Christmas Morning in Boston

Hi Mom!  (And anyone else who actually views this blog!)  :-)

I know I haven't been keeping this up to date very well lately, and I promise to go back and add some events from the fall.  But for now, here was Christmas morning in Boston.

Henry had a fantastic time; he loved opening gifts and playing with his new toys.  We were proud of him for wanting to read each book as he opened it.  He didn't want to open a new present until we had read the book we just opened.

His big toy is the ride-on car.  He's enjoying it a lot, especially as he drives it backwards!  He'll get the hang of forward motion soon enough!

Here was Christmas morning breakfast: Blueberry Muffins, Scrambled Eggs and Sausage.

Our Christmas Tree, and Stockings hung by the chimney with care.

Looking at the loot under the tree.

Digging into the stocking!

Reading one of the Monkey books with Mommy.

Ready to open the BIG one!

Taking his new "ride" on a little spin.

Henry's First Trick-or-Treat

Henry was a farmer this year for Halloween.  We had the overalls and farmer shirt, so just needed a hat and some dirt, and we were ready to go.  A farmer isn't dressed without some sort of John Deere paraphernalia.  Henry's friend Sebastian (and his parents, Kirsten and Peter) went trick-or-treating with us.  Sebastian was definitely the cutest pumpkin in the neighborhood!A family photo.  A farmer and his...animals?  Nah, a farmer and his proud parents.  Of course, Henry is an organic, sustainable farmer who only raises free range animals.
He tips his hat.  Such a gentleman!
Sorry kinda blurry!  It was getting dark!
Fortunately for photo shoot purposes, our street is getting a new water main, so the backhoe was present and ready to be a tractor backdrop for farmer Henry.

One of our stops in the neighborhood.  It was the perfect evening in New England.  Crisp temperatures, friendly neighbors (this was a big deal!) and adorable toddlers collecting treats for their gluttonous parents.
Definitely the best looking guys on the street!

Thanks for looking!  It's been a gorgeous, busy, and exciting fall to be in Boston!

Grampa's Visit

Henry's Grampa came to visit at the end of October.  Henry adored spending time outside with "Ba Pa".  I think the feeling was pretty much mutual, being that Grampa loves being outside, too.  Grampa (also known as Paul) climbed Mt. Monadnock with Luke (see first few pictures) and then two days later, the whole gang took a hike around the much less challenging Walden Pond.  Beautiful fall colors were present in both places and a good time was had by all.

Apple Picking and the Pumpkin Patch

One of our favorite fall activities (even before Henry came along) was to go to an apple orchard.  With a little bit of research from the olde internet, we found a fantastic place.  It did not disappoint, in any way!  We had a great day - beautiful weather, amazing apples, and Auntie Kels was able to join us!

Henry and I survey the pumpkin patch.  There was a tractor and wagon that took you from the pumpkin and store area to the apple orchard.  Henry was obsessed with the tractor and couldn't wait to take a hayride.

"I like this one mom!  It's just my size!"
Yup, we think he's pretty darn cute.
Really, we all are.  Fall color coordination?  Nah, it just happened that way.  Kidding!  Yes, some thought went into our outfits.  I can't claim that we look this good effortlessly.
Hey!  We're riding to the orchard.  Auntie shows Henry about hay.
We were each allowed to eat one apple while we picked our bushel worth.  Henry enjoyed his immensely!
"Twist and gently pull!"
Another family shot.  Henry was again very taken with the tractor in the distance.
Auntie and Henry enjoy their freebie.
The aforementioned tractor.  It was a huge hit.  Again, anything with wheels.
Petting and feeding the goats.
It was the perfect day.  What made it even more perfect was that Luke found a $20 bill on the ground right next to Henry in this picture.  No one was around, so we took ourselves to lunch at a hotdog stand!  Seriously, that's what we did with the cash.  Obviously, wealth is only given to those who truly know what to do with it.

Great Granny and Great Grandad's Visit

Great Granny and Great Granddad headed east on their way south and stopped to visit us in Boston!  If you are scratching your head about the geography here, that's okay!  They hadn't had a chance to see the northeast, so the Boston Andersons were a good excuse to circle up their wagons here and do some exploring.  We had a great time with them, and they truly explored Boston from all angles.  Being here in early October, they saw some beautiful scenery on their drive out here and got to explore the beginning of "leaf peeping season".

Every visit must begin with a trek to the gorgeous park right by our house.  A friendly New Englander (these aren't too common) took our picture and chatted about cameras with Granddad.

Granddad and Henry made friends quickly, bonding over their common love of things with wheels.  Or, in Henry speak, "w-eee"!

Luke is fortunate enough to have many, many vacation days (Hooray, Harvard!) and was able to take one for some sightseeing.  We explored the Freedom Trail with our friend Dotty the Ladybug.

Park Street Church.
Taking a break along the trail.  Granddad and Granny were nice enough to let me play "social studies teacher" for the day.

Above is the Old State House, and below, Henry plays in a flock of pigeons.  No dirty city birds were harmed due to Henry's chase.

At the Paul Revere Statue near the Old North Church.

Paul Revere's House.

Even though it was October, no trip to see New England would be complete without a look at the Atlantic Ocean.  Henry is proud to have found some seaweed.  Anyone up for sushi and some seaweed salad?  All we need are sesame seeds!
Henry is not disappointed by the chilly breeze and even chillier water temperatures.  Granddad and Granny, on the other hand, hightailed it to Florida after this trip to the Atlantic!

Dining out, Cape Cod style!

Checking out the harpoon with Granddad.

After 8 days of exploring and interacting with a  1 1/2 year old, Granddad and Granny were ready to keep on keepin' on!  Here's hoping they have a relaxing winter planned in Florida!  Knowing these two though, that's not all that likely...  They make us seem lazy!  It was great to see them!