Today I am the mother of two young boys, one a spunky 3.5 the other just 2 weeks old and hanging right now in my baby wearing sling.  My 3.5 year old is at pre-school so I am home with just my little guy listening to the sweet sounds of a newborn as he is cozy and warm and dreaming of, I assume, milk.

At times it has been absolute madness around here, with everything happening at the same time: newborn crying, dog needing to go outside, dinner burning, pre-schooler jumping off the stairs… husband downstairs “cleaning.”  In those moments I can’t help but feel overwhelmed.  Then, the moment passes and all is calm and wonderful once again.  Everyone is helping out and I once again can let myself breath and enjoy my house full of boys. Taking in the moments and enjoying the ride of this crazy wonderful life.

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

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Our Utah house.

Have you ever moved? I’m talking about a major move, one that takes you at least to a new state, if not a whole new region of the U.S. or new a country. We have twice.

Our first move came just as my husband was finishing up his masters degree. Until then we had spent our entire married life, just shy of seven years, in Utah. We both attended school there, and that’s how we met. All of our firsts were there:  first date, first kiss, first apartment, first baby, first home, first grown-up jobs. While we cherished all the memories we created there, we felt we had outgrown our college town. We were ready to move on. When a job listing came up in New Hampshire we figured, “Why not?” Neither of us had ever lived farther east than Utah and we thought it might be fun to give the east coast a try. Our kids had just turned three and 11 months. We figured it was a perfect time to make a big change.

Our New Hampshire home.

And a “big change” it was. The accent, the culture, the weather, the sun rising over the ocean. We felt incredibly blessed to find that my college roommate’s sister had moved to the same city two years earlier. She was amazing in helping us with our transition.

Our new home.

Nearly seven years later (do we see a pattern?) my husband was feeling the itch for a job change. He mostly looked locally  since we were in an underwater home. But there was one job he couldn’t help applying for, and it was in Pennsylvania. We had always gushed about the beauty of Pennsylvania while driving through on the way to visit family, but neither of us had ever imagined we’d ever live there. Our goal was to make it back west, nearer to family. Life has a funny way of taking you where it will. The job offer was amazing. We found renters for our New Hampshire home. We found a beautiful home to rent in the Philadelphia area. We were even going to be near friends who moved there a year ago.  How great is that? Everything came together….in less than a month’s time.

The hardest part about the move this time around was telling the kids. When we told them, Goosey burst into tears and sobbed for a good 15 minutes. She didn’t want to leave her friends, our home, and her beloved school. I don’t blame her. It was all she had known. The boys (yes, we added another child in New Hampshire) were similarly hesitant, but without the intensity. Our challenge, which we had anticipated, was to help the kids with the move.

So, we began talking up the positives of the move.

“We have a new city to explore!”

“You’re going to make new friends!”

“Your New Hampshire friends can be pen pals!”

“We’ll only be a short train ride away from New York City!”

“Washington D.C. is only three hours from Philly!”

“Just think….Amish country!”

Friends, it worked. Within the next 15 minutes Goosey’s eyes were alive as her mind raced through the possibilities. Was she still sad about leaving her friends and her school? Of course. But the potential advantages were outweighing the negatives. She knew it.

The post Moving with Kids appeared first on Boston Mama.

Goosey and Dogger ready for ski lessons.

One of the coolest things about Manchester, NH is the ski area in the middle of the city.  Yes, smack in the middle of the largest city in the state. McIntyre Ski Area makes it super convenient and affordable to learn to ski and snowboard.

Last year my kids signed up for the Ski Club through their elementary school. The Ski Club offered slightly reduced lesson rates at McIntyre Ski Area and the ability for all kids in the club to be in lessons at the same time. This was completely awesome because it made carpooling so easy. Everyone was there at the same time already, so it wasn’t a big deal for one person in the neighborhood to take five or six kids each week (some of the more distant Ski Clubs bussed their students to McIntyre).

McIntyre also does a really great job reserving tables in the ski lodge for each school. Every Wednesday there were several tables clearly marked for families from our elementary school. It was so fun to hang out during the lessons and chat with the other parents. I got to know some new people that I absolutely love!

If your school doesn’t offer a Ski Club, you won’t be left out in the cold (pun intended)! You can sign up for McIntyre’s Ski School on an individual basis too. Skiing and Snowboarding group lessons can start as early as ages 3-6 with the Little Macs Program.  School aged children are placed in the Mighty Macs program.  There are also private lessons available to would-be skiers and snowboarders of all ages. All classes are grouped by both age and ability. These programs fill up very quickly, and McIntyre is currently accepting applications.  You can download an application from the lessons page.

Tubing with friends during February break.

If you just want some recreational skiing, snowboarding or tubing, that’s available too. At the end of the day, McIntyre is a gem, snuggled away in New Hampshire’s queen city. If you live in southern New Hampshire there is no better way to your winter sports experience.

You might also enjoy:

Keene Pumpkin Festival

Hobo Railroad

Boston Freedom Trail

The post Ski School at McIntyre Ski Area appeared first on Boston Mama.

Ingredients:

If you want to get really fancy and impress you could serve the dip in a small pumpkin!

The post Sweet and Tasty Pumpkin Pie Dip appeared first on Boston Mama.

I’m not surprised.  Our trip to the fair wasn’t very funny, but it was fun and as always an adventure.

The idea to go to the Topsfield Fair was spontaneous and not very planned out.  I’d like to share some tips that I have learned in hind sight that might just make your day a little more enjoyable, and save you money too.  The thing about fairs is you pay to get in, but then there are so many other costs that you leave thinking, wait how much did we spend today?

If you plan your day ahead of time there are all sorts of ways to get discount tickets.  On-line through AAA and other Boston sites, at local stores, and through local charities.  If you are able to go during the week there is also a discount and less of a crowd.

The first place they get ya is parking.  $10 to park at the Topsfield Fair.  Not sure if there is anything you can do about this?  Flirting with the parking attendant might work- didn’t happen this year for me.

Second thing to think about is how you enter the park.  I didn’t realize it but we could have entered at the midway or maple st. gate and avoided entering the fair the way we did which was to walk right into the kiddie ride zone.  Although Tommy is only three years old he is already a ride enthusiast!  Once he saw the rides it was all over and he wanted nothing to do with the cute animals we had discussed visiting on the ride over.

Animals- we did make our way to the animals and yes they were cute!  At times you could even pat the animals.  FYI bring hand sanitizer, not that I am a big germ phoebe- but it is Flu season and lots of other kids are patting the animals too.

newborn bunnies

Choose your Adventure-  Rides are not included in the cost and although we only bought 5 tickets it cost $11.25.  If you have more than one child or an older child you are definitely going to buy more ride tickets.  OR go in that secret gate and pretend that there are no rides (I have a friend that does this!).  I heard a rumor that there are ways to get discounts, I have not tracked this one down yet.

At your own risk- While we were there, not one, but two rides broke down.  One got stuck in the upright position with a little girl stuck up in the air. GULP.  Can you imagine if that was your child?  She is fine and all turned out okay.  Rides are going to break down so if the thought of your child stuck up in the air is too much don’t let them go on it.  OR maybe your child will be like mine and get frustrated on a firetruck and have to be rescued.  Yes it happened, my husband had to climb in and “rescue” him- he had to go through and get stuck in the kiddy tube..there was no other way to get him out!

Sitting down- The funny thing is we went to the Fair on Senior Day- and because of the work I do as a social worker with older adults I saw a lot of people that I know.  I even joked that there will be plenty of places to sit down, it being Senior Day and all.  BOY was I wrong.  There were  no benches to sit down in in the kiddy ride area and due to it being senior day many of the other benches were taken too.  At one point I had to sit on the grass.  I guess I should have carried my own chair in.

worlds largest pumpkin (2009 lbs!)

Food- Besides the rides the food is by far the biggest money maker at the fair. Sausages, whole chicken legs, keddle corn, candied apples and corn on the cob- oh my.  So much to nibble on and buy to fill your tummy.  We must have spent about $40 on food- no joke.  I saw some smart planner type parents with small coolers, snacks and sandwiches.  Super smart!!

Despite spending a fortune from a lack of pre-planning we had a great day at the Fair and I have a feeling we will be going back year after year.  The senior’s I met up with had so many fond memories to share from the days when they took their own kids to the fair, which was very sweet to hear.  I think that is what is so wonderful about a local fair, each year it’s a little different but at the same time it remains the same- same smells, same exhibits, same over priced rides. Same chance to make memories….even the frustrating one’s are already making me smile.

The Fair runs September 28th through October 8th.

If you are in the area also check out Haunted Happenings in Salem – just a 20 minute drive from Topsfield, MA

The post Let’s All Go to the Topsfield Fair appeared first on Boston Mama.

Keene town square

The Keene Pumpkin Festival is the number one, must do Halloween activity in northern New England. There’s nothing quite like it.

Keene is a sleepy little college town in southwestern New Hampshire. In 1991 Keene’s downtown merchant association decided to try to boost business by opening their doors to trick-or-treaters on a Friday night.  They also donated 400 pumpkins to local youth groups to be carved, then displayed in the town square.  In all, there were 600+ pumpkins and a new tradition had been born– the Keene Pumpkin Festival.

The 2012 Keene Pumpkin Festival will take place on October 20th from noon to 8:30pm. Festivities include a children’s costume parade, pumpkin bowling, food and craft courts, a one mile race, a 45-foot ferris wheel, and as always, pumpkin towers.

A jack-o-lantern tower

Every jack-o-lantern donated to the festival will find a place on the square. At the end of the festival the total will be tallied and, fingers crossed, a new record will be set for the most pumpkins in one place. It’s so much fun to locate your pumpkin and to be part of a community effort.  While you’re searching for your pumpkin, you’ll be amazed at the other jack-0-lanterns on display.  Not only are there the traditional carved faces, but you’ll see intricately carved works of art.

So, put it on your calendar, make the trip, be part of some record making while having a fabulous time.

You might also enjoy:

Apple Picking in New England

Hobo Railroad

Boston Freedom Trail

The post Keene Pumpkin Festival appeared first on Boston Mama.

Salem is cleverly known as Witch City and it has so much to offer the ghoul in you during the month of October.  Haunted Happenings has something to offer everyone your pets.  Pets can join in during the parade, and most come in costume!

Where else in the world can you hold a store door open for a witch, eat lunch next to a group of werewolves and later buy popcorn from the mad hatter?  Walking around Salem always puts a smile on my face.

If possible I recommend taking on the city by foot and/or stroller.  There is a pedestrian walk way right in the center of town off of Essex Street.  The walkway is a great place to start your tour and soak in the cobblestone sidewalks, sites, stores and historic brick buildings.  On weekends during the month of October you will often find vendors selling all kinds of tricks and treats.  For those craving a little more of history look for the red painted line on the street (much like the freedom trail in Boston).  The red line brings you past historical buildings and haunted buildings too. 

Up for an even longer walk?  Head down Pickering Wharf on the waterfront for a beautiful view and keep walking to the Friendship Tall Ship and the House of Seven Gables.   If walking is not an option you can jump on board one of the many trolley tours or borrow a bike from the new borrow a bike program.

Some highlights I am looking forward to this year at Haunted Happenings include: The Grand Parade held this year on October 4th starting at 6:30 p.m., Trick or Treating with the Mayor, all the stores offer kids some treats on October 5th from 5:30-8 p.m., on October 6th and 7th on the Common you’ll find Salem Family Fun Day from 11-5 p.m. games, rides, and prizes for the kids.  Something unique this year is a Costume Swap being held on October 13th at the Salem Senior Center from 10-12 p.m.- that’s a fun idea to save some $ also that day is the 15th annual Children’s Day on the common with performers and more from 10-5p.m.

There are also some other super fun events that I encourage you to attend if you are looking for some adult fun; the beer fest, 5 k, masquerade ball, and of course Halloween on October 31st and the fireworks that follow that night.  Information on these events and more can be found on the Haunted Happenings Calender.

Grab your family  think of a creative costume and drive or fly on out to Salem

It really is the place to be in October.  Where everyday is Halloween.

The post Haunted Halloween in Salem appeared first on Boston Mama.

I finally found something to be excited about and look forward too as I approach my 9th month.  The protruding belly can be used as a prop.  Adding to my costume and appeal as I waddle around Salem, MA.  I might even have an advantage in one of the many costume contest…I should at the least get a few sympathy votes. If all goes according to plan we will have a few opportunities to wear our costumes this year, walking around Salem, at the Liberty Tree Mall Halloween Walk, and at two Halloween parties we have been invited too.

Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday and I can’t let this one pass me by without dressing up.  Here are some ideas that I have found… now I just have to decide which one to choose.

1) I could go with the classic Pumpkin Belly.  Painting my belly like a pumpkin and wearing all black or all orange.  The cons to this one include painting my entire belly- I can barely reach down there anymore; and getting the paint off afterward.

Image from Pregnant Chicken.

2) Another painting option, with a little less painting, is a Speed Bump Sign.  I could paint a speed bump on my belly or skip the paint all together and make the sign part of the outfit.

Image from Parents.com

 3) Painting my bump green could also add to a Mother Nature Costume.  The bump is painted green or for more clever people painted in the shape of the Earth.  The rest of the costume is green and whimsical in nature.

4) I have seen this costume for babies before, and never thought of it as a pregnant costume.  Pea in a Pod.  I dress as a pea and yep you guessed it the baby is the pea in the pod.

5) If you want your partner involved then this costume is for you.  He dresses as a chef with the title Bun Maker and You dress as an oven- with the title Bun in The Oven. I’m sure this costume would get a few laughs walking down the pedestrian streets in Salem.

Image from Pregnancy.About.com

6) Want the whole family involved in your costume?  How about a Shot Gun Wedding theme.  Here’s a chance for all the ladies to wear their wedding dresses (or buy a much larger white dress), your dad or older brother get’s to don a rifle and your husband well he get’s to run….

7) Drinking is off the agenda this Halloween but I could still dress the part.  Covering my belly with a funny shirt and open flannel shirt could help me transform into a Beer Belly.  I’m sure I could muster up a few burps too.

8) For the super brave and athletic pregnant gal (not gonna happen for me) you can wear a bikini and paint your belly like a Beach Ball …maybe if I lived in Hawaii.

Image from Pregnant Chicken

9) The classic Pregnant Nun could also be fun if there weren’t so many religious fanatics out in Salem on Halloween.

10) In my research of course I also found sexy pregnant lady costumes- devil, pirate, milk maid- um please is all I can say about that.

Do you have a favorite? 

Place your vote for my Very Pregnant Halloween Costume this year

The post Very Pregnant Halloween Costumes appeared first on Boston Mama.

Fall in New England

There are so many great things about fall in New England. Of course the foliage is simply amazing, but taking a train to see it? Even better!

If you’ve got small kids, I recommend riding the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, NH. The train runs on a reduced schedule most of the year, but during the peak leaf season, mid-September to mid-October, it runs twice daily. You can catch it at 11am or 1pm. The ride is 80 minutes long, roundtrip, and includes lunch: a sandwich, chips, drink and cookie. Tickets are $14 for age 13+, $10 for 2-12 years old, and free for under age 2.

Hobos ready to hop the train.

Upon arrival at the station you can purchase your tickets and place your lunch order. This is also where the kids get their hobo sticks, water bottles and scarves.  My kids thought these were great fun and played with them for months afterward.

On the train, there are comfortable tables and chairs to sit at while enjoying the ride and eating your lunch. The friendly conductor wanders through on occasion, stopping to chat and posing for photo-ops with the kiddos. There are also announcements made about sites along the track so that you don’t miss anything interesting. Of course, you’ll be glued to the window most of the time so that you don’t miss the gorgeous scenery.

At the train station

Once we got back to the station we took advantage of the darling fall scene set up in front. Of course we had to have a picture to remember the day!

My kids are older now, so if we did the train again I’d probably choose the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad which would allow us to see not only the foliage, but Lake Winnipesaukee too!

You might also enjoy:

Apple Picking in New England

Boston Freedom Trail

Experiencing New England

The post Hobo Railroad appeared first on Boston Mama.

Goosey picking apples.

There are few things more quintessential New England than apple picking. Apple picking in New England isn’t about picking your own to save money, it’s about the experience. Translation:  You’re probably going to pay more for the apples you pick yourself than you would pay for them at the grocery store. But, don’t let that deter you. Apple picking is an absolute must in the fall.

First, find an orchard. Ask around at school, or at the soccer field. Other parents will readily tell you which orchard they visit every year. If you aren’t comfortable asking, or no one has recommendations, check out PickYourOwn.org. They have listings for every county in the U.S.

In southern New Hampshire, Mack’s Apples is the hot spot. Why is Mack’s so popular? Because they make apple picking about the experience, not about pulling fruit off a tree. Mack’s has a farm stand, picnic areas, pumpkin patches, pie contests, an ice cream stand, and hayrides. Find an orchard like that, my friends.

On apple picking day you’ll want to dress appropriately. Long sleeved shirts and pants will keep your arms and legs scrape and scratch free. If you’re going early in the day you’ll also want to wear shoes that will keep your feet dry while walking in the dew covered grass.

Once there, enjoy your time picking, but make sure you allow a little extra time for exploring all the other  activities available at the orchard. You’ll definitely want to take advantage of the photo opportunities, so make sure to take your camera!

Finally, after the kids have exhausted you with their endless energy, head home for a nap. Once you’re awake it’s time to really enjoy the fruits of your labor. Bite into one of those crispy apples, make a pie, or if you’re like me, make a fresh apple cake. What? You’ve never had one of those? Lucky for you I’m willing to share.

Happy picking!

You might also enjoy:

Boston Freedom Trail

Experiencing New England

Splashpad in Derry, New Hampshire

The post Apple Picking in New England appeared first on Boston Mama.