Ian turns 11

On the eleventh, Ian turned 11! It's hard to believe it, he's only a few short years away from being a teenager. Whew. . . 
Baba and Gigi (Michael's parents) came to visit, and stayed the whole week, which was a great birthday gift in itself!! 
Ian had a birthday donut for breakfast that morning, I had made cupcakes for his class at school, and then that night, we had a family party here at our house. He got a new hockey stick, a bunch of art supplies, and some new books, his fave! 
Yesterday, we packed up a bunch of his friends and headed to the Mansion House. We took over their pool area, and the kids all had a blast! Then, we all schlepped down to a pizza joint, and we took that over as well! 

What's better than a week-long birthday celebration?! Happy, Happy Birthday Ian!! 

First Trip to the Dentist

Isaac had his very first visit to the dentist, Dr. Golden. We had talked about what to expect for about a week or so, so that he would be prepared, I have always liked going to the dentist, I really didn't want him to be afraid at all. 
He did GREAT! The dentist specialized in toddlers, so he was really able to put Isaac at ease right away. Dr. Golden started the visit by letting Isaac walk all around the room, and ask any questions he wanted, then he showed him the tools and equipment that they'd be using, then he let Isaac play dentist with some puppets, well that was it. When Isaac saw the puppets, he was hooked : ) 

He was a fantastic dental patient! 

More Furry Animal Shelter Friends

It's hard to stay away from our local animal shelter. Ever since we adopted our loved Alexander from there, I feel a bit more of a bond with those fluffy friends. 


Isaac and I took advantage of a very cold day, and decided to go for a visit. Aun' Woo Woo (my sister) met up with us there, it's hard to not join in the fun. We met a few really nice cats, one of them is dubbed the Grandfather cat of the place. He's this very old guy, who loves to lounge in his rocking chair in the center of the room, and check in on everybody once in a while with a rattly old mmmeoow. 
There is a super affectionate orange cat (Henry?) who practically did somersaults for Isaac to pet him. There was a young, maybe 6 month old, black kitten in the caged off section. Isaac and Aun' Woo Woo were in there with him for a while. He climbed all over them, purring and wanting his adorable belly rubbed! 
My favorite new furry friend is a very personable guy named Deacon. He looks part Siamese, he's very tall and lean, he's khaki with lighter markings, and has a very distinguished nose. He is very lovey indeed, and gives great kisses! I turned to walk away and he jumped down, and practically climbed me like a palm tree! 
There was the softest cat I've ever felt, named Butter, who is a dark calico cat. Soo pretty. 

I think I'm destined to become a crazy cat lady! 

Frozen Fenway

A few weeks ago, Ian's hockey team was very lucky to be given a once in a lifetime opportunity to able to go play hockey at Fenway Park. They made an ice rink in the center of the field, which in itself was pretty neat to see. 
None of us had ever been to Fenway before, so it was wicked exciting for all of us! Lucky for us, it was the coldest day of the year. . . brrrrrrr. I really wish I had a full body snowsuit like Isaac did, he was so toasty. 

Isaac's First Time On The Ice

Isaac and the ice rink

I have been hoping Michael would take Isaac on the ice, so he can learn how to skate. 

We still had Ian's old skates kicking around the house. 

We had them sharpened, we bundled him up, strapped on his helmet for rollerblading, and he was ready to go. 

(I wish I had an entire roll of bubble wrap)

I sat on the sidelines, since I am terrible at skating. 

I didn't want to fall and scare him, so I decided it would better serve me to sit it out.

 Plus, I was able to get some really great pictures that way!

Isaac was a little bit nervous about wearing the skates, but he felt better when he saw that Dada and Ian were going to wear them too. 

He got a little more nervous when they all stepped out onto the ice, and started to get a little upset,

 until Michael started skating around, holding him, and then the REAL fun began!

Almost instantly, Isaac was having the time of his life! He didn't want to leave. I have a strong feeling that we'll be going to many, many more of those open skate times at the ice arena! 

The Woods Hole Aquarium

A few days ago, we packed up the boys, gathered a few friends and took the ferry to Woods Hole. 

Just a few short blocks away is the Woods Hole Science Aquarium, 

http://aquarium.nefsc.noaa.gov/

It was a nice day, for late December anyway, so the walk was nice. 

I hadn't been there in years, but I knew the boys would love it! It's small, but has plenty to look at. There is an outdoor seal tank, 

which is a great way to distract some kids in case you get there before they're open, 

a bunch of local sea life, and even a touch tank 

where you can explore sea creatures you may not see everyday. 

We got to explore sea anemones, sea urchins, hermit crabs, a flounder, a few conks, star fish, and all different kinds of sea shells. 

I had so much fun, and I know they did too! I can't wait to go back in the spring!