the latest wells family antics

In the afternoon, we went to Cleveland Circle to hit Lisa's pool.  She calls it Melrose Place (for those of you who remember that show) and I think I have to agree.  Lots of twenty somethings with solo cups......we were a bit jealous.  Regardless, it was the perfect place for a swim and some lunch.  Thanks Lis!

Since Chris was away in Saratoga with his friends, the kids and I decided to have a little fun.  The first order of business had to be mini golf. Richie had been asking to play for days so we hit the orange dinosaur on Rt. 1.  We had a blast and Angela got a hole in one on her first shot!

My kids are pretty darn lucky for all of the fun things they get to do each and every day.  Boy are we going to miss Dawn!  Today they took a walk along the water on the Harborwalk (and obviously picked out their own clothes), took in a free opera concert (that they loved!) on the Prado and went to a printing press demonstration where Richie got to help make his own newspaper! They did tell me this morning that Dawn is sometimes mean.  She only gives them small bowls for cereal in the morning, she makes them clean up their toys and she wouldn't let them play basketball in the court next to the playground when the big kids were playing.  I guess it can be a tough life!

Some pics from playing outside today in our "backyard" the Rose Kennedy Greenway.  Today they had lots of games to play.  Check out the last picture of cool Mr. Ray Bans drying off in the sun.  Is he 4 or 14??

Richie's treasure box that he made at Arts in the Park.  I guess these are the kind of "gifts" I will have to start using and displaying around the house.  Good thing we just got a new big desk! And he is famous! http://www.northendwaterfront.com/home/2011/8/6/photo-crafting-art-in-the-park.html

 Not sure how she does it, but Dawn can get the kids to smile more often than I can.  Oh well who cares how it happens.  I am just a sucker for a good pic!

Because we feel so horrible and to get him psyched up, we preemptively bought Richie roller blades before his tonsil surgery.  Can you tell he likes them?

So we decided to do a some projects around the house now that we are going to stay in the city for at least a few more years.  One project is to redo our pantry.   This was Chris's project from the beginning.  He bought the cabinets unassembled and then hung them all by himself.  We had also decided to get a new fridge.  After 3 delivery crews (from 2 different stores) said the new fridge wouldn't fit up our stairs I thought the that idea was out.  BUT NO!  Chris was obsessed with getting that fridge so long story short......he turned in a work favor and had a crane bring it in our third story living room window!  The kids thought this was SO COOL.  Richie yelled, "Look Angela, Daddy touched the hook".  (I found out a crane is called a hook in the construction world).  And in preparation for the crane, Richie dressed up in his work boots.  The guys were so impressed they let the kids climb all over the truck.  I am ju...

The New England Aquarium came to our library to do a presentation for the kids about tide pools.  They brought a bunch of their teenage summer interns who were wonderful with the little ones.  After some explanation, they were able to touch all of the animals.  My kids wouldn't go near them at first, but they toughened up quick and then I couldn't get their hands out of the water.  Their favorite was the sea star because it felt bumpy and because the kids always thought it was called a star fish. 

Dawn took the kids to the MFA today to see the Chihuly glass exhibit and to try to beat the heat.  Richie called it the "chilli" exhibit and then begged to go to the contemporary art section!  They also saw the ancient Egyptian wing and did some drawing.

Since we missed Dawn's birthday last week, we finally had her over for dinner and to give her her presents.  Britney came over as well and we had a nice (yet hot) dinner and birthday "pie" to celebrate.

The kids have taken to their swimming lessons and are really excelling!  They are each in the pool with only a noodle which is a big step in itself.  Richie loves every minute of his lesson, but he gets cold quick and has to come out.  Poor thing is only 30 pounds!  I hope this tonsil surgery really works to fatten him up.  Angela is actually amazing in the water, but her attitude is her problem.  She still refuses to go near her Instructor until MAYBE the end of class.  Check out how well she is doing until her teacher comes near her.  Unfortunately I didn't grab the camera for Richie's lesson.

You can have a garden even in the city!  Thank goodness for our Earth Box because our roof gets full sun all day long.  With a lot of water...perfect for growing tomatoes, cucumbers, red and orange peppers, hot peppers and some herbs and spices.  The kids have really appreciated the whole growing process and have taken ownership.  We already have more veggies than we could ever eat and it is the first time we have picked any.  Come by for a delicious salad!

This weekend we went to StoryLand  and Maine for a super kid friendly vacation.  My kids will not stop talking about it for a long time because I know it has been one of our absolute favorites.  First we went to StoryLand in NH without the Daddies.  Yes there were four Mommies and eight kids ages four and under!  Luckily Kara and Amy's in laws (Karen and Joe) came to the park as well because I don't know what we would have done otherwise.  We basically had an entire day care with us!  At the same time the park is perfect for this.  Very clean and family friendly so babies Elin and Nate could have their Moms full attention. Richie's favorite rides were the bigger kid roller coasters.  As scared as he was, he continued to ride them and was so proud of himself.  Angela just went with the flow and went on any ride she was tall enough for.  Haley Larson (or maybe Joe!) wins for biggest smile.  I wasn't sure her face would go back ...