boston

After living on the East Coast for over a year, we decided it was finally time to visit Boston. Neither of us had ever been (I did go with the ward to the Boston Temple, but that doesn't count since the temple is actually in Belmont). Sam was especially excited about this trip because he had tickets for he and Landon to ride Codzilla! I guess he saw it on some show a while back and has been dying to go ever since. Boston is close to 2 hours away, so we waited for Saturday and we were off! (We actually went 4th of July weekend, not on purpose, and it was PACKED!)

We saw a couple sights on the Freedom Trail, but didn't walk the whole thing.

Old State House

(Within these walls John Adams, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and other patriots debated the future of American self government and set in motion the American Revolution.)

Across from the Old State House we saw this.

Samuel Adams monument

Inside Quincy Market aka HEAVEN! Every kind food vendor known to man. I must go back and try some more!

We opted to eat at Cheers, where everybody knows your name.

Long Warf CODZILLA!!! Landon loved every second of it, and asks frequently when we will ride Codzilla again.
After Codzilla we walked a couple blocks down to Little Italy to find Mike's Pastry. It wasn't too hard to find, considering the HUGE line out their door. I was very impressed with how quickly it went, we only waited about 5 min. Once inside you better know what you want because you get about 3 seconds to yell your order before they throw you and your cannoli out the door! We walked across the street to a park and enjoyed the best connoli in the world.

The chocolate covered was delicious, but this is my favorite cannolo!

There was even a little splash pad fountain for kids (and some unique adults) to play in.

We had such a great time and can't wait to go back next week with my mom!

father's day blessing

We decided to bless Crew on Father's day. Mostly because his blessing outfit (the same one Landon used) was quickly becoming too small. We missed not having grandpas and uncles in the blessing circle. However, we love our ward here so much they have truly become our 2nd family and we couldn't be happier or feel more loved. Sam did bless Crew that he would "love and get along with his brothers and sisters". Was it nerves, or divine inspiration???? At the moment I'm thinking the former. It was such a special day and I feel so blessed to have such great boys and fathers in my life!

Landon singing to dad with the primary. He did so well, no silly outburst this time around.Crew and Landon displaying their true personalities on their blessing days. I can't believe it's been 4 yrs!

buff's wedding

In May we took a trip to AZ for my sister Bethany's wedding. We debated being able to go with Crew just 5 weeks old. I seemed to be fully healed from the surgery by then so we loaded up and flew out. The flight there was awful. There is just too much crap to haul when you travel with kids! Plus there isn't a non stop flight out of Hartford, so travel time gets WAY too long. We stayed with my brother in their very large house which made things comfortable, however, both my son and husband are now addicted to video games. We had an awesome girl's night making Buff lingerie and eating treats. I got to see some great friends and definitely got my fill of great food. Living so far away I miss my family and am so grateful we were ALL able to get together for the event!

school's out!

School's out! Well, technically Sam is still in school even though he is finally done with all things "schooly". Now he just has 14 months of clinical work and a test every 6 weeks, which should be cake considering the hell he went through last year. Landon however, is officially on summer break! I signed him up for another round of swim lessons and can only hope this session goes better than last... He does great when he's swimming, he just doesn't shut up long enough to let his coach get 2 words in. In fact ever since the arrival of Crew, my sweet Landon has gained quite the personality... or should I say attitude! Here are some pictures I found in his cubby on the last day of school. I suppose they gave up after this shot. This should be a fun summer...

twins

One of the first things I noticed when Crew was born, is that he looks JUST like Landon. I think Landon is pretty cute, so that's just fine with me!

father & son campout

After the worst week of Sam's life, which consisted of 6 tests in 5 days and a total of 3hrs of sleep, he got to take Landon to the ward camp outing. Immediately after finishing his last final Sam rushed home and loaded up the jeep. Landon was so excited to see his daddy after not seeing him for days. I'm so grateful for a husband that loves to spend time with his boys!Unfortunately at only 2 weeks old, Crew had to miss the camping trip this year. BUT we did enjoy a nice evening at home with Ben & Jerry.

mother's day

I feel so blessed to have such wonderful boys. Tyra Banks once told me that a stay at home mom would earn roughly $130 thousand a year if she was paid for all the work that comes with being a mom. Sam still makes fun of me for arguing this fact... probably because Tyra Banks is an idiot. Even though it feels like the hardest job in the world at times, I wouldn't give it up for anything. Thanks to my awesome kids, who fill my life with love.And a special thanks to the mothers in my family for their example and selfless love.