Post-Christmas on the Cape 2013

So we stayed on the Cape for a full week, which was maybe longer than advisable, and possibly longer than anyone wanted us there. But we had so much fun!

James got to spend more quality time with Dolores's granddaughters Ellen (6.5), Lillian (almost 4), and Beatrice (almost 2). Ellen is a under-represented in the photos, especially since she practically babysat James one morning.

James with Lillian and Beatrice

James and Beatrice on a mini-Roundabout

James also spent a lot of quality time with Grandma, who among other things took him to the train store. He also had an afternoon with Aunt Mary doing puzzles and reading books, and an evening with Aunt Nesie doing holiday crafts and drawing.

At the train store- here comes the elf on the train!

James loves it

A little hands-on train time.

He also got a visit from his Great-great Aunt Barbara, and Grandma's cousin Mike and his wife Melinie, and their daughter (and Kevin's second cousin) Abigail who's close in age to James.

Grandma, James, Abigail, Melinie, and Mike

Kissing cousins James and Abigail

Kevin and I also got to go for an easy little hike at Fort Hill near the ocean and we saw two movies with Andrew. And a big highlight for me was our two trips to the 28 Club on our trip. Granted, I can't drink, but the company was so fantastic I didn't even mind. Tuesday evening Kevin, Andrew, Katie, Chris and I joined his uncle George, cousin Mike, and cousin Megan for a few quick drinks before dinner.

Saturday, my friend Jaime and Kevin's friend Casey came up and joined us for a family dinner and drinks at the 28 Club. Another one of Casey's friend James joined us too. Hilarity ensued. And I successfully drove everyone home despite being pretty rusty. We had a big sleepover.

Casey and Kevin enjoying drinks

Casey, Andrew, Kevin, me, Jaime

It was a wonderful break, and now we're looking forward to 2014-- the year we have our little girl and Kevin's short story collection gets published. Good things ahead! Happy New Year!

Great-grandma Ruth's 90th Birthday 2013

Grandma Ruth had a big party to celebrate her 90th birthday! Her four children who all adore her worked together to make the party the best ever. Having four children who love you so much and spend so much time with you is the greatest success imaginable.

Ruth and her children: Mary, Nesie, Kathy, and Dick

Ruth poster for the party

All her grandchildren were there too which is quite a feat. Her children all live in Massachusetts, but her grandkids came from Rhode Island, New York, Maryland, and even Florida!

Ruth and her grandkids: Kevin, Chris, Katie, and Andrew

Even her sisters were there! Her sister Phyllis and her sister Barbara looked like they were having a great time celebrating their big sister!

Ruth talking to her sister Phyllis at the party

Ruth and her sister Barbara

All in all there were about 50 people there to celebrate how much we all love Ruth. She's smart, funny, kind, loving, and generous. We are blessed to have her in our lives. Her son Dick gave a very moving speech where he expressed just how lucky we all are to have her. And a old friend who used to be her tenant wrote a funny and touching poem about great she is. Ruth moves people to poetry!

Dick giving a speech-- very moving!

An old tenant and friend reading a poem she wrote in Ruth's honor

Laughing at a joke about how little Ruth payed them for collecting the eggs from the 

chickens- it's funny because it's true.

Her kids surprised her with a (second) birthday cake, but they thankfully refrained from sticking 90 candles in it so we wouldn't burn the restaurant down.

Blowing out her arbitrary number of candles!

Eating cake- Kevin is laughing because James was already on a sugar high

It was a great party and it was a lot of fun to spend time with all the wonderful people that are a part of Ruth's life. Happy birthday Grandma Ruth!

Party mingling

The Clous at the party