Back in Boston!

We just finished up the best vacation that I could imagine. After being away from home for 9 months we were able to spend some time in Water Valley with our families. Jennifer's mom and dad came up to spend some time with us as well. This trip was really all about family-did I mention that two grandmother's were just a little bit excited about spending some time with Kenzie?!

The list of fun things we did is too long but I will try to give some highlights and pictures that can give you a feel for the week.

We were fortunate to be able to come down on my mom's spring break so she got some extra time with Kenzie. There's no better way to catch up than taking a nap!

My mom frequents a local grocery store that carries a great variety of fresh, organic produce and goods. They also have a great lunch so the grandmas, great-grandmas, me, Jennifer, and Kenzie got together for lunch. 

 I have some wonderful ladies in my life....

 Babe (left) and Gran (right) finally got to spend some time with Kenzie. They have 9 months of catching up to do!

 After some time in a big city, the simplicity of a small town is so refreshing and reminds me of my childhood. This ticket on a post-it-note is just one example. 

 As you know, I have been on a genealogy quest  and I've made a lot of progress recently. Researching my ancestors has taught me a lot about the past but visiting the rural, isolated cemeteries where they are buried was a powerful experience. There are also clues to be found there so I feel like a bit of an amateur detective.

The headstone of my great, great, great grandmother Sallie Henderson. I never knew her name until finding her here.

 The great grandmas came along too and were able to tell us stories about many of the folks I was researching.

 After a long day, Honey and Nana had to double team Kenzie to get her cleaned up for bed.

 We also just happened to be in town for Honey's 50th Birthday! We went to her favorite sushi place and had a blast. And yes we made her wear that hat in the restaurant.

The whole gang........is that Gran hiding out in the back behind Kenzie?

 One of my biggest complaints about living in Boston is the lack of sunlight. It is just too cold to get out in the sun at all as evidenced by my pasty white legs. It was 80 degrees and sunny for most of the week. I was out in the sun on every opportunity and even a little work couldn't keep me away.

 Kenzie enjoyed the experience of nature as well. Looking between two dogwood branches.....

 and celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a freshly picked clover crown. Look at that green grass! Kenzie loved it!

 A few pictures of Honey and Pop's...

Very therapeutic after many months of concrete and gray skies...

 Even the moss is putting on new growth....

After a trip like this I always leave feeling that I should have taken more pictures. I guess you have to walk the line between obsessing about capturing every moment and enjoying every moment. I certainly know that we made many great memories and I can't wait to be back close to home soon.

If you know me well, then you likely know that I do not like to fly. It is an irrational fear that I have not always had. When I was a kid, I really enjoyed flying. For some reason I have become really anxious about the whole experience. I know that flying is extremely safe- I think that maybe it is just the lack of control. Well our flight today back to Boston went incredibly smoothly. Every time I got nervous or anxious I would look at Kenzie and see this

 She is born to fly I think-not one cry or bit of fussiness throughout the entire flight. Between Kenzie and the glass of merlot I had with breakfast on the plane, I made it through the flight just fine.

I don't expect we will be doing much more than recovering this week. I hope that everyone has a great week-

Ashley