1st day of school 2016 & Look who's driving?!

The kids started back to school last week. Another year! 1st grade, HS Freshman, HS Junior. The dogs somehow made it into the pictures also. They love the boys.

Ben wasn't into having his 1st day of school picture. His expression matches the business Scout is taking car of in the background! LOL.

Nic is ready for 1st grade! Full of energy and excitement.

Junior year for Andrew, fun times ahead. Can you say SAT?!! Yep! Andrew has his license and can legally drive on the road! It's official. We are so excited and proud of him reaching this next great life milestone. Congratulations kiddo!

Mallett March Happenings

Hello Family and Friends! Hope all is well. As we dig out from the cold of winter it seems our March ended up being pretty busy! Here are a few highlights.

In case you missed it - Chris successfully defended his dissertation is is all set to graduate in May! We are so proud of him and all of his accomplishments.  Hooray for being done with school. Boo for student loans.

Chris has also been traveling a bit. Seattle, LA, Portland (OR), and next week DC for a meeting at the White House! I hope he gets to see the Cherry Blossoms. I think they are peaking this week.

Spring sports have started... Congratulations to Andrew for making the JV baseball team!!! He has spent the last six months practicing, prepping and working hard to strengthen his pitching arm, This kid is dedicated to baseball! He has had no pain in his pitching arm for over 6 months with daily PT and biweekly PTherapist visits. We are proud of him as he continues to work hard at his baseball goals.

Ben is starting another season of outdoor competition soccer. He just ended a successful Futsal season. Soccer is all about practice! His team has been practicing for a few weeks now. He has another practice tonight and will continue with a couple practice sessions every week and at least one weekly game throughout the season. Along with soccer Ben is also on the school track team. Daily track practice starts Monday. This kid will be busy and in shape this spring.

Nicholas is also a little soccer star. He finished a 6 week indoor session last week and is now onto outdoor soccer. His team starts up next week. Nic is also into all things musical and artsy. I am searching now for beginning dance and music lessons. I found a kids hip hop class that I think would be a good fit. He had a serious cry the other day when he learned this is the last season of American Idol. He said "now I will never get to try out for American Idol". LOL. Sweet boy.

The dogs are well and are also excited for Spring. Lucy has gained a bit of weight with all of these extra puppy training treats and rewards. She needs to start working out! Scout is a PUPPY. A mellow puppy but still a puppy. He can get into trouble. He can open the door from our garage into our house. While comical it poses a problem. We were out running errands the other day and I left the dogs in the garage, usual protocol. We came home to the garage house door open, both dogs in the the house and Nic's Easter basket goodies all but consumed. Scout was fine but Nic wasn't. Ha! Scout will be fixed early next week, punishment? Nah, already scheduled. Scout STATS: 6 months, 54 lbs.

A huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Chris. He survived another year around the sun. Yippee! We had a small celebration last night with dinner (chicken cordon blue), cake (not my best) and presents. After we watched some OJ. Are you watching OJ? So fascinating!

I am well. Busy with freelance work and forever grateful for it. I can't wait to get outside and work in the yard. Maybe today even? To do: Taxes, yuck! As always I need to loose some winter weight. This year did not serve me well. I started Atkins. I've never done a carb / sugar free diet. I'm 5 days in and getting less grumpy by the day. Wish me luck!

A few random notes. Added some lights to the house = Yeah. Subaru car repairs = broke, big time. Nic Dentist = NO! Andrew is driving more and more = Yippee!

Hope your March was fabulous. Love and and hugs to all!

A visit from Mom!

What a week! My mom came for a visit. She has never been to MA before or New England for that matter so we really tried to pack it in. The boys were in school so during the day she and I did all sorts of touristy and sight seeing stuff. Since I am fairly new to the area many of our trips were new to me as well. In the off time we sat and visited, played games with the kids, watched movies, walked the dogs, crafted and basically chilled. Mom even made here famous chocolate chip cookies - which proves it can be done here. It was SO NICE to have her here and I hope she come back every week, or month or year!

We LOVE you Mom/Grandma! Hope you had a wonderful trip.

North coast day trip to seek out a few lighthouses. COLD!

Longfellow's Wayside Inn and grounds

LDS Boston Temple in Belmont

Sleepy Hollow cemetery, burial spots for Thoreau, Alcott, Emerson to name a few.

A walking tour around Boston.

Winter Break! A few days at Attitash

It's been a couple of years since our entire family has been skiing together. We fixed this problem last week with a couple of days at Chris' hometown ski resort, Attitash. We stayed onsite and it was super fun to wake up and ski right out the door. Nic took a couple of lessons and we all skied! And while cold, the days couldn't have been prettier.

Ice castle in Lincoln NH

A little delayed but here are some fun pictures our night trip to the Ice Castle in NH. We went with Megan and her kids and it was a great night. So many fun places to take pictures!

NYC day 3

Our last day in NYC had us strolling around the town playing tourist. We took a trip to central park and walked the sights.  We all enjoyed greasy diner lunch food at Astros. Shopping and food.

Chris and I capped off the night with another Phish show. This show was more mellow and full of long jams. It was a good show. We had much better seats. I was able to score posters for all 4 nights. Woohoo!

Tree Throwback

Throwback to a few weeks ago when we took the dogs on a walk and impulsively decided to chop down a tree! We reuse our tree every year and have never cut one down before. When in the WOODS I guess... Nic had fun choosing a tree and I was able to make a wreath, swag and mini tree for our dining table from the tree we cut down. These pictures are from our adventure at Steele Farm in Boxborough.

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend

What a jam packed weekend! We enjoyed an intimate Thanskgiving dinner with Leslie. The meal was amazing and I am proud to say I cooked the entire thing - even had all the dishes ready at the same time. Go Charlet!  We had a long Skype phone call with much of our Utah family. It was awesome to catch up.

Chris took me black Friday shopping on Friday morning (nothing was open Thursday in MA). I was worried it would be super crazy shopping here but it was a much milder experience here than in Utah. We found every deal we went looking for and then some. That's a first. It was a bargain and worth the effort. 

We switched the Prius rental car for a bigger car for the trek to TN to pick up the puppy. Chris, Abby and Renetta braved the 32 plus hour drive. I opted out at the last minute to hang with Leslie and the kids, do a little work (I am busy right now) and decorate the house for Christmas.

Chris, Abby and Renetta finally made it home this morning around 3 am. They were tired and the three puppies were full of energy. Ben was the only kiddo who stayed up to great them. Lucy was unsure and barked, which scared the puppies. After a bit all seemed to adjust. Nic woke up this morning beyond excited to meet Scout and see the puppies. The 3 dogs quickly overwhelmed him. He has never been around a rambunctious dog before. Lucy is so mellow. After a short time he became more comfortable and has not left Scout alone since. Fast friends.

We have much to be Thankful for! Happy Thanksgiving!

Puppy Pawty! and other fun news

This weekend Nic and I took a short trip up to NH and ME to visit Leslie, stop by a stamp & stack and attend a puppy shower for Abby's new puppy Gracie. Gracie is a litter mate of our new puppy. This shower was so cute and would totally rival any baby shower I have ever attended.  They went all out. Puns galore. We were included in the shower as well. Such a surprise and a treat! We left with fabulous gifts for our new puppy, Scout. THANK YOU!

I used the Paw Parade design I created for MDS to make a cute tag for Gracie's present. 

Scout you say? Nicholas finally landed on a puppy name that all of us could agree on. We are thinking Scout! ... unless this name makes no sense after we meet him. Lol. 

The stamp and stack was a great time and I made a few nice cards. The true joy was visiting with family and friends and catching up with Leslie's demonstrator who I met in 2006 at SU convention. I picked up a few tricks - check out how she lined her ink pads with the label color. Genius! 

Nic had an awesome time hanging out with cousins Nina and Billy. Billy is such a pal and basically plays whatever Nic wants. A true friend. 

Chris took the older boys into the city to catch a NEU Hockey game and to get haircuts at a super swanky barker. The boys look awesome and had a good time.

Tonight Chris is taking Andrew to see the Patriots! Neither of them have ever seen an NFL game before. They should have a great time but I bet it will be COLD! Chris was gifted the tickets by a nice fellow at work.

Early October happenings

30 second synopsis: Early October has been very busy for the Malletts. We've gone apple picking. I'm taking a class every week at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. We stopped by the Acton firehouse and Nic played a few games. The scenery around here is becoming more and more amazing each day!!! Happy October.

MFA temporary exhibit: Crafted Objects in Flux

October and signs of a new season

Nic had a blast at the Fire Station open house. We might have a future fire fighter on our hands.

Apple Picking at Honey Pot Hill.

Weekend update 9/12

We wrapped up a nice weekend. We attended the cutest housewarming party for Sam and Abby (Chris' cousin) and had a great time catching up with family in New Hampshire. Abby decorated her new home for the party with tons of burlap, chalkboard and wood. Super cute!

Ben had soccer games all weekend one in downtown Boston, one in Lincoln. The weather was enjoyable. Sports affords us reasons to stop in new places. A quick trip to the farmers market in Concord was beautiful and fun to snap a few pictures. I purchased a couple of HUGE mums for only 6$. Bargain! Nic participated in a vegetable derby race and won his heat. He built a car out of a large green pepper. The cars name is Pepperman. 

We stopped at a coffee shop called HAUTE coffee and had a nice breakfast. Ben ordered cinnamon toast. The toast was literally two inches thick. Mom, you have competition. 

Today was a holiday (Rosh Hashanah) and the kids were out of school. More holidays are celebrated and recognized here than in Utah. I cleaned and worked. Andrew had a dr. appointment to look into his elbow pain (overuse), we now have a referral to a sports medicine guy in Lexington in October. 

August Happenings

A few updates from August:

Getting back into life and routine here in Mass. The weather has been hot and muggy. Some say usually muggy. We are finally enjoying a yard and continuing on yard work/improvements. Weeding is never ending in the woods. 

This kids are great and enjoying the last bits of summer. Nicholas lost his first tooth! Andrew started Drivers Ed and recovering from a a sore elbow from tendonitis (we think). Ben is ramping up with soccer again and is working on his unpacking and organizing his bedroom (he finally got that loft bed he was promised). They all start school here in early September.

We've packed in a few city trips and have tried to act like tourists to become more familiar with our area. Boston is a great city, we need to "visit" more often.

I've been working, freelance, side projects and a bit of craft stuff. I'm still unpacking and organizing the house, if you can believe it?! We have so much stuff to get rid of. I need a DI drop off. Funny what you miss. Chris is head down and working hard. Loves his job. Life is good.

The yard in Boxborough. Grass is coming in and so is the crab grass.

Tooth business. Nicholas pulled it out himself.  Going rate $3.50.

Boston Common in August 2015

Swan Boat ride - August 2015

Storyland

The summer fun continues ... I took the boys up to New Hampshire and Maine this weekend to visit Leslie (Grammy), Nina and Billy. We needed to pick up Lucy so we decided to make a fun event of it. We started the weekend off with dinner at Delani's Hole in the wall. Leslie, Ben and Billy tried sushi for the first time. They are not fans.

We stayed over at Grammy's house with the cousins where the older kids slept very little. Andrew pulled an all-nighter which contributed to his great mood the next day. The next morning we headed off to Storyland for a full day of Nursery Rhyme fun and rides. Nicholas was totally into it and really enjoying it and the older kids tolerated it until we found the coasters and water rides.  

Storyland with Ben, Andrew, Nicholas, Grammy, Nina & Billy 8.7.15

Storyland with Ben, Andrew, Nicholas, Grammy, Nina & Billy 8.7.15

Utah: Bear Lake, Ponies, Cousins & Fun

Here are a few more pictures from our Utah trip that I wanted to post. These were on my phone and I had planned to post last week but couldn't because I left my phone in Utah. Doh. Now that I've been reunited with my gadget I thought I'd post the last few fun filled days in Utah. We had a blast and miss everyone so much already. Until next time!  

Bear Lake fun with the Brooks family. 8.1.15

Splash pad fun. Nicholas loves getting wet! 7.31.15

Last few visits with Grandma Great, the cousins, and a spectacular farewell sunset. 8.3.15

Lucky Nicholas got to ride a Pony! 8.1.15

Utah Vacay week 1

The Malletts are back in Utah ... for vacation!  The boys and I arrived early last week and spent a few days catching up with Ogden family (Grandma Great, Beau & family, Geoff & family, Grandpa Brooks, Mom & Dad). We shopped a bit, saw the Minion movie and stopped by a few favorite local spots. Utah is HOT and we are enjoying the heat and scenery.  Side note: the dry air and heat is really improving my poison ivy.

Utah Vacation randomness

Later in the week we drove down to St. George to spend a few days celebrating Grandma's 85th birthday. Friday we visited with family at a BBQ Steve and Kathryn hosted at their amazing new home at Entrada. All of Steve's kids and grandkids were there, along with Shawn & Family, Mike & Karen, Julie and the rest of the Brooks gang from Ogden. It was so great to catch up and enjoy a good meal. We drove out to Eagle Valley for a mini family reunion and picnic with Grandma's brother and family. Along the way there (and back) visited Cathedral Gorge and toured around Pioche.

Highlights: a visit to Grandpas grave, swimming in the pond, feeding the horses, hiking with cousins.

Lowlights: bee sting on Nicholas foot, & scrapped elbows from hiking.

Grandma LaRue's 85th Birthday party

Grandma LaRue's 85th Birthday party

Pioche, Nevada July 2015

Cathedral Gorge July 2015

Millers Point Overlook Cathedral Gorge July 2015

Today we loafed at mom and dad's place in St. George. Much needed. I have a few favorite shopping and dining spots in St. George we were able to hit: Urban Renewal, Swig, Cafe Rio, Vera Pies, and various drive throughs! Lol - remember our new home in Acton/Boxborough has banned the drive-through?! ... so we had to take advantage!

Tomorrow we head to Zion and will spend a couple days there. Then back up to northern Utah. I'll attend the Stampin' Up! annual convention in SLC and Chris will take the boys camping. More posts soon.

Plum Island

We spent a good part of the Saturday on the North Shore, this time on Plum Island. Andrew had a baseball game in Newbury Port and since it's a good hour drive from here we thought we'd tag along and get in some sight-seeing.

Plum Island is a super nice area with really clean sandy beaches. The water was not too cold and it was clear. Nic found and gathered 40-50 shells. He loves to comb the beach. After the beach and the game I spent sometime walking around the town while Chris, the boys and Nic enjoyed the playground. There is a playground right in the middle of the town shopping, so smart! I did a tiny bit of shopping and we enjoyed burgers at Lexie's (L.O.V.E. = peace love and burgers). We will definitely head back to this area in the future.

Kimball Farm

Yesterdays outing took us to Kimball farm. About 15 minutes away from us in Westward, Kimball farm is a local mini golf, arcade, golf, bumper boat and fabulous ice cream kind of place. I equate it to high end Boondocks with a TON more charm. Very pretty, like walking around a botanical garden. The place was crowded but the boys and I had a nice time together and the ice cream was to die for! Phone died half way through so the only pics to share are from mini golf.

Boys also got nice new haircuts, looking sharp.

Bug bite update — turns out the bug was vegetation in the name of poison ivy. Yes! I have a nasty case of poison ivy, pretty much reeking havoc on my system. Finally got in to see a doctor and they have hooked me up. Hopefully I can better try to avoid the poison ivy in the future. I must of come across it in yard work. Better hire a gardener. LOL.

Fun Fourth Weekend!

Happy 4th of July weekend! This was our first real 'holiday' weekend in Massachusetts. So much to do and not sure what to do we set out to hang at a beach somewhere on the south shore.  Beaches were crowed or full due to the holiday. We luckily found parking and a beach spot at the very crowed Duxbury Beach. Nic loves the ocean and had a blast swimming and playing. The older boys read, chilled and helped bury Nic in the sand.  Somehow we missed the local firework show. We got out dates crossed somehow. Bummer!

Duxbury Beach July 3, 2015

We took a trip to Plymouth Rock and played tourist for a few hours. We walked around the Plymouth harbor and enjoyed each others company stopping at all the sights; Mayflower II, Plymouth Rock, various anchors, candy and cupcake shops. The boys and I love a good candy shop. I purchased some Razzles but somehow left without salt water taffy?! The weather was perfect for strolling around with a slight breeze. We capped off the day with a seafood dinner - fried scallops, yum!

Plymouth Rock - July 3, 2015

Somehow have neglected to teach Nic how to ride a two-wheeler. We set out to solve that problem this weekend. We drove up to Nashua to buy a bike - Nic picked a spiderman bike and spiky helmet. He is dedicated to learn and stated "I can do this" while attempting to balance. He is so cute and enthused!  A few more days of practice and he will be a professional.

Nic's new bike - July 5th, 2015

Because I can't stop complaining it's worth mentioning, but not showing, I've been attacked. It seems there is a bug that likes me more than the mosquito and its bite is way, WAY worse. I'm assuming (from serious internet research) I was attacked by no see ums, or small black flies - not really sure as I didn't see the attack, only the aftermath. Let me tell ya ... I am looking and feeling like a freak! My arms and legs were some serious all you can eat buffet. Since I am allergic to most bites these suckers followed suit and have swollen and blistered, oozed and have become serious sores. And the ITCH, whoa!  I'll take a mosquito bite any day over these bites. Day five and not looking to heal anytime soon. Likely doctor tomorrow as my body is not tackling on it's own. Advice appreciated. 

Hope your Fourth was a blast and bite free!

Minuteman National Historic Park

We are getting to know our area a little bit. Chris suggested we start using trip advisor for places to visit. Why not? This morning the boys and I drove a short 15 minutes to Concord and walked around and saw the sights at Minute Man National Historic Park. “North Bridge - Where Organized Resistance Began ...” 

Summer has finally arrived...

Let's get this summer started! The longest school year ever has officially ended and we are so ready for some time off. The boys finished their last day of school and let me snap a rare picture of them, not to be posted anywhere. OOPS. 

This weekend we did a little strawberry picking and a whole lot of yard work. I hope to make jam this week. The lawn has come in enough that we were able to mow it for the first time. It took forever! I weeded and planted a few more flowers (100 daylilies I got online for a steal!) and the boys helped me weed. Once we get the yard established I hope the maintenance will be a little easier. 

Saturday we watched Andrew's baseball game. He played 1st all game. He hit a single with an RBI that tied the game and then was able to score the winning run. It was an exciting game to watch.

Sunday it rained. ALL. DAY. LONG. Seriously not used to the length of these storms. It was a nice day to stay indoors. I got caught up on some work and did a lot of crafting. Chris relaxed and the boys vegged out with video games and movies. Not a bad start to summer.

Strawberry picking at Verrill Farm in Concord, MA.

Depot Road yard - first mow.

Surprise HAPPY mail from Utah. Dad mailed our growth chart we forgot to pack - thank you!