I’ve been thinking a lot about family lately and how lucky I am to have such a large one. When I tell people that I’m one of five girls, most just sort of gape at me in amazement. Five kids is a lot by today’s standards and all girls with that many children isn’t something you come across very often. I feel really lucky to have so many sisters. We are all very different which just makes being together that much more fun. Sisters are the best. They really, truly are.
Dexter and I decided it would be fun to go hiking in the Middlesex Fells Saturday morning.
There are a few different trails to pick from and I chose one based on estimated time, about an hour.
We ended up venturing off a bit to some other trails just because the one I picked ended up not taking even close to an hour.
We came across two waterfalls, more than few uprooted trees and a number of watering holes .. one of which Dexter couldn’t resist splashing around in.
It proved to be a really beautiful morning hike.
Dexter ended up rolling around in some pretty unsavory smelling things. But that’s par for the course when you take him hiking.
It had just finished raining about an hour before our hike began, so everything had that great, just-rained scent.
Dexter spotted a pair of ducks at one point and did a really good job of listening when I told him not to go after them. Honestly, I was pretty amazed he didn’t jump in after them.
I think I’m going to make a habit out of weekend morning hikes. It’s just really nice getting out to someplace different and being able to explore, especially early in the morning when you’re likely to not see anyone else.
After our hike, we stopped by a great coffee shop for breakfast and then explored Downtown Melrose for a bit.
All said, a pretty great start to my weekend.
There are a lot of moms in my life that I want to shout out a very happy mother’s day to. But today in particular, I want to recognize a handful that play such an important role in my life.
The first, of course, is my momma .. who I’ve been calling Marmee since I read Little Women in middle school.
She’s someone who I couldn’t imagine my life without and we had a big year with her walking me down the aisle last summer.
It takes a pretty exceptional woman to raise five daughters. Mom, I love you so much and wouldn’t be half the person I am today without your love and support.
Next up is my sister, Alex.
She’s the mother to three exceptional children who are fun, smart, full of surprises and some of the best little people I know.
I aspire to be like her when the day comes for me to have my own family. She is patient with them, above all else .. something I imagine isn’t the easiest thing to maintain when raising three rambunctious kids.
I also have to acknowledge my Aunt Trish, mother to my cousin Nadia. She’s great company and the woman can cook. Two reasons I’m especially excited she’s making Boston her permanent (for now) home.
And I have to acknowledge the Ervin mommas .. Kathy (Chad’s mom) and Julia (my sister-in-law).
Kathy has just been such a blessing in my life. She brought up two terrific sons (one that I’m particularly fond of) and is one of the most thoughtful people I know.
And Julia .. oh my how I wish we were next door neighbors and could chat and catch up and drink sangria on the front porch every day. I really did marry into the best family. Julia feels like my fifth sister and I’m so lucky to have her around.
One of the things I love about Julia is how fun she is. She and Erik have raised a great kid and his curiosity and sense of adventure comes straight from them.
Happy Mother’s Day!
… with a 1974 Ford Bronco.
I never thought I’d say that about any car, but my mind has been changed. I got to drive this car yesterday and had so much fun while doing it.
Pros: I felt like I could either be on my way to an African safari or to an afternoon of surfing.
Cons: There was no rearview mirror and only a lap belt. Not exactly the safest car in the world.
Weird Thing: Besides reverse, there were only three gears.
Now this car is all I can think about. And all of the awesome adventures I could take with it.
Last Saturday had the distinct honor of hosting both the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo. Did you know that I’ve never actually watched the Kentucky Derby?
I was invited to a Cinco de Mayo party and wore a dress more appropriate for the Kentucky Derby. Does anyone else like sitting in front of a floor length mirror to apply makeup?
I had margaritas and sangria. Maybe that was why I ended up spilling sangria all over one of my favorite dresses. But not to fear. Laura (the host) dashed for her Tide Pen and all was saved. Seriously, the entire stain ended up coming out. I’m a Tide Pen convert.
And I played Cards Against Humanity for the first time. LOVE IT. It’s like Apples To Apples but a thousand times better. And Chad actually enjoyed playing it. And Chad is not a party games kind of person.
I’ll let you be the judge.
So, I know that the Met Gala is kind of the fashion event of the season where celebs and designers show off more avant garde designs. But I just wasn’t so into what I saw this year. I mean, just about everyone looked like they’d taken a page from the goth handbook. Not for me.
Tom and Giselle, on the other hand, looked fabulous .. as always.
See a full roundup of Met Gala fashions on People.com.
