Water Fun

This morning we met up with Kate and family at a local playground/splash park. The place was really fun, really close, and FREE. How did we not know of this before???? There will definitely have to be some return trips.

Henry, as always, was a crazy man. Running all over the place, attempting to jump from boulders that were much too high for him, screaming with joy, pouring water on his head...you get the idea.










Here are Kate and Henry on the swings together. Mike and Jim taught them that they were swinging "in tandem":



Alas, all that fun did not wear Henry out and we are experiencing a no nap day. But, the kid slept until 8:30 this morning (!!!!) so I guess it evens out...

Bathtub Fun

Castle Island

It was a beautiful day here, so we spent the morning in South Boston at Castle Island.

Henry got to ride in the wagon along the boardwalk:



Run around Fort Independence:



Play on the playground:



Watch the boats go by (that is the same boat we had our wedding reception on!):



And, joy of joys, got to sit in a fire truck that was parked nearby:

Farmland Fun

This morning we met up with Henry's friend Griffin to go to Davis' Farmland - an incredibly fun place.

Henry got to feed and pet all sorts of animals:










Went on his first pony ride:




Went crazy with Griffin in the splash park






And thoroughly enjoyed the playground:



All in all it was a great day. Thanks to Audra and Griffin for joining us - it is always great to see you!

Make Way for Henry

Henry and I took a trip down to the Public Gardens today to meet up with Kate and Baby Ben, visit the "Make Way for Ducklings" sculpture, ride the Swan Boats, and go wading in the Frog Pond.

Here are Henry and Kate with the ducks last summer:



And today:







Henry loved the Swan Boats (although to be honest he was more interested in watching the other boats than the fact that we were on one ourselves):




And both Kate and Henry had a blast in the Frog Pond:







Add that together with the fact that Henry got to ride the T with me to get downtown (his greatest thrill) and you have a big morning. Even with the terrible weather, I love Boston!

Cousins

We took a trip to Illinois this weekend to meet the newest member of the extended Powell family - Dave and Jen's new baby boy Evan. In a very brief time period we were able to see a LOT of family members: Dave, Jen, G Pa, Nana, Papa, Erika, Judd, Mike's cousins LJ and Sean and their families. It was a lot of fun to see Henry with so much of his extended family.

Henry was fabulous on both plane rides:






Loved meeting his new cousin Evan:




(and loved meeting Evan's cat):



He had a crazy time meeting and playing with all of his cousins:





And of course he got to tour the University of Illinois campus (will he be a 3rd generation Illini?):



and came home with lots of Illini gear:



Thank you everyone for a great weekend!

More rain

We knew the nice weather couldn't last... To beat the rain today Henry and I went to the gym where Henry got to have a smoothie:



And broke out his new umbrella:







He insisted on wearing those shorts with the boots, by the way. I had no part in that outfit.

Happy 4th of July!

Good news - all my complaining paid off (or maybe I jinxed myself because I finally gave in and bought Henry a new umbrella) and we have had picture perfect weather the past few days. It has been just beautiful.

Henry had a fun 4th of July. In the morning we headed out to Marblehead to visit my old friend Meri and her family who were in town - Meri and I lived together in Marblehead for a summer during college, so it was great to be back. Mike and I had a brief comedy of errors on our way there, seeing as how we forgot that due to the 4th almost all gas stations were closed plus Storrow Drive, etc. was shut down to all traffic. Oops..but we made it eventually. We all got to meet Meri's adorable daughter Sawyer for the first time. Henry had a great time with her:




And it was wonderful for all of us to catch up in beautiful Marblehead:







That afternoon the three of us spent some quality time in the backyard, playing with the water table:



Bubbles:




Relaxing:




And eating:



Henry was asleep well before the fireworks, but Mike and I were able to watch them. This was our first 4th of July being home at this house, and it turns out we have a phenomenal view of the Boston fireworks show. Next year we may need to have people over for a viewing party.

Happy 4th of July to everyone!

Rain, Rain go AWAY

As you may know, we have had miserable weather here in Boston for the past month or so. Miserable. Essentially, it has rained and been colder than normal since June 5th. Sure, we have had a few pockets of sun here and there - enough to run to the playground with a towel to wipe down the slide before use - but that's about it. The last two days have been complete downpours, temperatures in the 60s, and insane thunder/lightning storms.On Boston.com today they kindly provided instructions on "How to build an Ark". It is July and I have only had to put sunscreen on Henry ONCE this summer. Couple that with the harsh winter we are coming off of, and it is generally depressing.

To avoid cabin fever we have been trying to be creative with our rainy day activities.

We made an indoor water table out of the kitchen sink:




Set up a tent/tunnel/ball pit in the living room:





Made pillow forts:



And of course, splashed in puddles:





The only good thing to come of all this rain - Today while we were taking a walk down the street (to splash in puddles) I told Henry to let me know if he got tired and I would carry him. Henry responded "I'm not tired. I'm happy!" Awwww....