Just you Wait!

Those are the words I'm confronted with by every Utah resident who happens to hear my disdain for the warm weather we're experiencing. Its already November 20th, and its 55 degrees outside. Shouldn't it be starting to look like winter outside and stay that way when it does? Where's the snow? Where's the weather that I have to wear a coat to go outside and enjoy...and of course, gloves, boots, and a hat. I've been waiting 4 years for cold weather, and I think we may have brought the sunshine with us. I checked the forecast for the week. Its supposed to be 39 tomorrow iwth a chance of snow and then high 40's to mid-50's the rest of the week. Yes, this is a gripe fest, but I believe I am entitled to it, especially after waiting so patiently for the cold to appear. I'm hoping that by posting this the weather will dramatically degrade and leave me sitting in a blizzard... doubt that will actually happen though.

I'm at a loss for words

I mean, really, what can you say to something like that?? If you want to find out what your favorite is, go here.

Going back in time

Or at least that is what it feels like when you go back through every one of your blog posts until you get to the beginning. It is really strange to go back and see pictures of Triton when he was the only child. To me it feels like Bronze has always been around - it seems surreal to think that there was one time when he wasn't around - Triton too for that matter.Its unfair that time passes so quickly, and we can't notice it until the moments past. But, I guess that just means we'll have to have more fun while the moment is here. Today we went to the zoo. Triton was so sad because the train was closed for the day. On the way home he cried saying, "Mama, train closed for a whole year! sob, sob sob" Don't know where he learned that expression, and I really doubt he even knows how long a year is. But still, it was funny.

snow day

We've just been enjoying the cold weather. Seriously, its nice to have a change of season after so long of not having one. The boys have particularly loved wearing warm clothes with their "globies" (gloves)When not outside, Triton really loves hanging out with his dad watching movies.Last week we were really excited when it started to snow.John taught Triton how to make snow angels - which he now tries to make on the carpet too.

Bronze experienced snow for the first time, and loved it. He is particularly fond of putting snow on an unsuspecting person's face.
Triton warming up in the tub after a good bout of snow playing, he even tries to make snow angels in there too. Then the snow melted and we had this spectacular view of Utah Valley.

New York & Boston

Somehow my trip to New York just seems like a blur. I flew in to Albany because someone I know booked my ticket to NY for November and not October. So, we had to scramble and find a way for me to get there. I flew to Albany, arrived late at night, shuttled to a hotel, then took a 5:10am train to New York City. Can I just say, that the city hasn't changed at all in 5 years. It is exactly as we left it.As soon as I got there, I went to breakfast at one of my favorite little cafés, Europan. It was awesome. And I've never had watermelon on my waffles before but it was surprisingly good.
I went to Ellis Island for the first time. It was really interesting to see the place, and hear the stories and history that went along with it. It made me grateful that I didn't have to pass through there to get to America.
After lunch and shopping I went to the most amazing exhibit I think I've ever seen. It was Discovery's Titanic exhibit. Oh man, I guess I'm speechless upon recollection. Here is the reconstructed staircase which they would let you take your picture on, but you had to of course buy their photographers picture to do so. Also they had reconstructed staterooms for first and third class - as well as artifacts brought up from the ocean floor. It was strange seeing people's written letters, suitcases, shoes, and clothes - especially those belonging to people who died so tragically during that doomed voyage. It made it feel almost even more tragic.Here is the one and only picture of me. I got this new plaid coat - I am in LOVE! Then I encountered my second great love Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Seriously, Blueberry lemonade is something to dream about. I'm hoping I can recreate it for our Thanksgiving smorgasbord.
After one day in New York City, I was ready to move on, and I caught a train up to Boston to see John and his sister Sherri 's family. Sherri was sweet enough to not only host me, but to also play tour guide. We started out in Boston Commons and then went along The Freedom Trail. Here was this super old cemetery holding, Paul Revere, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Ben Franklins parents among others. I love history, and the east coast is just loaded with it. I was in heaven yet again.
Here is my nephew Henry, whom I've officially named, Hankie Doodle.The next morning, Sherri took me out to Plimoth Plantation. It was so cool to be in an area where people are completely in character of the pilgrims, but also to see the way the pilgrims lived. I don't think I'd have liked it. The dirt floors in the houses were enough to deter any pilgrimish fantasy I may have been prone to create.
Also showcased there, was another great love of mine - carpentry!Um, Yeah, this chair was made by handas were these decorative carvings.I really think Massachusetts looks exactly like I always thought it would. That said, I can't think of a better setting for the Salem Witch Trials... and I saw all these places during the day. Instantly images of swamp monsters in the dark filled my head. Anyway, its awesome. Here are Sherri, Henry, and baby Amelia checking out some sheep (that actually had long tails - weird)Then we went to the Mayflower II. Yet again, I am reminded just how lucky I am to not have to travel in the ways the poor people of the past did. Here's the crow's nest
And here is the ship.Then it was time to go meet John at Harvard. Why on earth, every time you mention the school, do people assume this phoney Brahmin accent and say it Havud? The whole time I was there I never once heard ANYONE say it like that, much to my disappointment. Here is the view from John's window. I loved to sit here in the morning and watch the rowing teams doing their practices. You can also see Harvard's team boathouse on the other side of the river in this picture.Harvard has without a doubt the most beautiful campus I have ever seen, regardless of the fact that its fall and the trees are breathtaking.
And here is where I spent the rest of my vacation, perfectly cozy, and lacking all desire to go anywhere else. I sat in John's room, alone, watching Ghost Hunters for two days straight. And before I get any flack from anyone, envision yourself being completely alone with no responsibilities, no kids, no husband, and able to do whatever you want, and for the first time in years, feel completely relaxed. If you still have input after that glorious vision, then you are welcome to leave your comments or suggestions.
Now I'm home, and finally back with my boys, and life is wonderful. The trip was awesome, I had a great time, but I'm happy to be back.