All of this rain has left us a little stir crazy in the Grant abode so, we put on our wellies, grabbed the camera and headed outside in the misty afternoon. What wonders we found...
Snails, mushrooms, puddles, flowers, baby spiders, and a little history lesson about the infamous Salem Witch Trials all on an afternoon walk...so much goodness right outside our door.
We celebrated our 15th anniversary with a weekend away sans kiddos--thank you, Mum and Marlan!--in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. What a lovely weekend we had...
We did...nothing, really. Walked around, enjoyed afternoon Irish Coffees, had yummy breakfast at Popovers on the Square, and an amazing dinner at Black Trumpet Bistro. Most of all, I enjoyed each moment with the guy that just wouldn't take no for an answer 15 years ago...
thanks for being so persistent, Devin. Yes, we would have loved to be in Paris or Barcelona, but we've learned after all this time, location does not matter...it is the good company that makes it so much fun. Oh, and the handsome bearded scenery from my view made it all the sweeter! Besides, we have another 50 years...Paris will wait.
Happy weekend, my friends.
Sunday proved to be one of the most beautiful days we've had around these parts...although, it feels funny saying so, as we really did not have a true winter. Anyhoo, things have been a bit more crazy than usual in the abode, mainly because of my aquistion of a new part-time position tutoring "at-risk" middle schoolers, an enormous research project for grad school, writing a proposal to teach a writing class to more "at-risk" adolescents, and having three kids. I am beginning to feel like I bit off more than I can chew, but that is kind of my "thing", I suppose. I'm not sure I can function any other way, to be honest. Needless to say, I needed some fresh air, open space, and family time to decompress. Good friends suggested a great spot nearby, Agassiz Rock, and we had such a wonderful time...
The walk was cathartic in so many ways: it is impossible to not be humbled standing next to these enormous bolders which have stood the test of time; or revel in the fact that trees do indeed grow out of rocks; or enjoy the silence of feet crunching on the leaves without any bickering, crying, or shouting; or be elated hearing your seven year old say, "wow, this is so much better than an amusement park" (I tell no lies!); or know no matter what happens, the sun will rise tomorrow, Spring is on it's way and things will indeed slow down...eventually. I found myself watching Ava enjoy a great distance from us the majority of the time. For a minute or two, my heart ached with sadness that she really is venturing out on her own. But then, she would turn back around, beaming with a smile and shout, "Hurry up! This is awesome!" And that is kind of how it is these days with that girl...letting her go just far enough until she turns back to see if we are there. As much as I longed for this day many moons ago, now that it is here I'm surprised by how this heart of mine misses her little hand grasping mine for dear life. But, I think we are all trying to find our own way right now, what direction we want to go, and how to balance still being with each other as a family. It's tricky...
...and I just have to say walking through those woods with this handsome gent by my side filled my heart with gratitude. He's weathered many emotional storms these past couple of months between everything and I just cannot express enough how much I love this guy. He truly is the most suppportive, understanding, and encouraging human being alive. It is because of him that I am able to juggle so much, because he catches whatever I may drop. So, I guess it is fair that I will forever be picking up his socks all over the house. (Yes, Devin, that is in writing...your left behinds are literal, mine figurative, I suppose!) Whatever the case may be, wherever the place may be, or whichever season we trudge through, I'm honored to walk by his side.
we woke up Saturday morning to an unseasonably warm 84 degree fall morning. as odd as it felt, we were outdoor bound all day. so, off to the skatepark we went...
yes, we left with a bruised bum, bloody elbow, and elevated heart rate, but more importantly, everyone accomplished something they never had done before. and that, my friends is worth the bumps and bruises. let me tell you, these Grants do not lack determination! i do sincerely hope you enjoy some sunshine and fresh air with your little, or big, loved ones...
Look at how fabulous this reading room is at DeCordova Sculpture Garden and Museum:
Oh, the floor! I have a major love of colorful patchwork quilts and to be walking on one with books strewn about my feet was absolute bliss! Felt leaves were hung on each wall, representing the four seasons and I felt like I was in some magical, whimsical world. The stumps the kiddos are sitting on were made from recycled paper all bound together, providing a cushy seat at varying levels so each child had a special place to sit.
I mean, really, this is pretty close to my perfect dream of a reading room. Someday, someday...
May you find a moment to be inspired today...
A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to join my husband on a work trip to Washington D.C. Normally, staying home is much easier than joining the mister, but given our last rainy trip to Washington D.C., we thought we'd try it again. Despite the hot and humid weather, we managed to enjoy ourselves.
oh, the tears that streamed down when we had to leave this baby gorilla at The National Zoo
I must admit, I was reluctant to go to the National Air and Space Museum, but oh my goodness, it was so worth the trip. All three kids loved the planes hanging from the ceilings and my little history nut, Ava, loved seeing Ameila Earhart's flight jacket
and, like our last trip, The National Museum of Natural History was a favorite. (We actually went there twice!) There is just so much to see and like most everything in D.C., it is free!
I must admit, this trip was a bit of a challenge. Navigating the four of us through the city was something I was apprehensive about, but the the Metro system in D.C. is amazingly simple. We were lucky enough to stay in a gorgeous, centrally located hotel that was so close to everything. But, as every parent knows, traveling with small children hardly feels like a vacation after a few days. Naptime was tricky, as I only have one napper now, but thank heavens for Netflix's watch instantly movies and head phones! Eating out is great the first few times, but after a while, you just want something homemade. Although, we had delicious, authentic Chinese food in Chinatown and El Salvadorean food a quick train ride away that I'm already nostalgically longing for. All in all, it was a great trip and for the next few days, I'm taking a little mamacation from that vacation all by myself! May your weekend be full of cool breezes and sunshine...
simply can not go to the fair in anything other than pink cowgirl boots
two little girls' dreams came true on those ponies' backs
Lillian's new item on her Christmas list
and the other...
Oh, how being away does the soul good! I think I'll let the pictures tell our story, instead of me. But, can I just tell you that I am sitting here tonight a very proud mama. Both of my girls stepped out of their fears this weekend and tried new, scary things. Both Devin and I are euphoric, because after all, this is our goal with these vacations--to push the girls a little outside of their comfort zones. Whether we are six or sixty, stepping outside ourselves reveals our true character. I would be a liar to say the girls are the only individuals that benefit from this...I, too, as a mama have to let them go and find their inner strength when the only thing I want to do is hold them close. But, that is the tricky part about this whole parenthood thing: in one minute, your heart is broken, and in the next, it is combusting with pride.
ready for the car ride: needles, audio books, and Oliver's favorite monkey
Old Orchard Beach
Camp Ellis Beach
Aquaboggan Waterpark (this is where the girls really rocked my socks off with their bravery!)
Our Sunday left us all a little too sunkissed so we took a break from the beach and headed to the woods. There is something truly magical about being quiet in the woods...well, apart from a little gentle discipline along the way to remind Ava pushing is not permitted in the woods. Par for the course, my friends.
Grab your bug repellant and find some woodland magic of your own...
Spent the past couple of days a short drive away on a small, quiet lake in New Hampshire with just the kids and my mum. My goodness, how I needed this little break from life. We spent the days splashing in the lake, chasing fish, and doing a whole lot of nothing. The loons sang to us at night and words can not describe how lovely it was...
Being away from everything was a much needed respite from daily life. This past year has been full of so many changes, I think they all just caught up to me at once these past couple of months. I wish it wasn't so, but I have a terrible tendency to plow through and deal later, which is never a really good approach, now is it? Being away from it all, not doing anything, and spending time with my mum was immensely soul-soothing. I came home refreshed, renewed, and humbled.
Not to mention my fantastic husband cleaned the house from top to bottom and painted my craft room, which has been a disaster ever since we completed renovations a year ago. I'm telling you, my friends, I pinch myself everyday with that fellow.
