More Massachusetts Pictures

They have so much snow up in Worcester.  On the Saturday we were there, they got 3-5 more inches.  It was a drop in the bucket considering how much they have.  On Sunday morning, I made sure to get up and take a walk.  It was gorgeous.

Pardon the picture w/o any make up.  It was so peaceful.  Honestly, I miss the snow.  There is something so magical about it.  Call me crazy, but I'd entertain moving back up north.  I think the bottom line is that I love four real seasons.

Pumpkin joined us for lunch.  Ahh!  To have his head on my shoulder - warms this mom's heart.  A freaky thing happened at lunch, though.  The waitress handed Pumpkin his water glass w/o wiping the condensation off the outside.  It slipped through his fingers and crashed on to his plate.  The plate broke.  A piece flew up and cut his hand.  It just grazed his hand.  Fortunately, it did not affect his swimming.

We only got a few pictures of the boys together.  These were outside the hotel.  The Residence Inn did a great job hosting the team.

This is our only family shot.  My head looks huge!  Loved spending time together.  We won't be back together until the end of May, but who is counting?

Passing Time

There is lots of waiting during a swim meet.  I tried to get Peanut to pass some time by perfecting selfless.  He would not hear of it!

 One night, we took a quick run outside to cool off and look at all the snow.

 When all else fails, you can make faces!

Fashion Trend of NEWMAC 2015

Pumpkin's fashion trend of 2015 was the head band.  For years, the Big Guy has worn a head band when he runs.  To honor his father, Pumpkin expanded the head band wearing to the pool deck.

This was on the way to the pool and had to be a new one with the head band over a knit beanie.

On deck at the pool - this was the first time we saw him!

 When they announced the relay team, Pumpkin was sporting the head band and the CGA swim cap.

Before his 400 IM he flipped the band to the white side wearing it over his black dome cap.  The funny thing is he stepped up to the block with the head band on.  Thankfully, a good samaritan timer reminded him to take it off.

As for the spectators in our family, we all wore the same CGA tshirts on Sunday.  I failed to get a picture though.

Swim Champs 2015

We decided some time ago that we'd all go to Pumpkin's swim championships.  I fretted over whether or not to pull Peanut out of school.  We went for it and headed to Boston last Thursday evening.  We connected in Baltimore.  It was so cold.  You could see your breath on the jetways.  After a change of equipment, we finally made it to our hotel in Worcester at 3:30am!  It was a very late night.  But, we got there.  We were very excited to see Pumpkin!

All of my fretting was for not.  Peanut's school was cancelled Friday and Monday due to the weather.  He got so lucky!

Ice & Sleet Days

The sleeting and freezing rain started on Monday, early in the morning.  School was cancelled.  It took until mid day on Wednesday for roads and sidewalks to be in good condition.  Peanut had three days off of school!

It does not look like much on the drive, but it was hard work chipping at the ice and shoveling.  Peanut has a few screws loose.  He went for a run!  He came back in one piece without any slips or falls.  The Big Guy and I went for a walk with Buddy.  It was treacherous, but felt good to be out in the fresh air.

They say there is more freezing rain, sleet, snow on its way for tomorrow!

Valentine's Extra

Some day we will get the selfie thing down.  Til then, it is kind of fun practicing!  This was on Valentine's before dinner.

The Big Guy got me a fitbit.  I'm getting used to it.  I hope I don't become obsessed with getting my steps in.  I finished a much needed new pair of slippers for him.  I'm still working on felting them.  My state of the art washing machine is not felting friendly.  I bought a wonder washer.  It worked a bit but not all the way.  I may try it again today.  I know he is going to love them once I get them felted to his size!

Valentine's 2015

We kept the tradition alive this year.  I brought out the china, crystal and silver to celebrate Valentine's Day!  We missed having Pumpkin with us.  Peanut invited a girlie girl over.  We like her and enjoyed having her join us.  Believe it or not, I did not take many pictures.  I was proud of my heart shaped bread rolls.  You have to use your imagination.  The guys kept telling me they looked like bunny ears.  Guess I can do it again at Easter!  The rolls were yummy with rosemary flavored butter.  We had filet on the grill, tossed salad, roasted asparagus and mini roasted potatoes.  Dessert was cheesecake using a recipe of old from my mom's Greenhills Womens Club CookBook.

 Peanut looked pretty cute for the evening!

 He tried to make the serious GQ face, but kept smiling.

We stopped in the local chocolate shop to buy a few treats.  We saw the camera crew as we walked in.  We had no idea that they filmed us as we made the purchase.  Fast forward to the following day, Valentine's Day, the Big Guy walks into the family room, glances up at the TV and there we were!  Wild!

Game App

I know this app was popular some time ago.  I played it fairly religiously but was not successful.  Last weekend, on the plane, I opened it up.  Guess what?  I finally won!!

Wedding! February 2015

My niece got married last Saturday!  It was absolutely gorgeous!!  While the wedding party was snapping sunset pictures, we took a few of our own.

 As I look at this sunset, I wish to back there...

 Would have been even better if Pumpkin was with us!

 Snuck in a sister selfie!

 The band was phenom.  They played Michael Jackson and the Big Guy was out there!

 My niece got some pretty ladies to dance with Peanut.  He was embarrassed, but loved it!

The photo booth was a major hit.  They printed one for us to keep and one for the couple's scrapbook. What a wonderful idea!  I grabbed the ice cream cone which describes me.  Surprisingly, I haven't had any ice cream in 2015.  Trying to eat on the healthy side.

 The parents of the bride savoring the slow dance

My sister snapped a picture during the bridal party pictures.  They all met beforehand.  The setting was gorgeous.  The bride was gorgeous.  I don't know how they will choose.

 The final slow dance of the night.  Peanut danced with my niece who was in from Kansas City.

 There go the bride and groom

Hope they are enjoying their honeymoon

Rehearsal Dinner Night Fun

My niece got married last weekend.  The rehearsal dinner was outside in a courtyard venue.  It was lovely and it was lovely spending time with my family.  We had fun playing with the selfie feature.  The Big Guy and Peanut did not fly down until the next morning.  They missed out on the rehearsal!