Happy 6th Birthday Caroline!

We had such a great day to celebrate our big girl's 6th birthday, complete with sprinklers, cheese puffs, family and friends.  She had an absolute blast. 

We love you sweet girl, you make us so proud every single day.

Bittersweet Goodbyes

Our dear friend Becky left to start a new and wonderful adventure.  She had become a regular staple in our family, a member of our family, and we love her and will miss her greatly.  However, we are so happy and thrilled that she has the courage and confidence to change her life and follow her dreams.  Best wishes friend!

Those First Perfect Days of Summer

Mom's 70th Birthday!

John suggested I surprise my mom for her 70th birthday by flying down.  I even posted as if I was on the train to Boston the morning off to throw her off.  Dad picked me up in Memphis and I bought her 2 dozen roses.  She was definitely surprised since it was nearly 11:00 when I got there and she was still in her nightgown :)

 

Didn't realize how appropriate the book title was until a friend mentioned it later.

Jordan had been visiting for a couple of weeks and Trish, Chris and their friend Katie surprised mom too.

 

We celebrated at a Mexican restaurant where Paul tried to have a pie thrown in Jordan's face but we circumvented him and dad had them throw it in his face.

 

So much laughter and fun was had by all.  I won't tell you what kind of face mom made, but I want it to be remembered for all times that I did not share the pictures to social media even though many tried to persuade me to.

 

OMG, my little man is fully grown and has the deepest voice.  He's also pure trouble (but in a good way).

 

Paul's birthday was the next day.  He turned exactly half of mom's age.

 

Mustach Mom.

 

Happy Birthday Mom, you are one special lady who gives her whole heart and soul to her family.  You are also well loved.  Wish we could have thrown you the biggest bash ever.  The kids can't wait to see you at the beach and to throw Grandpa in the water. 

Boston Pride Parade

We had an amazing day at the Boston Pride Parade.  John had to work, sadly, but Becky came with us making it possible.  With so many thousands of people I don't think I would have felt comfortable without another adult to help me keep an eye on the kids.  The day had been predicted to be a complete and total washout and started out cold and rainy, I was worried that the kids would have a rough time, but just before the parade began the sun broke through the clouds and it was an absolutely perfect day. 

We took the train into the city and walked around the Boston Marathon Memorial while we waited to line up for the parade.  The memorial was hard to see, beautiful and moving, but overwhelming too.  I had been wanting to see it in person and I'm so glad I got the chance while it's still this makeshift memorial of sympathy and love, courage and strength and peace.  I'm sure they'll erect something more permament someday, but seeing those hundreds of running shoes, hats, toys, pictures and messages of support was amazing. 

After the memorial we checked out the Public Library, I had no idea there was a courtyard in the center with a gorgeous fountain.  Then we met up with my coworkers we were marching with and finally took our place in the parade.  The kids were a riot.  They loved handing out green lollipops to all of the spectators.  Everyone was cheering and yelling "Happy Pride"!  I can't express how much it meant to me to not only support the LGBT community as a proud Ally, but to include the kids in that experience.  If you ask the kids why we marched they'll tell you it was for Love, because love is a gift and no one should be made to feel bad about who they are or who they want to share that gift with. 

At the end of the day (which ended up being nearly 7 miles of walking all told) I asked each of them what was there favorite part of the day.  Sam said it was the train rides.  Caroline said it was getting ice cream at the end and Loretta said it was everything but especially walking and handing out the lollipops.  She's at that age where she feels disloyal picking out just one favorite, like the others' feelings would be hurt, but I have to agree with Loretta.  The love and acceptance in the air could be felt as easily as the warm sun and soft breeze, it was everywhere.  You couldn't help but feel joyful and hopeful.  John and I hope to raise our kids to be accepting and kind, to believe everyone deserves respect, that our differences are what make us beautiful.  That love is all we need.  I can't wait to walk again next year. 


Train to Boston

Boston Marathon Memorial

Boston Marathon Memorial

Boston Public Library

Marching Pictures:

Happy Birthday LOVE

We celebrated John's birthday with a Red Sox game, I personally asked Ortiz to hit a walk off 3 run home run in the 9th and  he kindly complied.  We had a great time.  Happy Birthday my Love!