Charles River Walk

Christian and I walked around the Charles River for our latest date night adventure.  I normally run this route on Wednesday nights with my running group, but I have always wanted to take Christian for a walk  the same route so we could take pictures of the beautiful city we live in.  Every time I run from Cambridge to Boston and back I have to pinch myself that this is where I live.  I am sometimes shocked that I ended up in this crazy cool big city.  

It was a wicked hot and humid day, but we had a lovely time and enjoyed seeing all the sailors, kayakers and boaters on the water.  

 We stopped on the Boston side to sit on a dock and picnic with our feet dangling in the river.  The river water was so cool and refreshing; it made our picnic so enjoyable.  

Somerville Memorial Day Parade

It was not quite the sunny Memorial Day weekend most were hoping for here in New England.  We chilled most the weekend, but had a few friends over for a BBQ and to attend the Somerville Parade with us.  Berke's cute friend Isabel came with us, and to my shock, Berke decided that he would like Isabel to be his girlfriend instead of Lily!!!  

Our friends Wendy and Terry came along as well.  Berke loves Wendy!

Berkeley has mixed feelings about the parade; he really struggles with loud sounds and the parade is full of them.  He was a trooper nonetheless, he enjoyed the bands and fire engines with his ears plugged, he gathered up a plastic fire hat full of candy thrown out and waves his American Flag for the cars that drove by.

Double fisting it!  Loves his country and his candy.  Dum dums are among his favorite candies ever.

I spotted by good friend Jack on one of the many Shriners floats.  He works for the one of the nursing homes I work in doing activities; he is 80 years old and still works 5 days a week.  He is full of spirit and energy and loves his job.  He is the one of the sweetest men I know!

Gathering up more candy

Thanks Somerville City for another great parade!

Big News!!!

Berkeley has some big news.... He recently proposed to his girlfriend Lily and she said, "Thank you."

Berkeley came up with the idea on his own that he was going to ask Lily to marry him.  He has had a crush on his little pal Lily for quite some time now (along with 3-4 other little boys in the area).  He had the idea, so I provided him with a cute blue flower ring that he could give her.  He was really excited to ask and Lily was pretty excited that he was giving her a beautiful ring.  Berkeley asked Lily if she would marry him and her eyes got really big; Lily then took the ring and said, "Thank you." 

Surprisingly this was good enough for Berkeley; as you can see he is one happy kid! Don't they make a cute couple?

In other Exciting Berkeley news!!!

 Berkeley is excited to announce that he will be a big brother this year.  

Baby Gentry #2 is due December 10, 2013. 

Moving On..

Things in Boston are sorta getting back to normal after the Marathon Bombings.  It took more of an emotional toll on me than I thought it would.  After being on lock down that Friday and watching the TV from 5:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. without a break, I felt myself completely exhausted and a surprisingly to me, a bit afraid.  I went to bed that night afraid to leave my husbands side, just not feeling safe in this city that we love any longer.  What a strange week it was; just so tragically sad to see how many people had been effected and how awful the whole thing had been.  It was just so strange and uncomforting (don't care that this isn't a real word) to know that all these events took place in a 5 mile radius of my house.

After that Friday I couldn't watch the news or listen to anything about the Marathon Bombers for a good week.  My little fragile soul just couldn't take much more. I try to be in tune with my emotions and with the heavy work I do, I try to keep life outside of work much lighter.  The Marathon Bombing had taken control of my thoughts outside or work and life was just too heavy for me to handle.  

Every day there is new news reported about the case and stories of victims and their triumphs.  I try to listen to as little as possible, yet be informed. I think it will be awhile before I feel safe again.  That being said, I have loved seeing my community come together and support each other.  I really do love being a part of this amazing city.

While I am ready to move on with different news besides what happened on Patriots Day, I am also ready to move on to warmer weather.  We have had a LONG winter and I'm pretty positive we are all ready to get outside and play.  We have somehow survived this cold spell through coloring, practicing letter writing, playing doctor, with play dough, puzzles, science time, movies, playing with toys and with Berke's imaginary gang. 

 Winter is not my favorite time of the year, but I will say it has been wonderful to see this little boys hands and mind really work, change and grow as we are able to take the time to work with him.  Writing his name is not something he loves or excels at, but he tries so hard to write his ridiculously long name and I love him for that.

 It makes me happy that anytime one of us gets hurt with just a scratch, B races in his room to grab his doctors bag to fix us up.  He loves to put bandaids on us and give us shots and just use his imagination.

We've had fun indoors, but this overpriced small two bedroom apartment needs some space to breath.  So we plan to head outdoors and have fun a lot more as the sun graces us with its presence.  Hopefully we can conquer riding a balance bike and being more brave in the water this summer!

I do know we are ready to move on from this season into a new one.

Boston Marathon Tragedy

The first year we moved here I was obsessed with the Boston Marathon; I was amazed at the athletes.  At that point in my life I didn't think I could run over 3 miles tops, but I was a great cheerleader indeed. Marathon Monday is one of my FAVORITE days in Boston.  The entire city is excited to go and cheer on the thousands of runners who train so hard through the winter.  It is truly unifying and inspiring on many levels.  

Since my first marathon watching experience, I myself have become a runner, not a marathoner (yet), but have developed a love of running in this great city.  Often I run around the Charles River and am in awe that I live here and get to run surround by so much beauty.  I have gained so much more appreciation for the time and dedication of all the marathon runners take to be able to complete such a task.

I remember running my first half marathon and how I realized how mentally challenging running was on top of the physical challenges.  I was overcome with emotions when I crossed the finish line; feeling so proud of myself and a sense that I could do anything.

This year I was not able to be at the Marathon due to having important work obligations.  I made sure to send my boys with our friends, because they had to represent and cheer for all these people who had worked so hard.  I watched the start on TV with one of my patients as she reminisced about cheering her son in law on in the past.  I get so psyched up for these runners and motivated for what runs I want to do for the year.  I was super bummed to not be at the marathon this year.  

I was at work when Christian texted me about the explosion. He kept sending me links and pictures and I was in shock.  He and Berkeley and most of our friends had been watching at mile marker 19 about 7 miles away from the explosion; luckily they were all safe at home when the explosion occurred.  The more I watched, the more I couldn't work.  It was the same paralyzing feelings I felt when 911 happened except this time it was down the street and way too close for comfort.  I had to leave work and be with my family.  I drove home listening to press conferences on the radio and was so shaken.  I ran into my home and hugged all three of my boys who were on the floor playing car city.  We all embraced in a huge hug, even McDuff could feel the urgency of a family snuggle.  I was never more thankful to be with my family all safe and sound.

I couldn't help but think of the poor runners who did and didn't get to finish and how mentally this would effect them.  How it would effect the Boston Marathon's in the future.  It made me want to get out and run as a statement to say, "Screw you!"to whom ever did this.  My heart broke when I saw pictures of a sidewalk splattered with blood, where just hours before were happy people cheering on family and friends. I felt unsafe just driving on the road.  I just wanted to be with my family, but I couldn't tear myself away from the TV, until I did.

Words cannot express the love Christian and I felt through the enormous amount of texts, facebook messages and likes that our family is OK.  There were many calls and e-mails as well.  So many people thought of us, and were worried for us, it was amazing the way they can reach out through social media to show their love and concern.  I am still overwhelmed by the love everyone sent and still sends to us.  I love how our close group of friends sent out a group e-mail to get a "head count" on everyone; every body responded so we knew our closest friends were all safe and sound.    Even though we are physically okay, mentally we are fragile, as I'm sure many of you are.  I cannot think of a way to really put into words how I feel; there are so many emotions and I find myself crying at songs,  at the radio and watching the news constantly.  I see pictures of that  8 year old boy and I reach for Berke and just hug him so tight.  

Just after Berke was born I took him to his first marathon. I remember heading to the finish line in the afternoon with some friends to check out the action there.  It was a bit shocking to think that 4 years ago I was close to where the tragedy hit yesterday; where many people took their children this year.

We are pictured with our friends Kate, and Berke's good buddy Soren.

(while I hate this picture of myself, I think it speaks volumes about the power of running)

 Here they are again the following year at our normal viewing spot for the Marathon in Newton.

And yes, they were together watching the Marathon again this year.

For now I just pray and cry and that is how I am mourning this tragedy.  I wish I could do more.  But we are okay, we are together and luckily our friends are all okay.  Our city is sad but strong; Boston is not a place for the week in heart.  We will continue to be strong and love our families and neighbors.  

I will also keep running, in honor of those who may not ever be able to again.

Easter in Utah (Part 2)

 Half our time in Utah was spent with my Dad and the Taft side of the family.  Berke loves staying with Papa Taft because he has a huge theater in his basement with every channel of cable one could ever want.  All he wanted to do was stay there and watch shows.  B spent a day with Papa Taft going to the Aquarium, watching shows and watching more shows, while I went out with my Gram and Aunt shopping in Park City.  I even got a girls night out; we saw Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Hale Center Theater.   We had a fun time hanging out with family, going shopping, going out to eat and going shopping some more and then eating some more.

This is my great grandma Utella, Berke's great great grandma.  It's pretty amazing B gets to meet her and so is she!  We love her lots.

 Berke loves his Papa Taft and was happy that Papa turned off the "Alarm Lady" to let the Easter Bunny in to drop off the basket.  This was very concerning to my boy.

 The Easter Bunny did visit us at Papa's house and brought Berkeley lots of candy and other fun goodies.  After the basket we colored some Easter eggs, B ate the marshmallows out of his lucky charms and we got ready to go to Gram's for Easter Breakfast. B was pretty happy to have lucky charms 3 mornings in a row at Papa's house, he never gets those at home.

 Did I mention that I got to meet my dad's fiance, Hope?  Yep, my dad is gonna get hitched.  He finally found the right lady for him.  It was great to get to meet Hope; she seems like a really sweet and lovely lady and I look forward to getting to know her better in the future.

 Berke and Auntie Nean.  She is the best auntie, we love her lots!

 Gram and Nean got the boys Easter Baskets too!  This kid did not lack in Easter candy or goodies from baskets this year.  Isn't my Gram the cutest?  I love her lots and loved seeing all the additions she made to her house.  

Gram, Berke and Gage, these are her two great grand sons, handsome little devils, right?

Gage is so good with Berke and Berke just loves Gage!  It really is sad that Berke doesn't get more cousin time.

I love hanging out with the Tafts, we always have a fun time.  Gram and Nean are my best shopping partners and I always find way too much good stuff when I am with them.  Good thing I always bring an extra suit case to store my goods.  

Berke loved getting to see all his Utah family (minus the Kirwan clan), but was a bit overwhelmed by all the people.  He said to me, "Mom, there are just a lot of Grandmas and Grandpas." It is true, B is lucky to know so many great grandparents that love him so much.  What a great family he has on all sides.

We had  a blast, but came home completely exhausted.  We went 100 miles an hour in Utah on little sleep; it was well worth it for all the wonderful times and memories!

Easter in Utah (Part 1)

Berkeley and I flew to Utah for an Easter visit with the family.  It was a quick visit of 4.5 days split between my mom and dad's family, so sadly I didn't get to see many friends. 

I tried to split the time between my mom and dad's family evenly so we can see everyone; as fun and wonderful as it was to see everyone, it was also pretty exhausting.

 

We had a wonderful time with my Mom and Dad and this crew.  I have 3 adorable nieces and 2 handsome nephews.  It was so fun to meet my newest niece Oaklee and see how big and grown up everyone else was. Berkeley loved playing with his cousins so much.  It was so precious to see how well he clicks with them all and loves them so much.  He and Tristen became best buddies and loved doing everything together.  Those boys are only two weeks apart, and while they are very different in personality, they loved each other so much.

One of the reasons I wanted to go to Utah so badly was to get to spend time with both of my Grandmas.  It was wonderful to see them and spend some quality time with them. 

 

My mom planned an amazing Easter Egg breakfast and Egg Hunt on Saturday.  She spoiled her grandkids something fierce with Easter Baskets filled with goodies and 40-60 eggs per child.  She knows how to throw a fun party!

 

Four Generations

Great Grandma Lucile, Grandma Karen, Mommy Laci and Berkey Boo



Boy cousins are the best!

I loved getting to snuggle with cute little Oaklee.  

Berke and I had a great time going to the Tracey Aviery with the family, decorating cookies, playing at Jungle Jims and having sleepovers with cousins.  Berke asked if we could stay in Utah forever; he didn't mind all the love and attention he was getting that is for sure.  I am forever grateful we could  make the trip to Utah this Easter and spend time with my family.  Sometimes I just miss them so much.  While the time was short, it was worth every second.