Boston, MA

It seems impossible that Parker could be 7 years old already!  Where does the time go?  I had plans to be in Boston the weekend after his actual birthday because that was when he was having his party and it was also the weekend of Evie's dance recital.  I was unable to change to an earlier flight on Friday afternoon, so I arrived after Evie had already gone to bed.  Boo.  Luckily, Parker was still up watching Stars Wars Episode Two.  Paul and Nichole made an agreement with Parker that he could watch the Star Wars movies when he turned 7, so he's been watching one movie per Friday night since his actual birthday on May 24th.  When I called to sing to him on his actual birthday he was so excited about watching Episode One that I couldn't believe he actually paused the movie to greet me with hugs and kisses when I arrived.  We watched the last 45 minutes of the movie together and I got a kick out of the fact that he had to cover his eyes every time someone on screen kissed.  He is growing up so fast!

As part of our birthday tradition, we had our shopping/lunch date on Saturday before his party so he could pick out his present.  We got an early start because Evie had a soccer game and Nichole had loads of stuff to go in preparation for the Lego party at 2:30.  My parents were also arriving around 1:00 and we wanted to be back before they pulled into the driveway.  We went to Learning Express in Newton Center because they carry Star Wars themed Lego sets which is what he wanted.  After much deliberation and contemplation, he settled on the Jedi T-6 Shuttle.  He was so excited to get home and put it together that when I told the clerk to gift wrap it, he was very confused.  I know how Parker's brain works.  Once he gets started on something, there is no stopping until it is done.  So, I wasn't about to let him start working on a 3 hour project before his birthday party.  He'd have to wait until after the party to put it together.

                        

We made a quick stop at Evie's soccer game to cheer her and her barn owl teammates on before heading to Bill's Pizza for lunch.  This is the same place I took Evie for her birthday and for some reason, it has become our go-to place for birthday dates!  We ran into some of Parker's friends who sat with us while we enjoyed our pizza.  After lunch it was back to the house to meet up with Grandma and Grandpa and get ready for the party guests to arrive.  Nichole had already decked the house out with Lego decorations and we helped assemble goodie bags and place balloons throughout the house.

The gaggle of boys (and 3 girls) arrived at 2:30 on the dot and Nichole started the first game.  After all the inside games and some cake, the party moved outside for a pinata and a good old-fashioned water balloon fight.  Boston was having a crazy heat wave and the cool water was the perfect finish to the day.  We went out for Chinese food after the party and came home to open presents.  As expected, Legos made up the majority of the gifts, but he only got one duplicate.  Lucky, lucky boy!

Game One: Team Lego Assembly

Lego Cake for a 7 year old!

Alex swinging at the pinata!

Check out Eddie's aim...  Poor Caroline!

By the time I got up on Sunday morning, Parker was halfway through the assembly of his Jedi T-6 Shuttle.  It is impressive how good he is at putting together Lego sets.  I think a future in engineering is in the cards.  Parker had a lacrosse game before Evie's recital so he, Paul, Grandma and Grandpa set out for the field first and Nichole, Evie and I followed a bit later.  He was right in the action again and his time finished the season undefeated with a one point win over the other team.  He was thrilled.  We headed straight home so Evie could get ready for the recital.  She was a vision in pink and blue sequins with her hair in a bun and make-up on her face.  She and Nichole had to be to the venue an hour before the rest of us, so off they went.  Just like last year, we were so impressed with Evie's number in the recital.  Seeing her on stage was such a thrill!

Evie the ballerina!

We went to dunch (lunch/dinner) with 2 other families after the recital.  The kids all got along and the adults enjoyed some good conversation before parting ways.  We got some got some ice cream treats at Cabots before Nichole, Parker, Evie and I went for a walk through town.

I had a morning flight to New Orleans on Monday, so I got a last snuggle up with Parker before school.  Evie didn't have school, so I actually had to go wake her up to say good-bye.  I can't wait to our next visit...