Northeast by Southwest

Sometimes I forget how much I love warm weather until it is back again. We had such a fun weekend enjoying the weather and being outside!

Friday morning we went to Lynch Park in Beverly with some friends, which has a great playground right on the ocean, and as a bonus one of the boy's dad is a firefighter, and stopped by with a ladder truck!

Nathan driving the firetruck.

Nathan and AJ ready for action!

Nathan looking wayyyy up at the top of the ladder.

Alex enjoying the playground (he wasn't so fond of the firetrucks).

Nathan recently graduated from his balance bike to a pedal bike. I am still in amazement what a fast transition it was!!

Saturday was Lynnfield Days (formerly known as Geraniumfest, good change I think!), right in the center of town. We walked down and he boys enjoyed decorating their own cupcake, visiting the various booths, and then a little antiquing.

Getting started...

Alex helping out.

The final touch - sprinkles!

The final product!

Sunday morning was the annual Touch a Truck in Woburn. The last time we went, Nathan was 2, and terrified to go on a single truck. This time he was much braver, but Alex cried anytime he got near a truck :)

Alex with a death grip on Michael.

Nathan driving the helicopter!

Alex completely lost it when he saw Bob the Builder, he was so excited!!

Bus!

Alex checking out the tall crane.

Nathan driving the awesome snow clearer.

Something I hope to never see again, LOL :)

Back home, a very tired Nathan getting the guest bed ready for Grammie and Papa's visit - 3 days!!

This past weekend the Savage family descended on NYC to celebrate Russ and Ed's wedding. We stayed near them in Harlem at a vacation rental by owner (VRBO), basically renting out someone else's apartment for a short term stay. It worked out great! We were close to all the festivities, had a good amount of space, a kitchen, and lots of family under one roof. I wish I had gotten a picture of the outside, a beautiful tree-lined street of Harlem brownstones.

And I wish I had taken pictures at Russ and Ed's amazing apartment, complete with private roof deck, and stunning sunset at the end of the day... We had so much fun celebrating the day, and NYC. We can't wait to visit the uncles again soon!

The awesome VRBO pad.

We arrived Friday just in time to unpack our stuff, get changed, and walk to short block to Ed's mom's VRBO rental. It was amazing!! She hosted a rehearsal dinner, and it was a great chance for the kids to get to know each other, as well as the families.

All the kids playing together, making paper airplanes.

Ethan showing the boys how it is done.

Everyone socializing.

Russ rocking out on the little guitar.

Alex watching the buses, taxis and cars drive by.

Tyler laughing at the big kids.

Christopher hanging in style.

Alex, Nathan and Christopher playing with the skateboard/bike ramp set.

Ed with his mom, and brother, Jay.

Russ, Ed, mom and close family friend.

Everyone hanging.

Tyler checking himself out in the mirror.

Brooks doing the same...

Alex jumping off the bottom step for the 10,000th time.

Papa and Alex having a little talk....

The next morning we gathered at Russ's favorite coffee shop, an awesome place called the Chipped Cup. Great coffee, bagels and a porcelain goat.

Waiting for our food.

Well, if you can't get everyone to smile.... :)

Next, Carrie suggested a quick jaunt to Times Square and the giant Toys R Us store there. Nathan swore up and down he would NOT go on the subway, would not!!

Nathan fully enjoying his train ride.

Times Square!

Wall 'o Hot Wheels. Heaven for Alex.

Nathan checking out the Jurrasic Park T Rex.

Nathan camped out in front of the Thomas display.

We hopped the train back to our apartment, got all gussied up, and walked over to the restaurant for the big event. It was pretty special to witness the exchange of vows between such a great couple :)

Guys With Strollers.

Russ and Ed, with Ed's good friend officiating.

Gin and Fred.

Lynns with Brooks and Christopher.

Ed saying his vows Russ, cracking him up :)

Will and Christopher.

Handsome Michael :)

The Hampton Family.

Mimi telling Christopher a story.

Our usual attempt to get a cousin photo - I hope Karl got a better one!

Alex chowing on the tasty pizza.

Papa giving his speech.

Michael and Alex taking a little walk.

A very tuckered out Nathan (Alex was asleep on me).

There was a fun after party at Russ and Ed's place, and silly me left my camera in my purse, so no photos :( There were three flight paths over the roof deck, so the kids were in heaven.

The next morning was Mother's Day, and we decided to squeeze in a quick trip to Central Park before hitting the road home.