New Flag Football Believer

So, I have to say, I have been a bit glum in the past about organized team sports for young children.  My primary concerns are losing the weekend hours to games, being slaves to games, and having my children feel as though they cannot exceed.

Joel joined flag football this year because frankly, most of the other boys are doing it.  I was not excited about the weekend commitment, but Joel Husband you could tell, from the get go was psyched.  This was going to be something he would bond with his boy over.  It would be awesome.

I went to the second game for the first time, and I watched as a boy in Joel's grade grabbed the ball and sprinted, with some artful turns, to the other end of the field, evading all of the 1 foot taller boys along the way.  And I was hooked.  We cheered and cheered.  And Joel Andrew looked confused.  The boy who got the touchdown's parents told me that the first season is a rough one, do not worry.  That's ok, I thought.  As long as he is having fun.

Week after week we went to game after game and I got more and more excited each time a little kid ran down to the other end of the field to get a touchdown.  And then it happened, Joel started pulling flags.  He caught the ball, he tried to run...  He will get there.

He is more confident than ever, and he has a good time.  His coaches (including his Dad) are doing a great job, and he is learning to play on a team, good sportsmanship, and not to give up.  He is learning to practice and to be strong.  And, all of the other parents continue to remark to me about his improvement.

I feel a bit like he is like his Mommy, and maybe most improved player this year.  I am proud of my little guy and can't wait to root the team on again next weekend.  Yes, on a Saturday, at 8:00am.  Go Pack Go!

Indy - Pats vs. Colts

So, this is now our 9th away game, I think...  I have to write about it, but I am not sure what to write.  The trip was so epic, words cannot describe.  Also, it cannot be compared to any other football game experience either - because we had club AND suite tickets!  Not kidding. Actually, we had regular seats too - we sold those though.  Long story.

Normally I talk about the cleanliness of the stadium, the food they sold, the people and the intense harrassment of us in our Pats jerseys, but for this game we were swept away in a sea of amazingness, that I never really made it out to the regular seating area.  I'm ok with that, and did and will always treasure every moment.

We were going to go for the weekend, with friends and one thing led to another and the friend's dad was in town, and he had club seats - but then his friend was in town, and he had suite seats, and he wanted to share.  OK!

We let it slide when the catered tailgate had a deflated football cake (BTW - that was THE BEST cake I have ever eaten!); and Brady testifying cookies.  We stayed at the tailgate a long time, got to the stadium and the suite, and when we got there, most of the seats were taken. So, the suite owner GAVE US CLUB TICKETS.  Are you kidding?  That was enjoyable and we watched the first half of the game, where the Colts were doing better than we thought they would - from those seats.  It was awesome.

Second half back to the Suite. While I was chatting with Kim and explaining why teams generally do not go for it on 4th down, the Colts did, and it ended very, very poorly (now dubbed the punt).  The game went downhill for the Colts from there, but the Pats fans in the suite stayed on and boy did we have some fun.

The whole experience was really nice. We need to write some thank yous for sure. Joel husband had a lot of party and was a little roudy on the way home.  Some insights into our general time in Indy and the football fun we had:

1. The stadium is in an awesome location, very walkable from downtown and HUGE!  The retractable roof makes it temperate no matter what time of year. Everything seemed new and awesome, what a great place to watch a game!
2. All of the people in town seemed a little against us Pats people - but don't worry, they had a big mid-western smile for us too.  We ordered a cookie cake that said "Go Pats" and were told people almost weren't going to make it.  All in good fun, but seriously the Colts fans are fiercely loyal and also really, really think we are cheaters.
3. We did not get food or drink from the stadium as we came full, and the suite had food.  I am told there were local beers on tap, and the signature fried pork sandwich.  We may just need to go again!
4. Pats fans really brought it this trip, everyone on the plane ride down was quite vocal, and even running at 7am on Sunday morning I ran past a few fans who screamed "go pats" with me.  We did a good job representing!

Pats won.  

The remainder of the weekend was amazing.  Indy is an incredible city, totally walkable (or runable, as I did one 12 mile run and one 6 mile run, and what beautiful loops they were!).  The zoo is very nice, and two seconds from downtown; the museums are in a row and gorgeous, the Eiteljorg building itself is a marvel.  The canal walk has to be done, it is incredible to think a city was able to make something like that so beautiful and so clean and so welcoming for all.  And, there is a steakhouse on every corner.  We of course went to the famed St. Elmo's for a drink.  I want to go back to Indy again and again, what a treat!  I am so thankful we were able to go, and in such style, and do hope we can bring the kids again soon.

#20Before40

Since I am into the running thing, I want to keep it going, so I have a plan.  I would like to run 20 races before I turn 40.  I will start counting with my first 1/2 marathon that I ran on the eve of my 36th birthday - and I hope to end on that note too. In between time, I want to keep doing some races.

I haven't decided yet if it is 20 10M+; 10K+; or just any kind of race, races at all.  I'm thinking we should just call it any kind of race now, we can narrow later depending on how it is looking...  I'd like to update the blog with my opinions on each race and its "running" - both my running it and their running of it.  And, also, use this post as my continual measuring stick.

I am actively seeking friends to join me.  Take a picture with me at the start and then later when I hobble towards you at the finish.  It will be more fun for me that way.  The more the merrier!  Just let me know if any intrigue you and you are in, let's sign up - or get the date in the books!

So, here we go:

Last updated: December 1, 2015

Runs Completed:

1. Smuttynose Rock Fest, October 4, 2015.  1/2 Marathon, time: 2:11:57.0
2. Disney's Food Wine, November 6, 2015. 1/2 of a 1/2 Marathon (really 7 miles, weather related cut short by Disney), 1:03:06 - 437th woman out of 8,622. 85th in my division, and top 10% overall. (followed by 13.1 ran on my own a day and a half later around the hotel, time: 2:04:50
3. Hampton Falls' Tiger Trot, November 21, 2015.  10 Miles. Wicked Bad Head Cold. 1:45:56 
4. Jingle Bell 1/2 Marathon, December 12, 2015. 13.1 Miles. Results: 409/814 78/170 gender/age 2:01:29.5 9:17
5. Rock N Roll DC Half Marathon, March 12, 2016. 13.1 Miles. 2:07:14, 9:43 pace. #5,743 out of 14,470.
6. Wallis Sands 1/2 Marathon, May 15, 2016. 13.1 miles. 2:04:27.3, pace 9:31, #1 out of 24 Athenas!

Runs Signed Up For:

1. She Power Virtual Half.  Despite the name, I am trying the "Virtual Half" thing.  Can I credit this as a race will be debated in future blog posts. A medal will be mailed, and I will run it on my own time.  The medal is distinctive. I sent some unknown party $50 to run 13.1 miles around my neighborhood.  I get a virtual bib. We will see what this all means soon.
2. Old Port 1/2 Marathon and Lobster Bake - Saturday, July 9th. Who doesn't love Portland, and who doesn't mind running in sweltering heat?
3. Traveler Beer New England 1/2 Marathon.  Fall.  In NH.  It goes from Loudon to the State House and is supposedly all down hill, and it ends with a shandy!  What?!  Yes!  I am also this close to getting Mat to run with me.  Come on Matty!
4. Rock N Roll Vegas Half Marathon!
5. Key West 1/2 with Heather, the lady who started it all for me!  January, MLK weekend. Need I say more?

Runs I'd Like to Run (in no particular order):

• The Bermuda Triangle.  1 mile followed by a 5K followed by a 1/2 marathon.  January - MLK weekend.  It's in Bermuda!  And, sounds like a neat challenge!
• Maine 1/2 Marathon.  Fall - birthday weekend.  Coastal Maine.  I bet most people went to Colby. 
• One of those wine 1/2 marathons where you go through wine country somewhere (preferably out west). 
• Disney Princess 1/2.  February - NY/MA winter break weekend. I probably can't do more than 2 Disney runs, even with being a vacation club member - they are a $ commitment and time suck from your vacation, are scheduled (how do we take boys out of school?) on strange dates, and the most of them are in CA.  But, maybe I can do the princess 1/2 sometime?
• The Eastern States 20 mile/Run for the Border Half Marathon.  Sat, March 26, 2016.  I like the idea of running from Kittery, ME to Mass through the entire beach run of NH which I love, but highly doubt I'll ever make it to a 20 mile run, especially in the winter time!
• NYC 1/2 Marathon.  This is in March, and I would have to enter a lottery, or fundraise to get in.  But how fun would it be to run the streets of my old hood?
• Army Ten Miler.  In DC, gorgeous route, have heard it is a really nice run with lots of positive people.  It's in the fall.  The other option is the Cherry Blossom ten miler, which is a similar route and obviously in the spring and a gorgeous season.  BUT - that is a lottery run or a fundraising run.  Not too into that idea.
• Yosemite 1/2 Marathon.  Did you know that many of the national parks have these?  A lot of them seem to obviously be in high altitude areas.  Not sure how this would work.  Out of all of them it looks like Yosemite might be the least challenging.  It is in October.  Can you imagine?  Awesome.  Grand Canyon 1/2 would also be a contender here - if I was to pick one of these types of races.  That is in May. 
• Indy Mini-Marathon.  You get to run the Motor Speedway there?  Plus, some of my favorite long runs, and my best 6 mile time were in Indy.  YES PLEASE!  I just need to have the right company!  This happens the first week of May, which may conflict with Mother's Day and James' B-day.  Maybe it is my mother's day gift and James' b-day gift...
• Gate City 1/2 Marathon?
• There are a slew of interesting 10ks that I need to research too.  My husband had an idea of doing a "10k gourmet" where I travel, run and then eat and blog about it.  In Richmond, there is the Monument Avenue 10k which is supposed to be great; Atlanta has the "best run race in the country." The Cooper River Bridge Run, in April, in South Carolina, seems like a possibility sometime paired with a HHI visit - this one in particular has been getting awards for how well the race is won.-- I am sure there are more and I need to sprinkle 10ks into my goals too - a lot less taxing than a 1/2 or 10 miler.  
• A Run to Remember - its in Boston on Memorial Day weekend so it seems like a no for me, as we are always elsewhere...  But it looks awesome.
• A run that goes into multiple states at the sametime!
• An international run.  Do they do any half marathons in Venice?  Could you imagine running the streets of venice?  I WOULD LOVE IT.  Sounds silly.  How do they shut down a city walkway/lifeline.  Can't happen.  What about another awesome city in europe?  Italy?  Rome, florence?  Hmmm.

Anything I missed?

True Story: Milkshake

Tonight, driving home from dance class James and I were listening to our usual party music.  Then, Kelis' Milkshake came on.  It drives me nuts and gets in my head for days, so I went to switch it - immediately, before she even said more than one line of the song.  James immediately asked me: "Can you please put the Milkshake song back on, Mommy, I like it."

What did I create?

Smuttynose Rockfest 1/2 Marathon

I ran my first ever half marathon a week ago now, and I thought I would create my own little running section on the blog where I can talk about what I liked, and didn't like about each race.  So, here it goes.

Smuttynose Rockfest
Sunday, October 4, 2015, 8:00am
Hampton, NH
#5366
Finished in 2:11:57.0 (10:05 mile)

2593 504/981  F3039      JULIE WILLIAMS       Hampton Falls NH       35 F  5366 2:11:57.0 10:05 2:14:46.8 

Things I loved:

• I could pick up my bib the day before, (it was close to my house, so this worked).
• It was close to my house, and the route is one I run on a ton, so I know and like it. 
• Flat, lovely run with lots of water and rest room stops, ideal visual split of the race knowing the four different sections of the route (run in town; run up beach; run in the backroads; run down beach to home).  Well done.
• All of the people, except for the traffic, bathroom lines, and starting issues (see below) - I loved all of the people there. 
• Beer tent, that was fun, wish it wasn't so windy I would have stayed and hung out!
• Snacks - they gave out tons and tons of snacks afterwards!
• Medal - a bottle opener?  YES PLEASE!

Things that were tough:

• The traffic going in really was no joke, so I needed to be there super early and find parking, and then I was there and cold and waiting.
• Bathroom lines!  There were huge lines before the start of the race, I could not believe it!  But, what are they going to do?  The bathroom needs were only for about 20 minutes all day, or all event. 
• It was cold - I was glad I brought an old t-shirt and ditched it on mile 2.
• The first few miles were lapping loops. Would have loved to do a longer, straighter shot up the beach more but my guess is closing traffic down is tough!
• There were a ton of people at the start, tons, I didn't understand when we were even supposed to start!  If you look at my time, it took me 3 minutes to get to the start line. 
• Lobster line - way, way too long!

 I hope to do more and more!

Wife Carrying Competition

This post will be quick.  Because I am tired!  We had a great, long and fun weekend. We were with the Gouldmans!  And we opened up Sunday River, cooked delicious food, rocked some Wife Carrying Competition watching, hiked down a mountain, and then closed up the cabin, visited Portland, and more and more.

I'm gonna call the Sunday River Columbus Day weekend thing a fair - because it really has grown.  I remember when we did the wife carrying a number of years ago, and that was it.  Now it is a huge event, with multiple days - (the finally figured out Sunday they should have stuff too! this year it was a cornhole championship).  They had music, beer tent, wine tent (next time I have to do that one!); scenic chair lift rides, kids games, climbing wall, bouncing things and more and more.

We learned our lesson and did not go out to eat once over the entire weekend (until Monday night).  The restaurants don't know what to do with being slammed we have found over these weekends, so we cooked and ate and ate and ate.  In the condo. It was relaxing and fun.  And, go me for having the place cleaned and all of the sheets done at the end of last year, it made getting into the condo this year all the more awesome.

The boys loved the games and the bouncy house, but were still getting restless, so we took the chair lift up to the Peak Lodge, and then decided to walk down.  This was eventful, as James got some sort of poop on his jacket, and then later proceeded to pee his pants a bit, while running down the mountain.  Mara took an epic picture of James' butt, peeing in the middle of Dreammaker trail with the beautiful sky and leaves in the background.  Nice.

We then went to Sebago, which was nice because Sunday River was getting crampt with no skiing and activities running dry by Sunday afternoon, however I have to say that I could have stayed at Sunday River too.  At Sebago we watched the game on the big screen, had a big fire - and this am we sat at the beach and had actual sun while the boys swam.  On Columbus Day weekend.

All in all a great weekend away on the "Williams Family Home Tour."  We will not be going to Maine now for more than 8 weeks (maybe even as many as 10!), it is probably the longest break I have had in many, many years.  Sad face!

I'm a Runner Now?

I recently completed my first half marathon.  I had only ever run one race before - a 5K, in my neighborhood, before I brazenly decided I would run a Disney Half Marathon.  Who decides that out of the blue? Sounded good.  We like Disney, people run all the time. Honestly, people in my age bracket, with my family, who live where I live, they run.  I guess I decided I should conform already.  Only problem? The longest distance I had run before that was not even 4 miles I think.  When I was in High School, I almost didn't pass gym because I couldn't run a mile in 10 minutes.  I am not an athlete, and never once have been.  I played two sports, CCD Basketball, where I was voted most improved player because I was that bad at the beginning; and Rugby, where my nickname was Princess and I was very good at the drinking part.  That's it. What was I thinking?

In the beginning of training, I certainly didn't know what I was thinking - I remember getting in from runs and saying to myself, "I had no business signing up for a 1/2 marathon."  I frequently said this to myself.  But, by then I had signed up for the 1/2, and planned a family vacation with friends who have also signed up for the 1/2, so I was in.  I took it slow and allowed myself to be proud of my small victories - or surprises.  I would be surprised to find that I broke 5 miles, or that I was getting faster.  And with each small victory I got a little closer.  Then I started to make small goals - next week a 5k in under 30.  Done.  The week after a 10K in under an hour. Done.  With each small goal became a bigger confidence, and thus - just a week ago I signed up for my first 1/2 marathon and I ran it, in a pretty good time I might add! - all to prep for Disney, which is still one month out yet. Who does that?  Not me, usually!  And, this is the golden point which makes the accomplishment all the more sweet, and totally totally addictive.

(Obsessive Compulsive Disorder + Stressed Out + Overweight and Depressed) * A new Addiction which helps satisfy and deal with all three = a New Runner and someone a lot better for it.

Accomplished, proud and focused on something other than work, house, people who break into your house, and reality TV.  (almost) Fitting into clothes again without dieting too hard core.  And, bringing some street-cred to conversations with the residents of NH - who all seem to be runners.  These are just some of the early benefits.

So, I'm a runner now?  I guess?  I completed my first half marathon, the third race I have ever completed, and I have learned a few things:

1. Anyone can run a 1/2 marathon.  ANYONE.  I did it, anyone can do it. And you can do it with just months of training. I finished, I met with my family, chatted with other people, ate a banana, drank a beer, waited in well too long of a line to get my "lobster roll with run" - left line, walked around aimlessly.  And, then I cheered more people as they finished.  These people set a goal, worked hard, and were finishing - who cares what time it took, they were finishing.  Anyone can run a half marathon.  The person who came in first of 4,500 runners, did so on a hand cycle.  Anyone. ANYONE.
2. Running clothes do matter, and do make a difference.  And, you should always dress for 10-15 degrees warmer than the weather outside for long runs. You do not need to match, and the louder the gear the better.  Ironic running t-shirts/phrases are welcomed.  Sweatbands on heads are not just an 80s fad.  Runners will laugh at you if you show up to a race wearing sweatpants to run.  "Wicking fabric" is a thing, buy it and get to love it.  You may also pay $100 for running pants that can also hold your cellphone.  So much for all the $ I save by not paying for workout classes or the gym or a bike!  Sparkles, tutus, tiaras, all accepted and applauded.  But do not wear a t-shirt.  Nothing as simple as that please. 
3. Get fitted for shoes, from someone who knows what they are talking about.  A friend gave me the shoes that carried me across my first 1/2 finish line, and he knew me and did well!  Unfortunately, I also went to an outlet store to get a "back up pair" - it took me months to realize the nagging pain in my heel was because the back up pair was not cutting it. A quick trip to the local store and I was validated, a new order placed with my friend and his expert advice!  And a new back-up pair from the store too.  2 pairs that you are actively using are a good plan - 1 to break in and 1 on their way out so that if you lose one pair, mud or water happens, anything, there is always another ready to go. Never wear anything new in the 2 weeks leading up to race day!  Shoes are like tires, the treds wear.
4. The biggest Duh of all. When you finish a race, the time on the clock is not necessarily your time of run - especially on the big races.  It is called "gun time" - there is a Net Time - my Net Time for my first Half Marathon was 2:11:57.0  the gun time - which I originally thought was my time - was 2:14:46.8 - what a way to shave a few minutes off your first run!  I was wondering why all 4,500 of us were barely walking for what seemed like forever before I crossed the start mat.  Actually, with so many people wanting to break PR's (personal records for those of you new) - I am surprised there wasn't a stampede once you cross that Net Time starting point!
5. Read up to create your own perfect plan to get you started.  I really liked Matt Fitzgeralds' 80/20 method.  But above all, I found that the best thing to do, is to do what works best for you.  For me, one long run; one pace run (middle distance); and one short fast run a week was the best training.  Intersperse with Yoga and Stretching - in the winter time I hope weight training.  This could mean in the beginning a 1 mile short run; 2 mile middle run and 3 mile long run.  Up everything by 10% each week (short run speed; middle run a combo of distance and speed and long run just distance), and grow to where you want to be. Excel helped me set goals here. And I found that by challenging myself each time, differently - also helped to improve all around.  For a while I got stuck coming back from runs not looking like I did anything.  Then, I challenged myself on a short run day, and ran 4 miles averaging a 8:28 minute mile. Joel husband would say, if it didn't hurt you didn't try hard enough.  I wouldn't go that far, but if I came back from a run and could saunter right over to the wine, I guess I could push a little harder!
6. There is some sort of stick cream thing you can use for chafing.  Why do other people not tell you these things?  I am telling you.  It's called Glide. You are welcome.
7. Running with friends is a plus.  My husband would joke with me that there were two types of friends to run with.  One, you are more trained than them.  You have great runs and you keep up the conversation because you are more trained and the pace is theirs, not yours.  You end feeling excited and improved and ready, to your poor friend's detriment.  Then, of course there is the other type of friends to run with, when the tables are turned and you are the one trying to keep up with the talking, supportive friend.  These runs are important, they kick your butt because you do not want to fall behind too much - and they keep you in check.  Haven't found that 3rd type yet.  I have seen it though, most recently at the 1/2 I just did - it is out there.  People who run in pairs.  And stay the same pace.  Haven't found my pair mate yet.  Maybe I will?
8. Having a cheering section is a plus.  Your friends and family get annoyed with all your running talk, but they are important and need to realize it too.  Seeing my boys at the finish line for my 1/2 was awesome and like icing on the cake.  I went to a wedding and ran a personal best distance hungover, even eating an oyster on my last mile (I ran be the restaurant the wedding party was having a drink at, stopped, took the oyster and then kept going) - the joke of the wedding moving forward was everyone asking me "how much did you run yesterday?"  Yes, I get it, I talked about it a lot.  And, you poking fun at me (always with a side of awe, I saw it, you were shocked I did that!), actually was awesome for me.  It reminded me I did do it. And ate an oyster in the process too.  I am a middle-aged mother of two who is working hard to try to save a museum as well as keep a healthy balance of veggies and fruits in my children's diets, and I can also kill a hungover run and end with an oyster shooter.  I freaking rock.
9. Schwag and medals and bananas, these are all just some of the awesome things you will acquire at a race. My husband did all sorts of sports and has all sorts of medals, and at Sunday River are his ski trophys and the basement is littered with them.  I did not do any sports.  I am psyched to finally be doing something now, and bringing those medals to the neighbor's bbq in full strut mode (hey, my 1/2 medal is also a bottle opener, it was completely appropriate for me to wear it all day, and be the official bottle opener of the Fabbri book club bbq). 
10. Once you pass a hurdle - the one thing you thought you couldn't do - there is no stopping you. I thought there was no way I would ever run more than 6 miles - and you do it, and you do it again and do it better the second time - you will be hooked.  But, there is a limit.  I think the max I could ever consider myself going is 15 miles.  That's it.  Well, maybe 20.  That run for the border run looks interesting.
11. Music is important. It should be changed.  It should be updated.  If you know someone who is a runner, buy them an iTunes gift card.
12. JFR Means Just (expletive that begins with F) Run.  People wear shirts and have hats, and hashtag it, and I had no idea.  I was wondering if it was someone's initials who died in a tragic running accident.  Nope.  
13. You can't get bored.  Maybe talk to me in a few years, but there is always a way to best oneself, a new thing to achieve.
14. I am yet to learn, but what do we do in the Winter?  I heard someone on my Facebook running page call it a Dreadmill.  I can't agree more.  I wont last 2 minutes on it.  YIKES!  What's going to happen?
15. Runners are a good group of people.  They want to help each other out and build each other up.  They consider themselves apart of an elite club in which we know what each other is doing, accomplishing, and striving toward.  Runners will find others because of bumper stickers, and chat for the next hour about the best place to run or the best race.  They will alienate those close to them (who are not runners) in these conversations - not because they mean to, or want to, but because they are so excited about it, so passionate about it. They keep going.  

Psyched to be apart of this.  Scared to ever get an injury to sideline me.  Terrified at the winter and the treadmill and worried that I will fall out of it and not reap any of the benefits anymore.  Today I had a work lunch in Portsmouth.  I changed in my car in the parking lot, ran to Maine.  Got back to my car less than 33 minutes and almost 4 miles later, and then picked up my son from daycare to go to dance.  ANYONE can run.

Here's to hoping this isn't a fad for me. 

Book Club 6.0

It's been almost 7 years since we all met at "preggos in the pool" - so long ago.  Half of us were pregnant for the first time, the other half having their second child.  And we have stayed friends for this many years.  We tied it together with monthly book clubs which allowed us venting sessions on what it is like to be with a newborn, and the ever most popular topic of breastfeeding, but it grew into fun sessions with deeper conversations, and with support for life's big issues that inevitably come with aging and parenting.  The book reading has fallen off, but the friendship hasn't.

Our kids are older, and many of them are in classes together - whether it be in Exeter or in Hampton Falls -- even the next set of siblings that came are in Pre-K together (James with Amelie in Exeter!).  We were destined to be friends and keep our friendships going too!

So, it is ever so nice when we can get together as a family and hang out and spend time.  Spouses who were there chatted and became apart of the group, older siblings got along just fine and played football, younger siblings fit right into the pack.  Everyone was wonderful, well mannered, and relaxed.  What a wonderful gathering!

So thankful to have this group of friends.  I wonder if we will ever get back to reading books again.  It would be nice, I was glad to have learned so much from so many of the books we have read - but I also enjoy our time and just chatting as well.  Looking forward to 7+ more, ladies!

Pictures are Getting a Lot Harder to Take of These Guys

Eye Spy - the Best Museum Visit Ever

So, this whole blog is supposed to be about Museums and kids and kids at museums, but since my kids are growing older, and our days of adventures are now few and far between - between work and school and practices and sports (never thought I would say those things!) - the blog has become less and less about museums.  And, that is ok, it is life and first and foremost we should be enjoying the kids and the life we have now.  However, today was my birthday, and I took a day - not where I stashed James in daycare to get chores or work done - but a day where we drove to Boston and had a day together, and with my parents.

Where to go? Why not the MFA?  We walked around and we had a great time.  Grumpy showed him the swords, then while in the American galleries we "hunted" for all of the eagles.  We followed him through the many "maze" doors and found the mummys, and the coins room, where he made his own coin on the computer.  He was loving every minute of it.

We had a delicious lunch where he ate everything up, and then, upon his request, we played "I spy with my little eye" in the Museum.  We parked ourselves on the couches in the European Paintings room and played I spy for about a half an hour.  Everyone got a turn, and in the end James found them all.  And we all left feeling happy and excited about our time at the Museum, a win, win, win for all!  We even found a painting where the ladies were also playing I spy!

James enjoyed the big baby head sculptures a ton, and was a delight, even took a nap on the way home.  It was an epic day for kids at the Museum, all of us.  Now, I need to take James to europe!