Massachusetts Day 5

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Wednesday was the first day of first grade at Catholic school for our hosts' oldest son! What a milestone day. After the boys were dropped off at school, we took the remaining children to a park meet-up with a half dozen other Catholic mothers. We had the place pretty much to ourselves, which was so relaxing, and the weather could not have been more sunny and pleasant, in the 70s.

Mary, up high

Mary climbing up, of course

Also, really high

Lunch at the picnic benches

The extensive wooden playground area is enclosed by a fence and entirely shaded by mature trees.

A great idea I've never seen implemented before: Inside this locked display case, the city had posted the rap sheets and photos of local offenders of children. Be on the lookout!

Grubby children had daytime baths and then got tucked in for afternoon Quiet Time.

The afternoon was spent with the children playing in the extensive property, climbing apple trees, racing bikes, bouncing on the trampoline, pretending in the play house, and swinging on the swings. An idyllic childhood afternoon!

Skirts have never stopped this one from climbing anything!

This rain boot entertained Joseph for more than half an hour.

After dinner, we went to Rota-Spring Farm to buy homemade ice cream to celebrate Leo's first day of first grade! This was some of the most fabulous ice cream I have ever tasted!

My friend Rebecca confirmed my perception of this joyful baby: he is so easy, amiable, and calm! I am really enjoying this particular babyhood.

Going in for a kiss

Meanwhile, Chris was slaving away, toiling to support us, required to take his clients to a game of the Red Sox versus the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park. Apparently it was a thrilling game with the Red Sox winning 20 to 4. I say this all tongue in cheek, of course! Chris does toil hard for us, and he's such a good man that he usually finds these kind of perks that come with his job something he has to do when he'd rather be home with us.

Tough life: the view from Chris' seats

Tired babies after a long, fun day

Joseph had caught a cold by now, so we had a pretty rough night. At one point, he cried inconsolably for a half hour, and only fell asleep with me holding him in my arms, sitting upright, him sleeping on my chest. There he slept the rest of the night so he could breathe, which always means Mama doesn't get too many winks of sleep!