

The weather in Harwichport was fabulous and our time spent with the McQuades (and Ladimers) was even better. We had lots of fun on the beach and ate lots of seafood. Alex and Paul rode the bike trail with John stopping for hot dogs and ice cream. Kathy and Maggie went antiquing and to a book store with Debbie stopping for lobster rolls and ice cream. Hard to know who had more fun! The last stop was bumper boats and batting cages with Gary and Keith. The soggy after picture is proof of the fun. We even made Gary use a Red Sox towel to dry off! We didn't want to leave and look forward to another visit soon.

Cooperstown Here We Come!

We changed up our summer vacation a bit this year and split the week between Cooperstown, NY and Cape Cod. The first stop was Cooperstown. The highlight for Paul and Alex was the Hall of Fame (although Alex may say his favorite part was Boomer the dog at the Bed and Breakfast). Maggie liked the historic village at The Farmer's Museum, especially feeding the baby cow a bottle and walking a sheep. Kathy liked being in the countryside at the Bed and Breakfast and just having time away. Alex's tour of the Hall of Fame included a pose and photograph at every team locker and other spots throughout the museum. We also toured the underground caves at Howe's Cavern on the way home.

Maggie turns 11!

Maggie celebrated her 11th birthday with her friends at Nana and Grampa's pool Luau style! They played water games and pool games, drank lava punch, made their own pizzas, and enjoyed Maggie's specially designed beach cake. It was one of the nicest days of the summer! Happy Birthday Maggie!

He doesn't get how lucky he is...

Alex and his buddy Justin had their photo taken with the 2004 and 2007 Red Sox World Series Trophies last week. Just the other day he said, "Mom, the Red Sox are in the playoffs like every year." Let's hope this ride continues and he never finds out what it's like to be a "true" Red Sox fan.

Julie's Wedding

Our dear friends, the McQuades, celebrated the marriage of their daughter, Julie, this past weekend. The festivities started here on Friday afternoon with a bridal luncheon before the rehearsal at Plymouth Church in Framingham (where Paul and I were married and where we first met the McQuades when Julie was only 3 years old!!!). After the rehearsal was a dinner atop a student dormitory at Harvard University with magnificent views of the cities of Cambridge (where Julie and Gary will be living come September) and Boston. The reception was held at the grand Boston Harbor Hotel where many, including all of us, stayed overnight. Back to Framingham on Sunday for a lovely brunch at the home of the McQuades. It was a very special and beautiful weekend in every respect and we were very honored to be a part of it all. Here are a few snapshots fo the wedding for you to enjoy.