December Happenings

We got my dad this oversized chair for Christmas. It was pretty hysterical. All the grandkids loved playing in it too!

Jody with the plaid girls, Anne and Ruthie. Anne's actually wearing an outfit Jody wore as a child.

Well, it's been a very eventful December. My Grandma Knox passed away on December 8th just shy of her 92 birthday. We knew it would not be long, but when I last saw her in November, I thought for sure I would be seeing her at Christmas. She will be greatly missed. When I think back on all the good years we had with her, I am so very thankful. All 6 of her grandchildren made it back for her funeral. It really was quite lovely with Father Rosa officiating, who knew my grandmother very well.

Afterwards, we had a luncheon at Peterson Meadows where my grandmother had lived for over 16 years since my grandpa had died. It made my heart swell when we walked into the dining room and it was full of all of her friends from Peterson Meadows. She was a very social lady, always walking the halls and chatting with whoever was available.

A week later, the entire family flew back to Illinois to celebrate Christmas with the Farrey's and Knox. It started out great, with out annual Christmas Program at Peterson Meadows. We decided to put it on one more time as a tribute to Grandma Knox. Shortly after the program ended and we were cleaning out the last few items from Grandma's apartment, my nephew Bryce threw up in the elevator. I told the lady at the front desk at Peterson Meadows that we had wanted to leave a lasting impression! From there, the Farrey's fell like dominos, with Jaime getting sick the following day, missing the Chrismas Eve celebration with our extended family, then Reagan, Mom and Dad on Christmas Day, then Anne Christmas night. We had a day of reprieve then Jeff and my brother in law, Jason fell ill on Tuesday. It will definitely be a Christmas to remember. Owen, Ruthie (my niece) and I were all well until yesterday. Thankfully, I didn't toss my lunch, but I was in bed all afternoon at my in-laws and definitely had a fever, but I seem to be bouncing back okay this morning.

November Travels

I headed back to IL last weekend with the kids to throw a baby shower for one of my oldest and dearest friends, Heather. She is expecting a baby boy in January and I could not be more excited for her and her husband, Adam to welcome their son.

This is the amazing cake that my friend, Kelly and her mother, Cindy made. Not only did it look amazing, but it also tasted amazing!

This is the diaper bike that Heather's sister Holly made. She has such an amazing gift for creativity.

Heather treated us to some tunes on the piano. Anne thoroughly enjoyed it. It reminded me so much of the times Heather and I would sing together with our friend Jenny, while she played piano for us.

The Storm

I still can't believe these are pictures of our backyard! We had actually rented a cabin in Southern Vermont for the weekend. However, a Noreaster headed our way that weekend. They were predicting 8-12 inches of snow where we had our reservations. So, we decided to stay home and woke up Sunday morning without power and found our backyard to be a disaster zone. Our roof had a hole in it. We were very thankful that though our cars were only feet away, they were not damaged.

this is the branch that went through the garage roof

Acton Discovery Center

A few weeks ago we went to the Acton Discovery Center. It's pretty neat. It's a children's museum in an old 3-story victorian home. Anne's favorite part was the kitchen. Owen's favorite thing was the mirrors. Jeff's favorite part was the science discovery museum. They had 2 big satellite dishes spaced about about 100 yds that you could talk into and hear the other person as if they were right in front of you.

Diabetes Walk

October was a very busy month for us, now that I look back on it. A group of us from work participated in the diabetes walk on the Boston Common.

The Stroller Brigade!

Anne's 1st Sleeping Bag

We bought Anne her first sleeping bag for a camping trip to Vermont. I wanted her to practice in it because she was going to be sleeping in a bunk bed in her sleeping bag. Here she is in her toddler bed practicing. She was just too cute in there that I had to sneak in later when she was asleep to take a picture.

A Visit from Aunt Darcy and Cousin Ellie

In October, when Jeff and his brother went to Indianapolis to help their youngest brother move, Ellie and Darcy came over to spend the night. The kids got to play for a while and then after we put them to bed, Darcy and I made ourselves a nice dinner, had wine, made gourmet popcorn and watched a movie. It was really fun.

Modeling Mom and Dad

Hiker in Training

In October, we took the kids hiking up Mt. Wachusett to train for Devil's Lake. We were so impressed that Anne hiked about 3/4 of the way up. It's about a mile from the parking lot to the summit. She loved getting to climb up all the stone steps. It was a very foggy view at the top, but was a great day to get out as a family.

A Trip to the Beach

We had a beautiful day late this spring to take the kiddos to the beach. We went up to Singing Beach at Manchester-by-the-Sea. It's called the singing beach because the sand squeaks when you walk on it. Anne was a bit afraid of the cold water that lapped up on her feet ad lib. Owen wanted to eat the sand. It was just a perfect, sunny day. We had a great time. Afterwards we stopped at a local deli with an ice cream shop next door.

A Trip to IL in August

I made a special trip back to IL in August to spend some special time with my Grandma Knox for a long weekend.

It's Been a While

Well, I finally found a cord for the camera. I looked for one a few weeks ago and gave up, but tonight I was successful. Hopefully it won't be such a long hiatus the next time. That is, if the little people around here don't move it!

I'm a happy boy!

"Oh, Owen, I love you."

After the tackle.

Anne's apparently prepping Owen for the NFL someday.

Devil's Lake 2011

Can't believe another Devil's Lake has already come and past. A great time was had by all, as usual. Just goes by too fast. Thought I had better get these pics up before I forget. This was Owen's first camping trip. Both Anne and Owen did great in the tent.

Our home for the weekend.

My kids in the packs. Anne getting a ride from Daddy and Owen getting a ride from Grandpa Farrey.

Anne was a pretty good trooper hiking on the trails.

She definitely enjoyed climbing around on the rocks.

Getting a high ride from Grandpa.

The Farrey-Hall-Reifenberger clan minus my mom who was the photographer.