Newbury Street Tree Lighting

I've never been to a holiday tree lighting before. I searched some out here and found that there were four or five taking place in Boston, not to mention one for almost every town nearby. I dreamed that we'd make it out to see all of the trees being lit and we started out on our first adventure.

I think the ride on the express bus would have been more than enough to satisfy both David and William. We met Brad and had some Panda Express for dinner at the Prudential Center. Then it was off to a restaurant on Newbury Street (how have I never been to Newbury street before?! Quite posh and fun with neat shops all around...)

Waiting...

More waiting...

Excitedly watching a cat on someone's front porch.

And finally the tree was lit. Yes, this was the tree. I had envisioned something more like the huge tree they light at Rockefeller center in New York City. I was surprised to find that most people were there for the after part at the bar/restaurant. We were the only family with kids around. We ended up getting interviewed by a few people from student and local nieghborhood newspapers. One question that made us both chuckle had something to do with what we thought about lights and wasting energy...hmm...yeah, last time I checked I'm still ok with "wasting" energy for Christmas lights...

It didn't stop us from having fun though!

Just look at that tree! I think we have a bigger one in our living room...

We had another fun ride home on the express bus and I finally feel like I could be comfortable taking that into town instead of the train.

Castle Island

Castle Island. It isn't really an island but you can take the ferry there from Boston. We had a little time between projects at home and took the boys for an outing. Veteran's Day always surprises me and turns out to be warmer than I expect. But I forget about the breezes on the water--those are cold.

There was an old fort we didn't even have time to explore. You can watch planes fly overhead right into Logan airport, it was amazing how close they were. You can watch coast guard (and other kinds of?) boats cruising and racing. You can fish off the dock. There is a playground. And the beach!! Enough said. I could see myself spending a whole day there when it is warmer.

Airplanes.

David running along a ledge.

William doing his most favorite thing--swinging and look at the pretty ocean in the background.

Eating lunch.

A little walk on the beach...

And finally testing those rain boots to see just how far they will go!

Will got wet but wouldn't stop with the water.

David pushed the limits just as much but managed to stay drier. More experience I guess?

I didn't even photograph the ocean as we walked around the "back" of the fort and island. I was a little worried the kids might decide to jump in because the fence was more decorative and historic than functional. Dave and Will loved running along the sidewalk and the view was spectacular.

Climbing Out of Your Crib, Edition 2

I’m genuinely shocked each time I meet a baby that is crawling at 10 months old. This is only because my boys were WALKING at that age. I don’t think these newly crawling little ones are slow—I just can’t quite picture what it would have been like. You know…jealousy! My life as I knew it ended after the walking began. Twice. My most recent favorite description of David and William went something like “Well your boys can just Houdini everything!”

Enter 20 month old William. I’ve often caught him lying on the top rail of his crib. Either he was scared of my reprimands or he wasn’t quite brave enough to take the final plunge. Until today.

Nap time and bedtime will never be quite the same Will. You’ve entered the “adult toddler” stage. Perhaps congratulations are in order? You’ve jumped over a significant Cammack boy threshold. Just think of all the fun you and David can have in your room together while you are supposed to be sleeping!

Good thing he is still very cute.

Learning to Brush

Last time we visited the dentist David was a rock star. He didn't even need me while he had his teeth counted by the hygienist or while the dentist examined him.

Will was another story...but he is still very little and has lots of stranger anxiety. The dentist suggested that we sing songs while brushing. The idea is that next time the dentist can sing the song and hopefully William won't be as upset because he'll hear something familiar. I don't know that we are making strides with Will in that department but David really enjoys the songs and often requests Baa Baa Black sheep while flossing. Here he is brushing his bear's teeth...

I'm sincerely hoping that this bear won't bite...

Military Dental Conference

I wasn't too sure how Brad's conference would go. He ended up being the only student there yet it proved to be QUITE the networking opportunity. Among many other notable and important people Brad was able to have lunch with an Admiral in the Navy; specifically, THE chief of Dental Corps. Whoa. He was thrilled. He noted that all the people he met were kind and very down to earth. That was good for me to hear. Everything I know about the military comes from the movies and I would have been terrified to be near such a high ranking official.

Here is a photo of Brad with an ER Doctor. He's also a captain in the Navy.

I'm really impressed with all the work Brad has done to start the Uniformed Services Club at his school. He is helping the students to feel more "networked" and educated about post-doc opportunities within the military.