It's all about the Mamas.

Take a look at these cuties, would ya?!

I'm one blessed Mama.  I don't need Mother's Day to know that, but it sure is nice to be thanked, appreciated, and loved on such a special day.

While I was in Boston, Sue helped the kids make very special Mother's Day gifts for me.  Beautiful flowers, but even better footprint butterflies! :)  On Friday, Abby's class hosted Muffins for Moms ... a time for just Mommy and Abby.  

On Mother's Day, the kids and I cuddled together in my bed before church.  Following church, we met some friends at Starbucks for cake pops and frappuccinos.  We lounged around the house in the afternoon and then went to a friends house for some swimming and dinner.  It was an amazing meal, with a nice A's win (and Johnson save) to go along with it!  I'm thankful to have such wonderful friends that live so close.  Their thoughtfulness is appreciated! xoxo

Here's Abby's class singing ... doesn't get much sweeter, does it?!

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mamas out there.

(Miss you, Mama!)

Boston, what a nice surprise!

For as many times as Baltimore played Boston, I'm not really sure why I never made the short trip to the city.  This past weekend made me wish I had only made the trip more often.  Boston was a nice surprise ... a beautiful, clean city with a lot to offer.

Planning this trip started off as a "well ... maybe" kinda thing.  It all came about when our pastor asked me if Jim had filled me in on his wife's (also our pastor) fiftieth birthday celebration.  Apparently my hubs is really good at secrets so I had no clue.  The celebration included a surprise trip to Boston, meeting up with longtime friends, and taking in an A's game at Fenway Park!  He asked if I'd be making the trip so maybe we could catch dinner one evening after a game.  Boy did that put a bug in my ear!  I hadn't planned on it but it sure sounded FUN!

So ... on a whim, a couple of weeks ago ... I booked my trip (sans kids) to Boston!  Sounded perfect to me ... a new city, new ballpark, great friends, and some alone time with the hubs.

It started off a bit rainy, but once the bad weather cleared out we had some beautiful days.  Not the warmest, but they were gorgeous nonetheless.  Flowers bloomed, giving a glimmer of hope that Spring was here!  The hotel was super nice, right across the street from the Public Gardens.  Lots of green space, the swan boats, and the pond from the book "Make Way for Ducklings."

Jim had an off day on Thursday .... we walked around the city, did some sightseeing, tried on goofy hats (although Jim really wanted the one he tried on), and had time to just relax.  Reading and Starbucks, two of my favorites! :)  That night we had dinner with one of Jim's teammates and his wife, along with their friends.  Super nice people ... we had a wonderful time!  The night continued with our friends from Florida ... having everyone together felt like we were home again.

The next day, I did the Duck Tour.  Maybe a bit cliche?  But ... it was interesting to hear about some of Boston's history.  It was nice having friends in town so we could explore Boston together, instead of solo.  

Of course we tried Georgetown Cupcakes and yes, they were as scrumptious as you would think!

Next stop.  The legendary Fenway Park.  It proved to be a beautiful stadium, with the old fashioned feel.  We had a great time ... and it was absolutely wonderful surprising Pastor Catherine.  She had no clue Boston was playing Oakland, and no clue she would run into me! :)

After a fun game (despite the loss), we ended up at Jim's favorite restaurant in the country.  Strega.  We enjoyed some of the best food that night.  Food that just kept coming.  And coming.  Seriously, we didn't even order off a menu.  Carlo took very good care of us!  We enjoyed the time together with great conversation and it was so special to be a part of Catherine's big celebration.  Carlo fed us way too much ... dinner, desserts, wine ... so what better way to get back to our hotel, but in a limo.  Wow. What a special evening!

Now that I know what Boston has to offer, I'm sure it will be a city I'll return to.  Seems like a lovely place to have the kids in tow. Maybe next time. :)

Let's hear it for the girls!

Well mostly girls ... Levi was a part of all the fun too.  :)

A couple of weeks ago Heather, Emily, and her friend Jodee came to visit us - just the girls ... for a whole week!!  Having just the girls here was extra special and it was the first time I felt like I was also on vacation.

We had fun at the beach, the drum circle, and spent time outside in the beautiful weather.

Abby danced her heart out ... showing off her new moves, including the fanciest footwork I've ever seen.  Levi danced along, but ultimately decided a game of beach baseball was more fun. :)

Quality beach time, pool time, Easter egg dying, Palm Sunday, and lots of family cuddling made the week extra special.  

Not to mention cupcake baking (thank YOU Heather for working' it!).

And can't forget about Disney ... the most magical place on Earth, right?! It sure was a long day, but so much fun!

Thank you ladies ... what a wonderful vacation! :)