JFK Museum

Before Stephen left for the Vineyard

we took the kids to the JFK museum/library in Boston.

Stephen loves history and politics so I thought he'd get a lot out of it.

Steve and I went years ago

when we lived in Boston.

It was fun to share it with the kids.

Some of my favorite exhibits were of Jackie's clothes.

I think this one's my favorite!

Profiles in Courage is on my must read list.

JFK's sailboat..the Victura.

After walking around Faneuil Hall

we headed to the North End for dinner

and to Mikes' Pastry for cannoli's.

It was a great way to spend the day!

Cousin Camp

For the past 2 days I've had 6 kids.

And it just makes me want more kids.

I had my 3 nieces here for 2 days.

And now I want to have cousin camp here every year.

Cousins are the best.

We started out painting pottery.

It's a tradition.

It takes up about 3 hours.

And the kids go home with something cool they made.

Then we went home and made our own pizzas.

Huge mess.

But lots of fun.

Then we made our own sundae's.

With our own home made chocolate and vanilla ice cream.

Of course. 

:)

Time for out door movies.

(and really bad pictures... uugh. )

why can't I take decent pictures at night..

with out flash??

The kids watched Enchanted. 

Outdoor movies are so cool.

Today we spent the day on the beach.

We got there early this morning

and had the beach to ourselves.

I sat in my beach chair 

and read my book.

We buried each other..

and made sand people...

a little gymnastics..

beach dance party

with music blaring from the car.

and of course swimming.

I think Cousin Camp will be a summer tradition.

Going to Work

Stephen left this morning for the Vineyard.

He's going to work over there for the month of August.

He'll live with my mom

and work at my sisters ice cream shop.

My mom also got him a job working as a camp counselor

at the Winnetu . 

He is going to be one busy kid.

We drove him to the ferry this morning.

And yes,

I cried watching him go.

Honestly, I couldn't ask for a better way for him to go off on his own for the first time.

And work.

And learn how to become an adult.

He'll be living and working with people who love him.

And will take great care of him.

But still...

I know that a BIG part of me

would love to just have him be that little boy

in his mom's arms.

It's so bittersweet!

I know that this is will be a wonderful experience for Stephen.

How lucky is he to be spending a month on Martha's Vineyard??

We miss you already buddy.

Thanks Mom and Jen 

for taking him in.

:)

Will's Birthday Weekend

Will turned 9 yesterday!

He wanted to go to Canobie Lake park.

We went Saturday

My brother David went with us and my niece Cameron.

We had a blast!

David rode all the scary rides with the kids.

Not me.

I can't do rides.

I could be sick just looking at this.

Yesterday we had a small family party.

Hannah made and decorated the cake

with Will's favorite candy and cookies.

Happy Birthday Will!

We love you buddy.