History repeats

Today we took the kids to a concert at the library in Lowell. I have posted before that the library is special to me because my grandfather used to take me there all the time when I was little, and I love sharing the experience with my own children now. The kids did really well. Mairead was awesome- she was dancing, participating, following directions, and having an all around great time. The boys did pretty well- the concert was really geared toward kids a little older so they got a little bored after about half an hour. I took them to wander around the library and things were better, but after a bit, it was definitely time to head home.

This is a pretty terrible picture of me, but at least all three kids are in it!


Mairead was leaning on Dave for part of the show and using the turtle's feet to keep the rhythm- it was very cute.

Right behind the library is a fire station. My grandfather also used to take me when he would stop by there to visit some friends. He was a firefighter for several years, and Dave's dad was a firefighter in NY. The boys seem to have a natural love of fire trucks, and we definitely understand why! Anyway, the firemen were outside washing the trucks so we stoppped to admire them. The men were kind enough to invite the kids to sit INSIDE THE FIRE TRUCK. Can you believe it? Inside a REAL fire truck!

I wish the pictures were better. It was really bright, I was standing between two fire trucks parked very close together, and the wind kept blowing the door shut, so conditions were not ideal. Still- the kids thought it was pretty great to sit up there! Ben did complain that the truck "No go?" No go?", but he'll have to wait a long time if he wants to really drive one.

The firefighters even brought hats, stickers, and coloring books for the kids. They were so kind, and we really appreciate their time!

Jack is not sleeping- it was just very bright!

Mairead was pretty excited- she was jumping up and down at the idea of getting to ride in the truck.

We really had a great morning together as a family- and this was all before noon!

Congratulations, Jen and Mike!

On Wednesday of last week, we all got a great surprise-- Mike proposed to Jen and she accepted! We are SO excited to officially be welcoming Mike into our family, and we couldn't be happier for them. Best wishes to both of you for a fun and exciting engagement, a fabulous wedding day, and a long and happy life together!


Mike knew that Jen wanted something a little less traditional, so her ring is green amythest- it is really pretty and very special... just like Jen.

We have all been so lucky to find such great people with whom to share our lives. My dad says that he is "four for four" on his kids finding great partners. I would think that has to be a pretty amazing feeling for my parents.

I'll follow the happy news with some sad... both Blackie and Whitey met with untimely demise this week. We have no idea what happened! Whitey only lasted about two days and Blackie left us sometime last night. Mairead seems fine with it, saying, "I know. Let's go to the pet store and another fish." Fine by me- I am happy not to have to provide much explanation. I just told her that they had to go back to the ocean. Not sure how long I can get away with that, but we'll just leave it at that for now!

This week brought some amazing spring weather. Even though we all know it won't last, it has been great to get oustide! The boys tried their cars on some new terrain (the driveway) and made chalk drawings while Mairead was at school on Thursday.

Mairead was dressed for the occasion with her shamrock shirt and green hair bows. Her class had been talking about rainbows, shamrocks, and leprechauns so she had fun with that. At home, we colored pictures of those things and listened to Irish music. Mairead really liked it and even danced along. She seemed to like that so many songs have a lot of clapping in them. The luck of the Irish was with me since she even let me get some adorable pictures of her!

We hope that you all enjoyed the great weather this week. We are looking forward to the days when Spring is really here and we can go outside all the time!