Back in VA

Well we're home in VA. For a month anyway... Then MrE's schedule picks up again. When this happens we head back to MA. One of the upsides to being at home with the littles is that when MrE is away we go home to MA and play! In the mean time, we are enjoying some quiet family time & warm weather!!! This week it has been sunny & 60s-70s. So there has been a morning walk to the playground so Bean can burn off some of that energy. In the afternoon we walk around the neighborhood so I can burn off some that baby weight. Then MrE comes home and takes Bean out for another run or bike ride to burn some more of that sympathy weight.



We were supposed to be back early last week, but we ended up in the ER with Little Miss the day we were to drive out. So I stayed another couple of days to let her rest and made the drive back with GPa. It worked out perfect since I had wanted him to see the History Channel's Pirate Exhibit of te Widyah. Anyone that knows GPa knows that he is a lover of all things pirate. This can be seen by the pirate sticker on his truck, the flag on the house, the number of tshirts he has or the bzillion time we had to visit the Pirate Museum in Salem. It was very cool, but no pictures per HC policy. We did get some pictures of the Maersk lifeboat, where a Captain was held captive from modern day pirates a year or so ago. We had to quickly go by some sections because of one little 20 m/o monster. He wanted to get out and walk with the 20 other kids there on a field trip, not happening...



Then there was a visit to the Air & Space museum, which was right up Bean's alley. We let him run around from plane to plane, all the while hearing "Wow" "Plane" "What's this". I think we may have a future pilot on our hands, following right in his namesake's footsteps! I have also been whispering Air Force into his ear vs. Navy.



GPa's visit also a included a tour of MrE's ship & an Irish dinner, which 'is not how mama fixed it'. (lyrics from a song, not what GPa or MrE said. Well not exactly...)I made an Irish dinner, which did not taste like mom's. It was a good trip for GPa. Bean was sad when he left, but like I said we're only here for one short month. In fact Nana will be here in just under 4 weeks... Until then we'll continue to enjoy daddy time and the warm weather!

The Best Party Ever

In true Alissa fashion, her wedding was the best party ever. I would have expected nothing less from my sister. Weddings are planned capturing the personalities of both the bride and groom. Alissa has always been my mayor of fun, as she has been to many others. Shawn is definitely the more conservative one in that marriage, but it captured his fun side too. That boy was cutting up a rug! At one point he asked me where my sister was because he wanted to dance!!! It was just a fun evening with all of our families and their friends celebrating their love.

Aside from the new Mr&Mrs.B saying there "I do's", the cutest part of the ceremony was between their son, Zilla & my son, Bean. I walked down the stairs into the grand lobby with my 2 year old nephew. As we took our place with the rest of the wedding party my nephew looked out among the crowd and started yelling my son's name. I noticed my father in law put my son down so he wouldn't be spotted & maybe the calls for Bean would come to an end. But no, Zilla looked at me and asked, "where's Bean?" That is when Bean's head popped up yelling "Zilla". While all this is going on, my sister is walking down the stair case with my father, taking her place in front of Shawn and the JP is starting the ceremony. Everyone was giggling It was so precious and everyone saw just how much two little cousins love each other. I put Zilla down and off he ran to MrE & Bean. **names have been changed to protect the innocent**

The reception was amazing. The SkyRoom was so modern & beautiful with exposed brick walls, large window looking out over the bay & lounge areas with comfy couches. It also captured part of the style/era in which NB was a booming mill town with the detailed chandeliers. Dinner was had. Drinks were consumed. People were mingling. The FreezePops played. There was dancing, singing, fist pumps, and high fives.

My father got on the stage toward the end of the night to give a quick little speech to Mr&MrsB. To sum it up, he gave them his best. He thanked everyone for coming. He went on to say how lucky he was to have had a neighbor 30+ years ago who had a sister that sent the dog out whenever he got home. For it was only my father that the dog liked. He growled and snapped at any girl my father may have had with him. So he would end up brining the dog back to my aunts alone and chatting with my mother, and here we are. He then said how much he loved his wife, his children, their spouses & the grandchildren. He said it was everyone that was there that makes life worth it. Our family and friends that we get to share all of our happiness with... Just be happy, that is what it is all about. Such a wise man!

With that I wish my sister and new brother all of the happiness in the world.