Summer Happenings

We moved this summer which consumed most of our time and energy but we did manage to taken in a few travels (3 NJ trips) and a rare sunny, warm weekend in Boston.

Fourth of July in NJ looking down on the Delaware.

Jill's outdoor wedding the weekend of a tropical storm in NJ!

A rare warm, sunny day in Boston this summer! We suffered a cool, wet summer interrupted by only a couple of hot, humid weeks in August. Despite the poor weather, we're still enjoying our city!

Soon to come, our early September escape to the west coast....

New Furniture in the New Place

The leather chairs had to be lifted up over the side of the porch and the sideboard just bearly made it through the back stairway but after an hour, it was all inside.

We tested out the leather chairs last night watching a movie and its a good thing we got two so we don't fight over them.

Now we just need to hang up our pictures and paint the spare bedroom and remove wallpaper in the bathroom and we'll be all set. The airmattress for guests arrives this week and we'll be hosting our first guests next week. Our friend Shin who played the violin at our wedding and lives out in Vancouver is coming with his brother from Japan for an overnight. We'll let you know how they rate the bed before you schedule your first trip.

Stuff

Where did we get so much stuff?

Lot of boxes around... moving day is a coming...

Happenings

Katie's b-day was yesterday, but alas she is on call this weekend at the hospital. So we found some time to celebrate last Saturday. We started the day at a DIY framing workshop (lot of fun, and much cheaper than other custom options!) and ended at a nice french restaurant in the south end with good jazz. In between we grabbed a picnic lunch at Columbus Park which gave a nice view of the Boston skyline:

Tuesday night we visited Elijah David and family. Very cute kid and proud mom and dad!

Yesterday was Katie's b-day and her program decided to throw her a party (ok, maybe not just for her, but we can pretend). The view of Boston Harbor was spectacular! 

And heading back from the T after a fun night!

5 days until closing, 1 week until moving day!

The Buzz

Here are a few more happenings since February.

In March we took a trip to DC for an allergy conference Katie had. So I had a short vacation while Katie went to work. She did squeeze plenty of time for fun though. 

A couple weeks ago, Megan had her med school graduation. I didn't get any great pictures, will have to check with dad for more. It was a nice ceremony (as far as graduations go). She's now arrived in SC at her residency - purchased a new home and graduated med school all in a week - not bad!

Waiting for graduation to start

Sarah and Ryan also waiting. 

And the big news for us, is we're also in the process of purchasing our first home - a new condo in Boston. By new, I mean new to us. And new compared to some in the area. Ours will only be 104 years old. It is the second floor in the below building:

In winter:

The dining room and living room in the background.

The kitchen (with pantry to the left, out of view - one of Katie's favorite parts of the place!)

The foyer at the entrance with the first and second bed room doors on the right and the kitchen straight ahead. 

The master bedroom.

We're excited to move into the new place. We close in a week and a half and planning to move in on the 20th. More updated will follow (no later than 4.5 months from now...)

Fun in the Sun - Part II

Here are some pictures from part 2 of our trip in February!

Ruins of Tulum:

We ended the trip with a few days in Fort Lauderdale. A view from our hotel at night and at Las Olas by day!

Fun in the Sun - Part I

After a few months of snow and cold, we packed our bags and set sail...leaving Boston and Miami behind in search of some sun!

First some formalities after a day at Sea before we could hit the beach!

Island #1 - Grand Cayman with nice beaches, large iguanas, and Cay Brew!

Island #2 - Isle Roatan, Honduras with large waves, wind, and a more rustic atmosphere.

View of the Island and setting sun from the ship!













Belize City, Belize - The sun decided to disappear and the rain forced us indoors to the National Museum filled with Jade, Maya artifacts, and history from the country's time as England's source of mahogany. We also snatched up some local stewed chicken, rice and beans.

A Winter Hike

Less than 10 miles from Boston is the Blue Hills Reservation, a public area with hiking trails, skiing, and beautiful views of the surrounding area. We took advantage of a cold, sunny winter day and joined up with a group from CityLife for some winter exercise.

Jon looking southwest of Boston.

Here's Katie and part of the crew, most of whom go to our community group on the way up towards the weather station.

A view of downtown Boston and the Prudential Tower from the top of the lookout point.

On the way down!