spring time and marathon monday

(my mom pointing out frogs to the big girls. My daughters worship my mom)

Spring has finally sprung in Boston. We were so excited to see the weather reach 60 this weekend. Autumn is definitely my favorite season in New England, but I love to watch all the trees and flowers begin to come alive in the spring (esp. after our long long long winters).

We went to a Wildflower Sanctuary this weekend. There were not very many flowers in bloom but it was still beautiful and we were able to see a mother duck and her ducklings, many turtles of all sizes, and frogs and tadpoles. The girls were amazed by the tadpoles. I literally had to restrain Riles from jumping in and catching a tadpole. Sometimes I wonder why I try to stop her when she is feeling so adventurous. I love that about her. Besides I think maybe after the first time she did it and had to drive home wet she probably wouldn't do it again. Or knowing Riles ... maybe not.

There are two unofficial starts to spring in Boston. And neither have anything to do with buds. One being the opening day at Fenway and of course, and most importantly, the Boston Marathon. This year a bunch of our friends joined us as we rooted Sarah, Pat and Jen on as they ran the marathon.

We are so lucky to live near the marathon route. The girls love rooting for the runners. They get so excited for the runners that write their names on the bodies so that they scream their names.

The runners are so inspiring. We are at mile 16, it is the start of the Newton hills. I amazed when the runners run by looking so exhausted but so determined. It is an incredible and inspiring sight, and one of my favorite Boston traditions.

The girls holding up our "Sarah Tanner Rocks" sign

Maddie, Katherine, Em and Riles

Scott cheering on Sarah

Emily and Ryan (and Pat's brother, Thomas) rooting on Pat

A very pregnant Katie

Unfortunately I do not have many pictures of our friends running because they all ran by so fast!!!

our boy

Mike just loves his girls. He loves having all girls. And our daughters think their daddy hung the moon.

circus

The girls and Mike went with our dear friends the Choes to the Big Apple Circus. They had the absolute time of their lives. Both the girls declared it was amazing. They especially were in awe over the acrobats. Thanks Choes for organizing this. We are so glad that we have friends like you!

randomness

Our little princesses! What you cannot see is that Riles is a "Princess Warrior" and she has sword in her other hand. Our little tomboy!

Em always creates such great plays for the neighborhood kids to act out.

Riles always wants us to feel how strong she is. "Feel how big my muscles are!!", she'll say as she holds out her elbows (muscles).

I am always kissing this little thing. Her poor little face probably looks like this most of the day with someone always trying to kiss those gorgeous big cheeks. We just love her. But she is getting too big too fast.

I love our neighborhood! Here is the group with Lisa (I LOVE those Calderones). I cannot imagine better neighbors in whole wide world. And I loved our first warm day in 6 months! Love Love Boston. But, boy, can our winters be harsh.

I just wanted to document this for when all our girls are teenagers. Many Friday nights are "Movie Nights" at our house. Our house is filled with friends and kids and we usually make pizza (although this past one was "pancake night") and then watch a movie. Mike loves it because by Friday he is usually so tired after putting in a million hours all week at the firm. And our girls love it. It has become a tradition. Our friends know that they can always stop by (in their pjs, of course). So girls, when you are bigger, just remember that you used to love being home with Mommy and Daddy on a weekend night!

Em wanted me to take a picture of her new toothbrush. But afterwards, when I looked at the picture, I noticed how big she is getting. It made me so sad. They are really growing up too fast. She is not my baby. She is becoming a big girl. I wish I could bottle this time. I know I will love each phase of our daughters' lives. And so far, I always think that whatever phase we are currently in is my favorite. But it really is going by fast.

Riles with "Petty". I know the picture looks cute but Petty was coming to take her on an "adventure" so she didn't have to go to bed yet. Petty got a time out.

Quotes of the week

"Mommy, guess what??!!," yelled a very excited Riles.
"What?"
"Supaman (translate: Superman) wears tights - just like a gule (translate: girl)!!!! That's soooooo silly," heartily laughed Riles.

"Mom, who do we have a playdate with today?" asked Em as I picked her up from school.
"I forgot," I said.
"Oh well. It doesn't matter. I know someone is coming over today. Someone ALWAYS comes over everyday for a playdate."
No one wonder I feel like I am constantly cleaning all day.