Summer 2009 - 21 mos - Aug

The Hills family traveled to New England for over a week to spend Matt's birthday and visit good friends. We went to Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.

While in Mass, we toured the city of Boston. Ian got to walk in "The Yard" at Harvard, though I doubt the grounds keeper appreciated Ian pulling up patches of grass. The Boston Childrens Museum, www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org, was AWESOME. There is absolutely no way to get through the entire museum in a day, and there is a section for every age and stage. During our stroll at Boston Common, we also rode the Swan Boats. We stayed with Ian's Godfather, Evan, and his family in Littleton. Ian has fallen in love with their family dog, Brewster, and wonders why Watson doesn't sit and tolerate his toddler loving. He did enjoy playing with Charlotte, who is the same age as Ian. It was the sharing of toys that became the subject of pushing and shoving. Alas, I've had to remind Ian that it is difficult to be gentle when one is jealous. Of course, that doesn't register even when it's time to share his toys.

During the five days at Camp in Wolfeboro we enjoyed the beach, boat and raft rides, dogs, the garden, friends and their children, and food. Ian had ample opportunity to practice going up and down stairs. We didn't actually attend the Hospital Fair that was going on as there was too much fun to be had at Camp. However, we did greatly enjoy theme night at Camp. Ian was dressed as a Cherub.

We took a day trip to Ogunquit, Maine, had lunch at http://jackiestoo.com, and ventured the Marginal Way. The views from the Marginal Way were spectacular, though Ian was more enamored with the fauna and flora rather than the craggy terrain of the coast line.

Upon our homecoming, the Hills family has welcomed a new addition. For about three years we managed to be free of any car notes. Matt's car bit the dust back in June, and he has been commuting by train to and from work, and we have been doing well with one vehicle. Now that he begins grad school this month, we were in need of an additional car. So, we now go from no car notes to two.

Gramma Lynne is coming for a visit next month. We are excited as we haven't seen her since Ian's first birthday!

Enjoy the photos and videos.