2010 Sheep Shearing

It's the annual Sheep Shearing Festival at Gore Place! I thought this picture was so cute. The kids excited to get to the festival and hold Daddy's hand and Nathan looking like he's on some sort of mission, maybe a mission to find sheep?

We listened to this amazing bagpipe band.

Gabey was enthralled (or fearful of men in kilts).

And the sheepdogs put on quite a show, so impressive what they can do with a bunch of sheep! It was a very fun day.

Newton Girls Soccer

I had heard such great things about the Newton Girls Soccer program. Maddie didn't embrace the program that we did in kindergarten so I was hesitant to sign her up. I recruited some of her friends which made the program more appealing. It's run by British soccer players who have a lot of energy and, of course, cool accents. I was very impressed!

Quite the action shot - taken three seconds before she caught her foot on the ball, fell down and lost her bones. I was a tad surprised at her reaction. She did pull herself together to get out there and finish up the game.

Maddie, Rachel and Avery

Who are signed up for next fall where 2nd grade soccer is that much more intense - a practice during the week and game on the weekend, skill clinic if you want and potential for the traveling team. Life is sure complicated and busy these days. Can you imagine the scheduling for three kids in sports?

Me and Tay

Whenever you ask Gabriel something - like, who's been eating cookies? He'll shout an enthusiastic "Me!" I also love how he says okay - tay. I tried to get it on video to remember his sweet little voice.

Thursday at the Zoo

We met Taraneh, Avery and Amelia's families at the zoo. For a major metropolitan area, it isn't the greatest zoo. The kids don't seem to mind and with the beautiful weather, the animals were out in droves.

Such a regal ostrich!

I'm not sure what this box was for - it was at the lion exhibit. Surely, it can't be to show how lions were shipped over from Africa?

DeCordova Sculpture Garden

As silly as I sometimes think April vacation week is after having a week off in February, it is nice to have good weather to explore the area. Plus, most of our friends stay in town allowing for fun outings. I had heard amazing things about the DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. We met our friends the Pozens for a fun filled morning. They have a son, Henry, who is one week younger than Gabriel. The boys will be in preschool together.

Gabriel really liked this sculpture.

A tired boy picking dandelions.

We will definitely be back. It's super fun to run around the grounds exploring art!

Patriot's Monday

Can't believe it's Patriot's Day again. We trekked out to Concord to watch the parade. It was very Revolutionary. Then on to marathon watching. We live less than a 1/2 mile from the route and met a bunch of friends along route 16 to cheer on the runners.

It was a double stroller brigade.

Natalie (Taraneh and Bijan's mom), Teyah (Amelia and Georgie's mom), Kelly (Avery, Delaney, Davis and Declan's mom) and me. We are wearing Run Like Crazy shirts. Teyah met a fellow Australian guy (friend of her sister) who is running 52 marathons in 2010. It's pretty amazing. He's a great guy and would love facebook fans, the more fans the better sponsors! http://runlikecrazy.com/

So we waited and waited for Tristan. In such a large marathon, it's tough to pinpoint exactly when a runner will run by. Technology helps but the ap that told us when he'd pass by wasn't working. The kids had screamed themselves hoarse and were taking a break, actually snacks - you know it's important to fuel up when cheering - when up runs Tristan. He stood staring at us for a few seconds before we burst out cheering.

First graders and some sibs

We headed back to Kelly's for a pizza party. Not a bad day off!

LOVE at the Animal Shelter

Our LOVE group was off to the MSPCA animal shelter, a beautiful facility in Boston. The girls were very excited to learn about animals and see how the shelter works. The lady who did the tour was fantastic. She taught a special segment at the end on dog safety.

Ashley and Rachel filling out their scavenger hunt books

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Libbie, Avery, Ashley, Maddie, Rachel and Taraneh

We had such a nice time. Half of us went to lunch afterwards. The girls were allowed to walk around the mall (a very small mall where we could see them). They thought that was the best, to ride the escalators up and down, and not be right next to their moms. Maddie still mentions it!

The Lego Boy

Theo loves putting together legos and will sit for hours - like three or four - working on a project. He has amazing focus and spatial skills. Nathan will sit next to him for support but Theo is in charge and able to put together intricate fire trucks, helicopters, etc. It's pretty fantastic. He was so excited to open many new sets for his birthday.

The Big 4

April 6th finally arrived. We had quite the build up to the big day - his friend party, Abbey's visit, Easter and then finally, he's four.

I parent helped at Bowen and we celebrated with his class.

That night we had a special Theo dinner, presents and cake. I love the look of concentration on his face.

Maddie was helpful and let him have the spotlight.

Nathan made up an invitation for a Theo/Daddy date - ride the train into Boston, go on a duck boat tour, have dinner and dessert in the North End and ride the train home. Theo was very excited. The date made a huge impact on him. He still references things he learned on the tour and talks about this special time with Daddy.

Abbey's Here!

What a delight! We had a visit from Abbey over Easter weekend. Not only is Abbey well loved in our house, she is an organizational guru (start that business, will you!) and I had some special projects that needed her touch. But first, to see Boston!

There is nothing the kids like more than to take the train into the city, something we don't do enough. My reading machine brought a book to pass the time and the boys loved looking out the window.

There's something about the Swalwell genes that bring out the goofball in everyone. Silly kids in the Boston Public Library. It is truly a remarkable place. We did a quick tour of the library, stopped in at a famous old church and listened to some organ music and picked up Nathan at the office for lunch. We lunched on Newbury Street at Sonsie - delish but not a place to bring three hungry kids. Oh well.
Saturday brought a special Easter picnic at our church. Our favorite barnyard babies made an appearance, there were games, a really yummy brunch and egg hunt.

Sweet sister helping Gabey.

How long can I do matching outfits? I love it!

And can you believe? Abbey had NEVER eaten a peep. I was in utter and complete shock. I fancy myself a bit of a peep aficionado. For instance, I prefer yellow bunny peeps, I will eat pink bunnies, not blue, I don't like the chicks - too thick and I only eat peeps at Easter forget the other holidays they try to push on you. Actually I sound a bit crazy.

Easter morning! The bunny left clues for the baskets though upped it a bit this year with quite challenging clues, a tad too challenging and frustrating we thought. We loved sharing in Abbey's Easter traditions with new jammies for the family - which have quickly become favorites for everyone.
After church picture, we were right on time for the service which earned us a front row seat, gulp.
The jam session, Abbey is so talented with such a beautiful singing voice. Such a pleasure to have live music in our house.
The musicians doing a funny pose. It was a great visit! Come back Abbey!!!