Montreal (April 2009)

For Andrew's big 30th birthday, we packed up the kids and headed out of the country for the weekend. We drove north for three hours to Canada. We got a beautiful hotel room at the Embassy Suites in Montreal, Quebec. They upgraded us to an extra roomy room, Isa had her own section, David had his own area, we had a separate bedroom and then the best part was the bathroom -- complete with a huge family sized jacuzzi tub. Again, the weather was quite chilly, but we still did some sight seeing and found our way to the underground part of Montreal (a series of shopping centers all connected underground). It was a fun and relaxing weekend, it really felt like we were far away from home (we were in the French speaking part of Canada). We came home and celebrated more of Andrew's special day with cake!

Relaxing in the room

Bathtime in a very roomy tubIt actually snowed that morning,
but cleared up in time for some exploring

March 2009

Spring in New England is a tricky thing. There is promise of warmer weather, less snow, but also cold wet days. It gets hard because you have really nice days where we are outside (if you just get over the mud) and then it gets a bit too chilly or wet again. Regardless, we are happier because there is less bundling. Most days we are still inside having fun, but on the sunny days, we are out trying to soak it all in.

Isa playing cars

Enjoying a sunny day in Burlington, VT

Princeton (Feb 2009)

As those of you who follow some of our blog, Andrew has made it his mission to visit all the Ivy campuses. Of course while we were in New Jersey we drove down to see Princeton. It was a beautiful chilly morning, but at least the sun was out. We caught the tail end of a tour and did some investigating on our own. I think this is my favorite of all the campuses we have seen. It is in a quiet suburban area with a really neat downtown, yet you are super close to New York and Philadelphia.We had a great morning exploring and David had a fun time running around before the long car trip home.

Visiting friends (Feb 2009)

Around here they give us a week off in February, most flee to Florida or just about anywhere warmer than New Hampshire in the winter. We took a drive down to New Jersey to catch up with our friends, the Rosenblooms. David and Dani have been friends since before they could walk. Jess and I enjoy chatting about life tv, kids, motherhood and just life in general. Dani's little sister, Jamie is only a few months older than Isa, they had a great time getting to know one another. We had such a wonderful time chatting and shopping, hectic with four kids 2 and under, but it was never boring. Hopefully we can catch up again soon. Love and miss you guys. Thanks again for hosting this long! playdate :)

Dani and David would hug every morning,
like they couldn't believe we were still there

Jamie was so gentle and loving towards Isa,
more careful than the 2 year olds

David, Dani, Mickey and Minnie, what palswe had so much fun

Adventures in the snow (Feb 2009)

A few times, when we were brave enough, and the conditions were not too frigid, we would go out for adventures, around the near by golf course. Many like to cross country ski, we tried snow shoeing and pulling the kids along in sleds. David had a great time, Isa, not so much. The next picture shows her throwing herself back in protest. Who can blame her, it is cold!

Happy Valentine's Day from the king of hearts!

Back in NH (Jan 2009)

Back at home, it was nice to be back in our own house. It sure was a shock to our system in many ways, especially when it comes to bundling up to go anywhere. There had been quite a bit of snow while we were gone, thankfully a plow service came to clean off the drive way and we were able to drive up to our house. It took me a while to adjust, but eventually we had to head outside for some snow fun, what else do we have?

Saying good-bye (Jan 2009)

Well all good things have to come to an end, and we did have a whole life we needed to get back to. I spent a couple of days preparing to pack and then realized we just couldn't fit it all. I guess a month's worth of shopping, plus Christmas, makes it extra hard. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with everyone, here are a few pictures as we said, "see you in a few months" to our family and friends. Come and visit us!!!

Do you like our new hats?
We can't get enough hugs
Isa up too late chillin with Kyle
David cracking up with Stephen
Great-grandma Kay and Isa Kay say good-bye
Tio Daniel and the nininia
Two of the smiliest girls I know

Even more fun in the sun (Jan 2009)

Well, you just don't know how good it is until you are away from it, California is such a beautiful place to be, especially in the winter. We took full advantage of this, meeting Grandma Mary and Grandpa Keith at the Huntington Pier for breakfast one morning. It truly was a beautiful day, saw dolphins playing in the water while we ate breakfast at Ruby's and we just had a wonderful time strolling along the pier. Later that weekend we met up at Laguna Beach, next to Mary's office for another beautiful day in the sun. David played in the playground so hard that he broke his glasses. Andrew did a Macgyver job and they held together the rest of the trip, we really enjoyed breathing in the ocean air and watching the sunset. We appreciated it even more when we found out the temperature back in New Hampshire had been in the negatives without counting the windchill!!!!

Enjoying the sunshine on the pier

David's under the pile of Mickey and pals

Getting an extra dose of vitamin DDaniel joined us, even Spanish teachers get a day off now and thenDavid enjoys digging

DISNEYLAND! (Jan 2009)

What a treat!! Thanks to Tia Mari being well connected, we were able to spend a day at California Adventure and Disneyland. Sheri, her mom, and the kids joined Marissa and our family to make it such a memorable day. We actually spent quite a bit of time in California Adventure, it was a very warm day, 80s!!! so we stayed cool watching the Playhouse Disney show, the kids loved it! David still talks about seeing the Little Einstiens and rocket as well as the pals from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. We all enjoyed taking it slow, this time around David was real soaking it all in, excited about meeting the characters and recognizing familiar faces on rides and shows.

some letter fun around the entrance to CA Adventure
David was beside himself with excitement to meet Minnie
Now that's a happy boy, watching the Playhouse Disney showGoofing around with GoofyMeeting Mickey and Pluto