Storm of Thoughts

Christmas in the City

Growing up in northern New Jersey provided numerous opportunities to visit New York City (or, as people in Massachusetts seem to hate hearing it called, “the city.”) Whether for field trips, a dinner out, or a day of shopping, there always seemed to be a reason to make a special trip. Plus, with parents who grew up in New York and my dad often working there, trips were even more frequent. The best reason to go to the city, though, was, unquestionably, to see the Christmas decorations. My family used to make a trip practically every year at this time - and, once you’re there, there’s no lack of Christmas-y things to do. (, our favorite was always attending A Christmas Carol, for one.) While Christmas is nice in Boston (and I have the pictures to prove it), nothing will ever beat Christmas in the city.

In fact, ever since I can remember, it has been my favorite part of the holiday season.

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Birthday Memories

Birthdays have always been special in my family. From streamers and signs all over the house and cookies and ice cream for breakfast to special dinners and the power to turn the day into anything you want, we make celebrating a pretty big deal. (I once played a game, in fact, that determined what your favorite thing was. My favorite thing turned out to be birthdays. I was not surprised.) We even have a tradition of giving siblings (and now boyfriends) “unbirthday” presents on the other person’s birthday - something my parents probably planned to only carry on for a few years when we were little and cared too much about someone else getting attention and presents. (Funny how those things stick, huh?) Our newest family tradition involves giving a small surprise each day for one week leading up to the birthday - something that was thoughtfully invented by my dad. It was a good way to extend my mom’s birthday, especially since she’s the one who does most of the work making everyone else’s day so special.

Of course, it’s not only your own birthday that’s fun; birthdays are fun in general, and the ability to surprise someone or make their day tends to make your day too. But, let’s admit it - we all love our own birthday the best. Which is why yesterday was so much fun for me.

As you have probably now figured out, it was my birthday. And it was filled with exactly the kinds of surprises and fun that makes birthday memories so special. With packages in the mail (including a surprise cake from my mom), birthday cards from far-away friends, a shopping trip, a really nice dinner at the Melting Pot, and a bunch of perfect presents, it was a very nice day.

I’ve had a lot of nice birthdays and a lot of nice memories (including some fun childhood parties and surprise grandparent visits), and most of them involve pictures (although for the earliest, cake-in-the-face footage, you’d have to go to my mom). I don’t have pictures from yesterday yet (I say yet, since coverage is likely to be coming), but I do have some from the previous two years, which I’ll share in honor of birthday memories and special days.

Two years ago, we spent a weekend in Martha’s Vineyard:

And took what was clearly a riveting sightseeing tour.

This was a VERY exciting “blue box” to receive:

It was a necklace; Pete is a great gift-chooser, no?

And last year, a really leisurely day was spent wandering around Boston.

We sat here and ate ice cream

and found a beautiful little garden

before dinner in the North End. (I told you I always take pictures of this tower.)

What birthday memories do you have?

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Vacation Memories

Vacation memories are often some of the fondest. These are the ones that involve
interesting places, time spent with family, and a good amount of relaxation.
(Although this is not a given, depending on your family.) Our trips usually involve
being near the water. Vacation to my family means “never far from a boat.”
So with the upcoming holiday weekend, not to mention yesterday’s beach photo,
I was inspired to share with you some photos of our last trip to the water
in Nantucket.

The house that we stayed in.

The walk to the water.

Pete and I in the rented Jeep Wrangler, quite possibly the highlight of the trip.

I LOVE lighthouses. There were three.

A lot of fishing took place.

Possibly my coolest moment, marred only slightly by Pete’s hand.

We found this guy swimming about 10 feet from shore. Apparently there are seals everywhere in Nantucket.

An important message:

A frightening number of seagulls.

Apparently pirates are alive and well.

Good luck with these directions:

What’s your favorite vacation memory?

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