The Fells

father: [fah-ther]

-noun

1. a male parent

2. any male ancestor, esp. the parent of a race, family, or line; progenitor

3. Informal - valued as a work animal, having strong muscles, a body shaped like a horse, donkey-like long ears, small feet, and surefootedness. Compare "mule"

School has been incredibly busy of late, but we've still managed to get in some quality family time on the weekends. This last week we went on a hike in the Middlesex Fells Reservation. It was a little odd - it's a patch of forest in the middle of a major interstate corridor, so while everything looks very "nature-y" you can hear traffic until you get 1/2 mile or so in. Anyway, it was a lot of fun, we'll likely go back, and we're enjoying the adventure of getting to know New England!

Kayla loves being outside and getting dirty (daddy's little girl!!), so on our hike we let her free to roam for a while - she promptly got in touch with her inner squirrel and tried to hoard some acorns in her cheeks. It took some doing, but we finally convinced her that a cracker would be more her style, at least until she gets her molars in.

Just like Kayla, Tiffany also loves being outside and getting dirty, so when we came across this downed tree (I bet it made a sound) she first posed for a picture, and then simply insisted on getting the full experience of clambering.

What a gal! That's 10 points for sure!

Revere Beach

Yesterday we enjoyed one of the country's biggest sand-sculpting contests, just a 20-minute drive away! It was very cool to see what people can create out of a big pile of sand.

(Kayla thought the sculptures were really exciting...)

After viewing the sand art, we headed down to the water for play time!

After so much fun in the sun, time for a nap!

The beach was a success and we will definitely be coming back!

Happy Independence Day!

For our 4th of July weekend this year, we walked into Boston and saw the Shell where the Boston Pops play (along with all the other famous singers; this year was Toby Keith) and experienced the celebratory atmosphere. We saw the General on his horse in the Garden.

Near Faneuil Hall we found a not-so-elusive star...

We got all dressed up to go to church then headed to a BBQ with some friends.

Music was playing and patriotic crowds were everywhere as we walked along the Charles River to await the fireworks. Kayla thought the firework display that accompanied the end of the 1812 Overture was pretty awesome and we probably should have headed home after that, but we waited it out until 10:30 when the real fireworks began. New fireworks were on display this year, which were all very impressive. We could only stay for about 5 minutes of the fireworks because our Little Miss was much too tired to stay up for so much excitement. As we walked home we saw the lights reflecting on the MIT buildings. Of course we stopped to watch the finale...AMAZING!

Although we miss being able to spend every holiday with Kayla's Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles, we are very happy to be in Boston this year to celebrate the birth of our country.

So much excitement for such a little girl!

We hope everyone had a happy 4th of July!