Happy Halloween from Beacon Hill!

The Mortensen's heard that David and I would be flying solo for Halloween and they invited us to check out Beacon Hill with them. It was great because Richard works for Mass General and can park for free on the weekends. David liked riding in their "truck" (SUV but we don't make distinctions) with his little friend Lilly.

Beacon Hill is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the country. It is so unreal. I felt like I was walking around a move set. Federal style row houses, narrow gas-lit streets, and brick sidewalks. We even trick or treated John Kerry's house. We didn't see him but we did hear he had been out earlier. I suspect it was his son who was handing David his piece of candy.

My little dragon navigating the brick sidewalks.

This is one of the many decorated porches.

I think we'll be return to Beacon Hill next year.

To find out more about William's Halloween--

Click Here.

My sister-in-law Amy was quick to photograph and blog so I knew what my little guy was up to. Thanks for taking such good care of him!

Trunk or Treat

Brad and David took off for Phoenix very early this morning. Brad was going for a military dental conference and offered to take William since he was free. I hope that my letting William go doesn't make me a bad Mom! I subjected David to lots of errands that quite frankly were easier to do with only one kid around. We prepared for the Trunk or Treat and picked up our friends. Their Dad/husband was out of town too so it was perfect.

Dragon friends David and Bean

Bean is our downstairs neighbor and both boys can't get enough of playing with him.

David, Tessa (our old neighbor), and Jackson

We took turns passing out candy and trunk or treating. Since David had already practiced yesterday he was a pro.

The Shore family is UP!

This was by far one of the best costume themes of the evening (made better by the fact that Spenser is sporting Brad's jacket...how many of you own a grandpa jacket?!)

William Trunk or Treats in Phoenix:

Hanging out with Aunt Brooke and Grandma Kathy

Meeting his cousin Alex for the first time.

And just being a cute fireman.

Brad was worried about how Will would adjust to everyone and everything. We've learned that you can't expect too much from a toddler who is thrown into a new time zone and plenty of strange "new" people. I won't forget when Brad called. He was ecstatic, "Will LOVES your Mom Deidre, I think it is the webcam..." From all reports Grandma Kathy had a good time with Will and he really enjoyed her.

Pumpkin Carving

For some reason pumpkin carving has always kind of been lost on me. Halloween was a very big deal at my house growing up. I think we even may have carved pumpkins but I guess it never made that huge of an impression. Thankfully our friends the Mortensen's had a pumpkin carving party so my family didn't miss out on this activity.

In all honesty the kids played and tried to eat as many treats as they could steal while most of the girls talked and left the carving to the guys. Good results all around!

My three boys and their pumpkin

Thanks to Heidi and Richard for hosting such a fun night on their huge patio!

Lexington Halloween

I hold a special place in my heart for the town of Lexington. It is charming, and as most everything in New England, historical. Battles of Lexington and Concord anyone? When my friend Linda told me the local businesses passed out Halloween candy I had to be there.

A dragon and a fireman.

I had visions of a fireman and his dalmation puppy but David loved the dragon costume and I didn't have the heart to force him into something else.

The boys sat and watched a little dance performance on the green in front of the train station. Some younger girls dressed as bats and performed and cute number and the older ones were zombies dancing to what else but Michael Jackson's Thriller. Even I'll admit that I love me some Michael Jackson music.

We started to make trick-or-treating rounds. Both boys instantly picked up on it. William usually said "thank you" after receiving a candy. David sometimes had a hard time navigating around crowds. His peripheral vision was compromised because of the costume I guess. It was fun and so cute. David was also unusually quiet which is becoming common for him in public situations especially around strangers. Will alternated between wanting to be held and walking on his own and also between keeping his hat on and wanting to take it off.

Stopping to rest on a chair outside a local cafe. Trick or treating can be tough.

Enjoying a sucker.

Local scenery...

A final shot of my cute fireman:

I was happy to enjoy such a nice afternoon with David and Will. Today was definitely one of those rewarding moments that are so precious to parents. Had I tried to do this last year sans stroller it would have been a disaster. At just one and two my boys are already growing up...I wished for Brad or even grandparents to share the moment with!

Car Roads

Once while I was riding in the car with David I mentioned that something was across the street. He said, "No Mom, it's a CAR ROAD." Sorry. We've been making some creative car roads lately...

String Cheese

And a lovely toilet paper car road before church one Sunday morning.

SIL Weekend Wrap Up

I had a great weekend! From the moment I picked up Jorden and Katrina in Provo to the moment I left the resort to go home on Sunday morning...It was uplifting and relaxing in a not-having-to-worry-about-being-a-Mom-for-almost-four-days kind of way. Most importantly I got to know my sisters-in-law. I've always acutely felt the need to bond with other women and who better to do it with than (some new) family? My reasoning for the trip was that Brad and his brothers already know one another but that the girls haven't really had that opportunity. Moments when we've even lived in the same state are few and far between.

Perhaps the only downside to the trip was the almost two days of traveling part. I just wish it didn't take so stinking long to fly West!! I was thrilled to see Brad, Dave, and Will at the airport in New Hampshire late on Sunday afternoon. I'm also very thankful that Brad was willing to arrange his schedule to allow me this opportunity.

Timpanogos Caves and Park City

I think I questioned my sanity for a brief moment when we got out of the cars at the Timp Caves parking lot. It was early, cold, and windy. Burr. Not my definition of fun.

A group photo in the visitors center before we hiked.

The sun started to come up and it really wasn't so bad. There were a few places on the path with a painted red line that meant "don't stop here a rock could fall on you" so we hustled through those occasionally stopping for a rest or to enjoy the views.

The whole process was very interesting to me. It seems like the park rangers get an insane work out because they have to hike up before they give their tours too. I don't think they stay up the entire day either, but I wasn't sure.

I have this obnoxious habit of saying I'm from Boston when I visit places like this even though here I wouldn't claim be a native! I always find it interesting to see how people will react and indeed in our small group I was the visitor who had come the furtherest. (I think. Maybe there were a few Europeans on our tour? Minus the obvious English sister-in-law...Does anyone remember?)

The caves were interesting and very different from say Carlsbad or even Kartchener in Arizona. It was a network of three different caves and it was very narrow. The tour was long and sufficiently engaging.

A dog, my favorite formation inside of the cave.

More shots of all of us before the hike down.

Nadia, Katrina, and I made it down pretty quickly. We'd missed the restrooms on the top and had a good reason to hustle. I'm glad we went as early as we did. It was UEA weekend so on our way back we saw tons of families with small kids. I don't know if I'd be brave enough to bring Dave and Will, I'd fear they'd go over the steep edge.

We headed into Park City and changed. Noelene treated us to lunch at a tasty cafe. It was good she'd been up the weekend before for the BYU Law School event and found a great place. We made an impromptu stop in a little bakery and each found a treat.

Park City Outlets. Wow. I think we were beyond exhausted by the time it was all over but it was a very successful trip. I know that everyone found something. Jorden got a jacket, Katrina purchased a skirt she'd been eying at Down East, and Noelene found shoes at Bass. I know that Amy, Nadia, and I each found a few items too. Nadia never did find boots for her skinny ankles but we tried very hard.

I ran into a couple I'd known from our ward in Boston at the Gap Outlet. They only lived here for 4 months but we'd traded babysitting a few times and really enjoyed them. I walked by her and did a double take because she changed her hair. Then I saw their daughter and her husband. We talked and caught up. It was so fun and uncanny to bump into the Burtenshaws. Small world.

I'm glad everyone was ok with letting an impostor in for awhile. Danielle came up to Midway after we returned and we were able to visit for about an hour.

We all had a good heart to heart and once again stayed up beyond reasonable hours. We laughed and cried and even claimed a few future baby names. It was beautiful! I'm sure Katrina feels like she knows me very well. It was kind of her to agree to share a bed with me for three nights...

Temple & BYU

We were sort of able to sleep in...probably not enough for how little rest we got the night before though! We all got ready for a trip to the Provo temple. Of course I wouldn't remember my temple recommend. Good thing our Bishop is really kind and wonderful. He instantly responded to a text I sent and called the temple.

Amy, Jorden, and Katrina

Nadia suggested that we do initiatory which was a really wonderful idea. It seems that I end up almost always going through a session or doing sealings but almost never initiatory. The funniest part to me is when they asked us to write our name on a slip of paper. 5 out of 6 times the answer was Cammack. It was very good to be in the temple together. I also enjoy revisiting familiar places. I was astounded at how busy the Provo temple is. Things are very different in Boston.

A group photo in front of the Provo temple.

Me, Nadia, Nolene, Amy, Katrina, and Jorden.

Eating at Cafe Rio. I got Pork Barbocoa. Yum.

I'm not sure I realized how much I miss food like this! I never really thought it was that special until it wasn't around anymore. Like not around for 1,000's of miles.

Then it was on to BYU for some bookstore browsing and buying and a quick walk around the main parts of campus. It was fun to walk into the library and remember the student days. Sometimes I miss learning things in that sort of setting!!

Noelene took this photo between the HFAC and the Museum of Art.

A beautiful photo of Amy and Noelene.

We headed back up the canyon and planned activities for the evening. Dairy Keen was highly recommended so after a stop at the resort (did we play games? I can't remember?) we headed into town for some of those highly acclaimed shakes. YUM. I remember a cute train theme that the boys would have liked and it was BUSY.

It is starting to look like all we ever did was eat...

Amy, Nadia, Katrina and I enjoyed a short dip in the hot tub after we got back. There was a lot more talking and staying up beyond reasonable hours tonight too, but we did manage to get sleep at more decent hour than last night.

Sister In Law Weekend

Travel day had finally arrived and I was nervous. I spent last week babysitting in order to swap and have my kids watched for two days this week. Preparing to leave to small kids is lots of work and worry. Brad kept his schedule clear in the mornings so the boys wouldn't have to be left all day. All three boys dropped me off at the Manchester, New Hampshire airport and I was on my way. It was both strange and wonderful to not fly with the whole family. I can't say I love taking separate trips. But with two toddlers it is A LOT easier for the person going! What to do with all that free time on the plane? Read, sleep, and chat with the woman next to me.

I arrived in Utah and got the rental car. By some crazy coincidence my Mom was in Utah too. My Grandpa just had surgery and she was there helping. I drove to my grandparents home and saw Grandma Lyon and my Mom. I headed down the street for a quick visit with my Dad. My Mom and I then went to the hospital and ran into my uncle, aunt, and one cousin. I saw my Grandpa for a few minutes and even in his post-major surgery state we had a wonderful conversation that wouldn't have been complete without one of his stories. Good to see him and know he was ok, he's been battling cancer.

Then it was back to my Grandparent's home and goodbye to my Mom after a too short visit. I headed down to Provo to pick up Jorden and Katrina. I worried the whole time. Would everyone like the planned activities? Would it be a fun weekend? Was it worth all the money, work, and traveling? I tend to get extreme anxiety about almost everything so this was normal but heightened because of all the craziness of the day and the late hour.

It was fun to drive into Wymount. The memories came back as soon as I rounded the corner on 9th East and drove by our old apartment and my old college job. The moment I walked into Devin and Katrina's apartment my anxiety subsided. Katrina and Jorden had kindly done the grocery shopping for me so all we had do was load up and drive to Midway. We chatted the whole way up the canyon.

Amy and Noelene flew up from Phoenix together and waited for Nadia who was coming from Seattle. They all drove up from Salt Lake and met us about an hour after we got to the resort sometime around 12 midnight. Poor Jorden was really sick. She headed straight to bed and Noelene was quick to follow. Amy eventually made her way to bed too. Nadia and I probably kept Katrina up for a few extra hours. Brad and I figured out that by the time I went to sleep MST that our kids (albeit extra early) were already awake EST. I was tired but felt like the main purpose of the trip--getting to talk to each other--had already been successful!

Our Favorite Park

A few photos from a Columbus Day outing to our favorite park and playground in Arlington. It seems we spend Monday holidays here. Last time we went it was Patriots Day and we got the phone call from Danielle that she was coming for the summer.

A teeter totter made for two.

We never get a photo of the impressive slide that is built into a large hill. You can see the Boston skyline from the top.

Touch a Truck

I was ecstatic when Melanie called and asked if we would watch Jackson while they went to Connecticut on a short overnight trip. Jackson is one of David's most beloved friends AND my boys have been frequenting the Melanie babysitting service so this weekend was a win-win.

I've been dying to take David to a Touch a Truck event. I'd never heard of these before we moved here. I don't know if it is just something you know about when you have boys or if it is unique to our community. It was the perfect event for two little boys who love their vehicles.

David in the back of an ambulance.

Jumping on the packing bubbles in the moving truck. Endless fun for David except that our poor friend J was terrified by the noise.

Before this photo was taken I stopped to talk to someone at a YMCA booth. I'd put both boys in the double stroller but unbuckled (dumb idea!) so they (I) could easily get (them) out at each new stop. I pushed the stroller away realizing it was a lot lighter. NO DAVID. I didn't panic, I looked toward the fire truck and the bus figuring he'd run there. NO DAVID. I was a little worried as I walked around the event. Thankfully it was a very tiny section of the mall parking lot that would have been difficult to escape but still NO DAVID. I finally got the security involved when walking around and calling his name still didn't find him. I thought maybe he'd run onto the bus but couldn't see him there. Someone suggested a more careful investigation and there he was hopping off the yellow bus...

I was very glad to find him and he didn't seem to know he'd been missing for a good 5-7 minutes (a long time for a toddler in a public place!) so I tried to scare him a little. He cried and I felt sufficiently bad and embarrassed because it was my fault for not buckling him into the stroller and for getting distracted.

Drying a few of his elephant tears while sitting on a police motorcycle.

Driving a fire truck.

Buckling himself on the school bus (this time with Mom in sight!)

We never had buckles. The bus was a Jackson favorite.

Driving the semi-truck and naturally receiving a free tootsie pop for the effort.

Driving an excavator. I'm pretty sure that seat was a good 7-10 feet in the air.

The limo-bus. A mutual favorite of both boys. Had I known this would be such a hit we would have started there.

Some sort of emergency truck or special operations vehicle.

A really humongous flatbed truck from the tire store. It took some convincing to get J on top but once he was up there was no turning back. I had to pry both boys off.

We left with a bag full of stickers and goodies and two very happy little boys. Afterward we found out we had won a $25 gift card to Wild Willy's (a local burger joint) for filling out a survey.

My only regret of the weekend is that poor Jackson stayed home from church on Sunday because of sleep deprivation. My boys ended up waking him earlier than he usually got up from naps and in the morning. That coupled with all the fun made for one very tired boy. But we can wait to have him again!