Ahhhh... Mother's Day. Why just Once a Year?!

Scott and the kids made my day everything I had asked for.  My request: A picnic in a new place that I did not have to pack.  We headed just a few miles from home to "Hemlock Gorge".  The sun came out from behind the clouds and we enjoyed a historic walk, and delicious lunch on a bed of moss. It was nice being together again.  Scott has been away Monday through Friday with his new job.  Either flying around the east coast, or staying up in Maine.  This week we are trying something new.  We have rented an "Air bnb" for the week in Portland, Maine.  This allows the kids and I to see if its a place we could live, and gives Scott a chance to see what an 8 minute commute feels like.  So far, so good.  He was even able to meet us at "home" for lunch today.  The kids and I have been exploring the city the last few days.  I think we are all going to a Sea-Dogs game tonight (minor league feeder team for the Red Sox)  This city has so many great shops, used book stores, vintage clothing boutiques and funky little parks.  Even the library is amazing!

"Crafternoon" at the Newton library.

They used recycled milk jugs to make boxes.  Pretty neat.

Class in session at the MFA in Boston.  Fiona and Ethan are the two on the end.

Riding the subway.

Gosling in Boston.  Fiona wanted to take it.  That's kidnapping.

MFA

Tulips in the Boston Public Gardens.

Mother's Day Picnic.

Molasses.  My favorite, from Fiona.

Aqua-duct was on the walk we took.

My Picnic!

Look at all this from a big fall Fiona took on her bike.

Yeah, her.

Ukulele borrowed the library.

We're gonna have to buy one.

Ethan's new bounce back arrived in the mail!

Team work assignment.

Fiona designed this skirt.  

Scootering around Public Gardens.

Awesome Boston playground!

Our bedroom here in Portland.

Kids room/living room.

Kitchen.

Exploring the fish market.

On our front stoop.

In front the mansion we toured.

Skip-bo in the park.

Dad was able to join us on his lunch break.

No Car, No Problem.

Last week was the longest time the kids and I have been apart from Scott (except for that little trip he took to Abu Dhabi). As we waved goodbye to him, so too did we say farewell to the truck.  Now for the test.  Did we truly move somewhere that would allow us to get what we need by bicycle or public transportation?  We passed the test!
As much as we missed Scott terribly, it was nice to know that we could function with out him.  (Seeing as we will have to do that a lot for the near future.)  Fiona, Ethan and I zipped on our bikes to the library, Whole Foods, the town center, out to dinner, out for ice cream and most recently to Fiona's sewing studio.  The weather has been near perfect and it is the sun that has granted us our freedom!  We were spoiled a bit this week for the art class because Gammy drove us all into the city.  She and I blabbed away the entire two hours with coffee, while the kids were busy getting smarter.  Then we headed to the Isabella Stuart Gardener Museum!  Always a breathtaking visit. 
This week we are hoping for an earlier homecoming for Scott.  Poor guy arrived back Friday night just in time to install air conditioners (always a back breaking job).  Then he needed to fix mine and Fiona's bikes...and get all our phones on a new plan.  As soon as his "To Do" list was complete it was time to bid him farewell, again.  The Great news is that he still loves his job!  The first week of training and meetings was a success, and he was very anxious to tell us all about his adventures.

I used my parents gardens as a back-drop for the kids "school pictures".

We helped Gammy and Gampy burn their brush down by the stream...where Fiona and Scott found crawfish!

So long old chair!

Gammy, Fiona and I attended the MFA's "Art in Bloom".

Here's my own arrangement...

To conclude our lesson on India, let's Henna!!!

Out to eat with my babies.

Newton center had "Piano's in the Park".

Our new fire pit, thanks to my sister!

Fiona and Ethan with the little kids next door.  They all wait in our backyard until Fiona or Ethan come out.  It's adorable.

The greenhouse at the Isabella Stuart Museum is insanely gorgeous!

Can you believe this garden is entirely indoors?!

Such a great street for the kids to play on.  Never lonely!

O.K., for those of you who don't know... Fiona is obsessed with David Attenborough(known for narrating BBC nature programs for National Geographic, as well as being an explorer).  She wrote him a lovely letter last month, and we sent it along to England.  Well...he wrote back!  An actual letter, and included the signed photo she requested!

Best buddy/sibling duo.  Too cool!