On this Day, 2009

I was looking through my photo files and found this shot from our cabin last year. Thought I'd share.

The Subway

Photo: The subway train arrives at Haymarket in Boston

When we lived in New York City from 1997-98, I never rode the subway. For the most part, it was because Calvin was in a stroller and it wasn't easy to navigate the stairs down to the subway with a stroller. But there was another reason. I was chicken. I'd seen all the movies about bad guys in the subways...and if I didn't HAVE to ride the subway, why do it?

Photo: Mason waiting for the subway in Boston

This past spring, while in New York, I rode the subway for the first time. And I lived to tell about it. So this trip, when Paul wanted to get subway passes on our first day I was OK with it.

Besides, it was REALLY hot in Boston, and I hate sweating. At any time. Riding the subway was a bit more comfortable then walking, it cost just $15 for a week of unlimited rides, and the boys love taking the subway. Done deal.

Photo: New England Aquarium ad in the subway tunnel

There was one ad campaign that kept us entertained while waiting for the trains. It's apparently a new campaign for the aquarium. Each ad highlights one of the 80 penguins at the facility. I didn't really get it at first. But once you see a few of the ads, it hits you just how clever they are. So clever that I googled it last night to find more about it. This link will take you to a few of the ads so you can see them for yourself. They kind of make me wish I had gone into advertising.

Back from Boston

For the few of you who still log on to Kosmatka365, I thought I would share a few pictures from this past week. We just returned from a trip to Boston. Calvin participated in a week-long music camp at Berklee College of Music, and we decided to make a family vacation out of it. The above photo was taken at about 7:45am yesterday, his last day of camp (the bump on his head is actually his guitar case he's carrying on his back...weird perspective on the photo, I know). Yes, camp started at 8am every day, and yes, the alarm for mom did go off at 6:30am every day. Some vacation!
While Calvin went to camp during the day, the rest of us enjoyed our time exploring Boston. One of the highlights was this boat trip out to the Harbor Islands. I never realized how many islands are off the coast, but sure enough, take a look at a map and there they are!
We visited George's Island for a couple of hours. The smell of the salty air was incredible, and the water was so blue I felt like I was in the Bahamas! Above is one of my favorite shots of Mason, soaking up the sun on the dock while we waited for the boat to bring us back to the mainland.
Here is a shot of Calvin, on stage during the final performance Friday. Cal had a fabulous time, and met lots of people from all over the world. Other campers were from Italy, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, and even New Jersey! (ha ha)

I'll post a few more photos from the trip later in the week (tomorrow?). In the meantime, thanks to all my friends and family who remembered my birthday this past week! Yes, I did have some cake, thank you!

Happy 4th of July!

He's 10 Today!

Birthday boy Mason had bacon with every meal, and pie for tonight's dessert. What could be better than that? He's hoping the cast comes off at tomorrow's clinic appointment. THAT would be a terrific present!

Busy Weekend

Mason played in three soccer games yesterday (1 win, 2 tied games). The fields were sopping wet, muddy and very slippery, but for the first time all season, the spectators remained dry. We've had to hold umbrellas during every game but these!
Meanwhile, Calvin had his UMD band camp performance. He plays percussion in the band, and electric guitar in the jazz band (THAT performance was Friday night).

It's been a busy week, lots of running back and forth between the soccer fields and the performance hall. But it's also been great having the boys doing things they enjoy.

This coming week will be a test. No camps scheduled. Wish me luck!

Liftoff

Mason finished his science camp this week with a soda bottle rocket launch.

Hands

We were in Michigan this past weekend celebrating my Uncle's 80th birthday. This is Uncle Ben's hand holding the hand of the youngest family member, his great-grandson, 8-month old Hunter, as Hunter tries to walk.