Author: Nichole S.

Finn’s relationship with seagulls reminds me of Ernie’s relationship with pigeons.  Ernie as in, of course, Ernie and Bert.

So, the other day it came as no surprise when it took 25 minutes to get him away from the gulls hanging out in the St. Peter’s Square parking lot.

With every moment serving as a learning opportunity, Finn has a question for our FOBs.

What’s up with the tags on the seagull in the 1st photo?  Once injured, treated, and released?  Some kind of seagull tracking program?

Not to take away from Finn’s question….but, the 2nd photo leaves me with a very important question.

Just how concerned should I be that Thatcher went on to eat the rest of the ice cream in the cup that the seagull seems to be enjoying in the background of photo #2?  Totally missed that while it was happening and was horrified to notice it later in the evening while downloading pics. Sorry, Thatch.  Gross.

The 3rd photo is simply because it cracks me up to watch Finn waving to seagulls.

To digress….about the pigeons.  That reminds me that I probably owe an apology to the other diners who had dinner with us just prior to our seagull session.  Finn may or may not have thrown a rogue french fry to a pigeon who then attempted to fly away with it…under the cover of Latitude’s newly enclosed outdoor eating area.  Said pigeon may or may not have circled dangerously close to a few heads before flying into the plastic enclosure before circling again and finally finding its way back to open air.  The pigeon was fine, I promise.  The diners…possibly less than amused.  Who could blame them? Bygones.

Ok, so I’m cheating here a little bit because I’m going to add an event that is happening SOON (as in at 10:00 this morning!) and one that is happening tomorrow.

Pick #1  Hurry Up and Get Down to Maritime Gloucester to Greet the Schooner Columbia!

Here’s what Maritime Gloucester has to say on their Facebook Page…

Come down to Maritime Gloucester (23 Harbor Loop, downtown Gloucester) to celebrate the arrival of the schooner Columbia on Thursday, August 27, at 10am. All attendees will be entered into a raffle for a free 2015 Schooner Festival Hat and Schooner Festival T-Shirt! (must be present during the drawing to win)

Help us welcome the Columbia is proper Gloucester style!

Pick #2  Strandbeest in Boston

If you missed seeing Theo Jansen’s Strandbeest at Cranes Beach last weekend, have no fear because it will be roaming some of the streets of Boston tomorrow!

Friday, August 28 | 11 am – 1 pm
Boston City Hall Plaza, Boston

Friday, August 28 | 4:30 pm – 7 pm
Dewey Square, Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston

Read More Here

Also, please see Lowell Peabody’s fantastic post about Strandbeest HERE

Pick #3  St. Anthony’s Feast in Boston’s North End

You’ll be sorry if you miss the 96th annual St. Anthony’s Feast!

Begun in 1919, by Italian immigrants from the small town of Montefalcione in Avellino, Saint Anthony’s Feast has become the largest Italian Religious Festival in New England. Named the “Feast of all Feasts” by National Geographic Magazine, this authentic Italian street festival has it all for people of every age: parades, strolling singers, live entertainment, contests and religious services are held daily.

Visitors stroll the beautifully decorated streets sampling the best Italian street foods from 100 pushcarts enjoying arancini, sausage peppers & onion, quahogs, calamari, pizza, pasta and of course zeppole, cannoli and gelato. Guests can also browse the wide selection of souvenir keepsakes and mementos.

Find out all that you need to know right HERE!

Pick #4   Salem’s Country Fest  8/28-8/30

“Bands, Brew, and BBQ in the Salem Willows” 

Get all your information and purchase tickets HERE

For a more comprehensive list of family activities, visit our friends at North Shore Kid

Summer is obviously the season of swimming, splashing, and laughing and to do so families flock to water parks.

So, I started thinking…where are the world’s biggest water slides?

And this is what I found out.

For the record, I actually felt nauseous just from watching this video of Numero Uno. Yikes. No thanks.

A nice way to spend a night in the city…and in the ballpark.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Click HERE to purchase tickets and for more information

I did a post the other day about how much fun it is to tailgate at a polo match over at the Myopia Polo grounds.  If you didn’t read it, check it out HERE

Sure, the picnic spreads can get all fancy and surely there is a fair share of the highfalutin, but don’t for one second think that the crowd isn’t also fun and laid back.

Take this for instance….  It might look like a juxtaposition, but I think not.

Summer is still here and I’m certain you can all think of a celebration or get-together that would be enhanced with your own ice luge!

Check out Cape Pond Ice to order yours today!

A little rainbow over the working waterfront late yesterday afternoon….

I know that I wrote about attending a polo match at Myopia Polo last summer, but it totally bears repeating.

We went last Sunday and had such a great afternoon.  I think that with a little bit of planning ahead and some proper picnic packing, an afternoon at the polo fields with a great group of friends is a phenomenal way to spend a day.

If you get there early enough (gates open at 1:30) you and your friends can score some tailgating spots right along the sidelines and eat, drink, and hobnob all while appreciating one heck of a sport!

Tickets are only $10 for adults and children under 12 are free.  Dogs are even allowed as long as they are kept on a leash.  With that last tidbit of information, we may have just lost Joey, but the rest of us should totally go.

Read all about MYOPIA POLO HERE

Oh my goodness, where has summer gone!

Pick #1    Strandbeest at Crane’s Beach

I first saw Theo Jansen’s amazing creations on-line a couple of years ago and shared them with my students.  So unbelievably cool…and so excellent to have the opportunity to see them in “person.”

READ ALL ABOUT STRANDBEEST AND WHEN TO SEE THE AWESOMENESS HERE

We are actually planning on heading to the Rose Kennedy Greenway to see Strandbeest next week, but Crane’s Beach this weekend is a fantastic option!

Pick #2  Antique and Classic Boat Festival, Salem

The flash of polished bronze and gleam of varnished wood across the water will be the order of the day as elegant antique and classic yachts sail into the host city of Salem, Massachusetts for the 33nd Annual Antique & Classic Boat Festival August 22-23, 2015. Mostly wood, primarily private yachts and aesthetically stunning, the vessels will be on display to the public over the weekend at Brewer Hawthorne Cove Marina. A hallmark of the Festival is the great variety of craft exhibited. “Where else,” says Pat Wells, Coordinator, “can one see 1900s-60s motor yachts, mahogany speedboats, sloops, yawls, schooners and a 19th century gold-leaf canoe! Although many of these craft are museum quality, they are real boats in the water and in use by their owners today.”

See full event schedule and highlights HERE

Pick #3  8th Annual Boston Greenfest

Welcome to the 8th Annual Boston GreenFest ! This is the region’s largest multicultural environmental music festival. Boston GreenFest is a celebration of life and possibility, providing you with ideas and experiences that can shape your life and the life of your community. Our goal is to inform EVERYONE as to the many ways green living can make a positive impact on our world, city, neighborhoods and each of us. The three days have something of value for everyone – the festival is convenient, and free. Individuals, friends, families and groups are encouraged to be at this FREE event. Be part of this community for green change. Have fun, meet people, learn, and be inspired!

HEAD HERE FOR ALL OF THE DETAILS AND FULL SCHEDULE

Saturday’s bycatch….those teeth were no joke.

Yesterday I did a post about much we all love the Mystic Aquarium.  There is much, much more to Mystic, Connecticut however than just the aquarium.

For the boys’ birthdays my awesome brother gave them Mystic Passes that included admission into the Aquarium, the Mystic Seaport, and the Planetarium. With so many things to do we decided to make our yearly one-night getaway a 2 night mini vacation.

The first night we swam in the hotel pool and then strolled through Old Mystic Village…which the boys equated to a quieter Bearskin Neck…stopping for a great dinner at Mango’s Wood Fired Pizza.  The boys fed the Koi fish and watched the ducks in the pond.  They made a wish in the wishing well and spent some of their spending money in the Army/Navy store.  We stopped for ice cream at Sea Swirl before heading back to the hotel.

The next day we made a dent in the complimentary breakfast at the Hyatt Place Mystic, to fuel up for a long day at the aquarium.  When we finally felt ready to say “good-bye” to the belugas, we hit the hotel pool before heading into downtown Mystic for an early dinner at Mystic Pizza and some sightseeing.  We made it an early night and watched the Patriots take on Green Bay back at the hotel.

The next morning we got to the Mystic Seaport right when they opened at 9:00 so we could see enough before hitting the road home to beat Friday afternoon traffic.   We only spent about 3.5 hours there and could have EASILY spent much more time.  Being a little bit of a control freak, I had planned ahead and made note of all the different activities I wanted the boys to have a chance to do and we definitely had to skip a few.

The quick trip ended up being the perfect blend of laughing and learning and we’ll definitely be going back next year.

Read all about the Mystic Seaport HERE

A spectacular sunset view from the Annisquam this evening thanks to Paul and Betsey Horovitz.

This is for sure one of my favorite little getaways with the boys ever.  We do lots of one night trips whenever possible and a quick trip to Mystic, CT has been one of our annual overnights.  This year we went for two nights and did much more than usual.  So, lucky you, you get to look forward to a 2nd post all about the Mystic Seaport tomorrow…but, for now…the Mystic Aquarium is a must see for families with young kids.

They simply do everything right.

Call me a hypocrite if you’d like.  I get the whole “wild animals don’t belong in captivity” argument…and what’s more, I typically agree.  I will never take the boys to go see a circus and I will not visit zoos or aquariums that do not have adequate habitats for their animals.  That having been said, if the animals are clearly well-cared for and the habitats are gorgeous…and even more importantly, the facility has a reputation and clear mission for conservation and animal aid, then I am ok.

In my humble opinion, the Mystic Aquarium does all of that and more.  It is a fantastic place for young children to learn and laugh and is an incredible facility on many levels.

Please read all about it HERE!  MYSTIC AQUARIUM

One of the boys’ favorite things to do is help feed the critters.  Finn, in particular, always seems to bond on a whole new level.

I have been following this group on Facebook for a few years now and I LOVE what they do!  Yesterday was the first time that I was able to see one of their gorgeous pieces of art in person.

Totally cool!

Check out the Washed Ashore Project HERE and read all about the great things they are doing!

Pick #1    Another Block Party!

If you haven’t done a block party yet this summer, you’d better not miss this one!

Pick #2  Gloucester’s Annual Waterfront Festival

Saturday, August 15, 2015 ~ Sunday, August 16, 2015

Gloucester Waterfront Festival

Stage Fort Park

A collection of over 175 juried Artists and Craftsmen from throughout the U.S. will display their unique creations, live music, plus delicious ethnic foods including a pancake breakfast (sponsored by the Rotary Club of Gloucester) on Saturday to help kick off this picture perfect seaport event!

Free live “family style” entertainment includes Celtic, Ragtime Bands, Country and Folk Music and Just Like Newman from 1:00 to 5:00 pm on Sunday. Additionally, North Shore Old Car Club will display over 75 Antique Autos on Sunday.

The Gloucester Waterfront Festival runs from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm each day. Handicap Accessible and friendly pets, on a leash, are welcome. Admission is FREE and the event will be rain or shine!

Read all about it HERE

Pick #3  Peach Festival at Connors Farm

Saturday, August 15, 2015 – 9am to 6pm (Rain date Sunday, August 16, 2015)

$7.95 Admission per Person (A Portion of the Proceeds Benefit The Breast Cancer Foundation)

Activities Included with $7.95 admission: Hayrides, Barnyard Animals, Black Mamba, Cow Train, Duck Races,  Giant Rocking Chair, Giant Tires, Grain Train,  Hayrides, Horse Swings, Jumping Pillows, Lincoln Logs, Music, Mechanical Bull, Pedal Carts, Hop Along Rodeo, Sandbox, Spider Web, Trikes.

Additional charge for: Food, Face Painting, Gemstone Mining, Peach Picking. Pony rides

Read all about it HERE!

For a more comprehensive list of family activities visit our friends at North Shore Kid

So, this happened a few weeks ago at The Studio.

And it was delicious.

I’ve been looking into camping trips to take with the boys.  I actually have no problem roughing it in an actual tent…although the thought of renting a cute little river or lake front cabin is just as appealing.  For me location and camp site amenities are more important than accommodations.  I’d like canoeing or kayaking, a nice fire pit for sitting around at night, a decent bathroom would be nice.  As far as where we sleep at the end of a long day….well, I’m not too picky.  Tent is fine, totally rustic little cabin is ok, a pop-up camper would be fun…

“Not too picky” that was….until I saw this….

and now I want one.

A couple of weeks ago we took a fantastic day trip to Peaks Island, Maine.

Such a great day!

We left home at about 7:15, made a pit stop in Danvers to meet up with my sister and nephew, and then drove on to Portland, Maine.  A quick, easy drive.  We arrived there in plenty of time to find a parking spot in one of the easily accessible and inexpensive lots, and take a quick walk to the 10:15 ferry.

The ferry ride to the island took about 20 minutes and was lovely.  At less than $8 for adults and under $4 for kids….it also didn’t hurt the wallet much.

The second we arrived I was smitten.  Totally charming, low key, welcoming, and picturesque.

We began our day by grabbing a bagel and coffee at Peaks Cafe before heading right next door to pick up our golf cart rental at Mike’s Carts. We called ahead to reserve our cart and paid just $50 for a three-hour rental. My sister and I sat upfront and took turns driving around the island while the three boys sat rear facing on the back seat.  They were stoked and thought it was totally cool to get to sit like that and it was a fantastic way to see the island.  We stopped at three little beachy areas to swim, collect shells and sea glass, and build rock sculptures…which is evidently something that you do when visiting Peaks Island.

After having toured the island by golf cart until satisfied, we returned it and walked right across the street to pick up our kayak rentals.  It was kind of a snotty day on the water and the boys are only 6, 7, and 8 years old…so we kayaked pretty close to the shore for only 30 minutes.  Because of the water conditions, the gentleman in charge of kayak rentals was willing to let us rent for less than the hourly rate so we paid $40 for three kayaks for 1/2 an hour.  A great deal.  We rented from the Peaks Island House.

Having worked up an appetite and a thirst, we walked across the street in a different direction (getting the idea of how close and easy everything is!?) and had a phenomenal little lunch and a delicious blueberry cocktail (because we were in Maine after all) outside at the Inn on Peaks Island.  While eating lunch I checked out the prices to book a hotel reservation for the evening and it was totally reasonable.  I should note that the 20 minute ferry ride for a mere $8 makes it worth while to stay on the island if you are visiting Portland because, for the most part, reserving a room in Portland was significantly more expensive.  Just a thought.

After lunch, we walked a bit, went into two super cute little shops, and the boys got ice cream.  We hopped on an afternoon ferry, grabbed an ice coffee for the ride home, found our car, stopped again in Danvers, and were still home by 6:30 in the evening.

A day trip that is fun, full of outdoor activity, and inexpensive!

Read more about the island HERE

Check out the ferry schedule HERE

Last night’s fireworks were fantastic!  Thanks to all who made the display possible!

1/2 way through

The concert line-up is pretty strong at Fenway Park this summer!

Here are some photos and a video clip of last night’s James Taylor concert…with special guest Bonnie Raitt!

Angels of Fenway was written for the Boston fans…watch the video below.

Here are some pics!  I will say that, while the EMC club is fantastic for a ball game, the stage is not super close when taking in a concert.  Bygones.  A great show nonetheless. And…to boot, there is no better venue if you ask me than the iconic Fenway Park. As always, I was giddy just to be in the ballpark.