Even MORE Birthdays and BBQs...

Let's see where were we... oh yes, June birthdays! We got to squeeze in a couple more before the month's end. First up was a visit from Auntie Paige and Luke the Boy to celebrate P's 29th. We partied like Brooklynites with pizza, beer and cupcakes on the front steps. Needless to say the kiddos had a blast with Luke and the moms had a pretty excellent time too. Next up on the birthday calendar was Auntie Ashee who brought the grown up pah-tay to Chestnut Hill. Much fun was had by all the "adults" and the kids (how did they sneak in??) loved the attention and treats. Ok, time for a 30 day vegan cleanse... well, this weekend is the 4th of July... so maybe in August.

Birthdays, Bathtubs and Bu-byes...

Ok, so it's not a real bu-bye but our neighborhood BFFs the Troutmans have pulled up stakes and moved out to the country. We decided to send them off in grand style with backyard fun, a BBQ for the birthday boy and of course a group tub (is it a wonder they're leaving us??). Oh, and while we're on the subject of moving - big round of applause for Mimi and her big move! We said bu-bye to Woburn and helllllloooo Lincoln. Woo! Special thanks to Auntie Alison for spending her birthday knee deep in packing tape. And finally, speaking of birthdays, the Mothers Goose had a lovely time at this monkey's surprise birthday party this weekend. So many June birthdays, so much cake!

A Deliciously Good Time...

The Mothers Goose ate their way through Memorial Day weekend and are just now emerging from the food coma. Between Flatbread Pizza, Vietnamese cooking lessons, birthday cake and BBQs, it's a wonder we could walk. Luckily there were plenty of other recreational activities to keep us busy in between meals. When we finally rolled our way home, Carmen decided that a cleansing mud bath was in order. Whew, can we have another 3 day weekend please??

Sun, Sun, Sun Here it Comes...

I should knock on something, because we have had a delightful stretch of beautiful pre-summer weather for the past 72 hours. This allowed us to attend an outdoor birthday party pal around with some old friends, and tend to the yard a bit. Quite the eventful weekend for the Mothers Goose. Oh, and overnight Lucia learned to draw this. Seriously folks, she was not doing this yesterday (and we draw every_day believe me, we would have noticed).

The Mother of All Sundays...

First off, let me extend a very warm and heartfelt "happy mother's day" to all those amazing women in our lives who help make Mama Mer and I better mothers - either through exemplary parenting skills or to illustrate what not to do to your child. HA! I kid, I kid. But seriously, this is by far the toughest job not allowed on a resume and hats off to everyone out there getting it done day in, day out. Another mother has been very kind to us recently with a stretch of lovely weather. The girls took advantage of it for the annual Ellen's House Egg Hunt at the JP arboretum and some backyard fun. Speaking of tough jobs, I think all these doctor visits are giving Luce some good ideas... I just wish she had a bigger pool of test patients. Finally, the girls and I had a great Mother's Day that started with a trip to that beacon of culinary diversity (the INTERNATIONAL house of pancakes) and ended with a visit to the Dogwood, with our Mimi.

Our Miami Vacation: It Was the Best of Times... No Actually, It Sucked.

Ok folks, no need to sugar coat it... our getaway to Miami was a unmitigated disaster. We booked this trip long ago as a much needed respite from our hectic runaround crazy everyday lives. However, little did we know that when we got down there both of our kids would get sick (Luce with her omnipresent croup) and Carmen with a double ear infection. As we witnessed the steady decline of our children (and any hopes of relaxation with it) I made the vow never to leave the house again. I am not kidding. I love you all dearly, but from now on - - you come to me. Perhaps I would feel differently if we did not have to visit 2 emergency rooms in Miami (the first one didn't take Blue Cross Blue Shield - WHHAAAT?) and then at the second hospital with Carmen burning up from a 104 degree fever being told, "oh, it's probably just her teeth" and then the "doctor" (I never did see any credentials) declaring her fine with a probable sore throat. GAH! Of course, when we got back to Boston we made a b-line for the pediatrician's office where they found she had 2 raging ear infections. Nice. Thanks Miami. Thanks for nothing! Aside from the sickly children and the broken down house we rented (perhaps a post for another day) we did manage to salvage a few good moments like these. So yes the house had a fun pool, and we got to see some cool stuff, and hang out with our pals (thank god we had them around) but all in all we were never so glad to come back to our house with a ripped open basement. Oh, and FEMA was here this morning. God I need a vacation...

Here Comes Peter Cottontail...

Apologies for the delayed blogging fan(s). We're still recovering from the great flood of 2010... fortunately for us, the IRS extended our tax deadline (hooray federal disaster areas!). Now if only Obama would come do our laundry and clean our our basement. That's ok, when the going gets tough - the tough get dancing. The tough also retreat to Maine (yes, with our dirty laundry in tow - hello 19 again). The Easter Bunny kept our girls very busy this weekend with egg hunts at Nonne and Papas AND egg hunts at our house (thanks Auntie Ashee)... it's a wonder they are asleep right now. And what better way to wrap up a 74 degree Easter weekend then with a little opening day cheer. Let's Go Sox!