A slight Kindle obsession

You know Syl's gotten the reading bug when you have to beg her to put away the book and eat!

Intrigued

This is where Bruschi and Sophie perch whenever Syl has a piano lesson. I can't tell if they like the piano or not...there's no singing along, Pax-style, and they're definitely not relaxed. They're so goofy!

  

Making it comfy

Step 1 of fixing up the large guest bedroom is complete: the comfy grandpa chair (as Syl calls it) has arrived!

Pats' Home Opener - on the field!

The Patriots' home opener turned into something of an unexpected squeaker, which only made the surprise on-field passes we came into more fun for Jeff and me.

Aunt Naomi's Boot Camp

Sylvie mentioned the other evening that she needs to start training for this year's Jingle Bell Run. That was the WRONG thing to say in front of her Aunt Naomi, who stayed up late last night setting up a "boot camp" just for Sylvie!

I'll let the photos speak for themselves:

Apple Picking

It is hard to go apple picking and remain in denial about the end of summer. This year we tried out Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow, home of North America's Largest Hedge Maze (I was skeptical too, but having spent 35 minutes trying to get OUT of it, I am a believer).

After a slow start (Syl was still dragging from the ropes course yesterday), we discovered the LADDERS and it was all uphill from there.

I love this shot.

Selfie with Aunt "A-No-Mi"!

The maze was really something. Apparently it is an exact replica of a hedge maze in England. I don't know from hedge mazes in England, but I cannot imagine what it takes to maintain this puppy.

There was  $100 fine for busting through the hedges, but no penalty for a through-hedge photo.

Eventually we consulted the map...

... and shortly thereafter, we found the exit (amazing!).

PS: Scarecrows are creepy.

Suddenly, summer REALLY feels over

 

 

NAOMI!

I'm always too busy having fun with Naomi to remember to take pictures when we're together. Happily, I did think to snap a few after school today, when Syl and I brought Naomi to the ropes course-Ziplining place.

The best part was when the lights came on!

No bull

Sylvie's first day in her new art school: she drew a bull (inspired by a sculpture in NYC, apparently). 

Still Technically Summer - End of summer BBQ

Yesterday we tested the limits of our new social space with more than 220 of our favorite people! Despite an inauspicious beginning (I pulled out my back and it poured about an hour before go time) our first summer party at 101 Plain Road was a huge success. Tip: urgent care WILL give you an anti-inflammatory shot in the buttocks in a pinch, and it DOES help).

We took advantage of the yard, with a huge bounce castle, a 60 foot obstacle course, a 17 foot high water slide, and a dunk tank. Sylvie LOVES the dunk tanks.

The highlight of the day for many of my colleagues came when our CEO was convinced to brave the dunk tank.

He lasted about a minute before taking the plunge.

Young co-workers = LOTS of babies. Five, to be exact.

The rainy morning gave way to a gorgeous afternoon and this perfect sunset.

The final guests left (or, rather, crashed in the guest rooms) at around 1:30. As I have always said, it isn't a party until someone puts a pair of underpants on the dog's head....

Many more photos by clicking here.