Our Boston Adventure

Recently, Clark and I took a trip up to Boston to visit Chad, Janet, Violet and Lucia.  In the spirit of Boston slang, it was wicked fun!  Janet had an amazing itinerary planned for us, and from the time we arrived there was never a dull moment!  I am kind of amazed by her ability to accomplish SO much with two busy, angelic little people in tow. 

Violet made us feel so special by counting down the days to our arrival with a paper chain. She also wrote us a nice, welcoming message on her chalkboard.  She's such a sweetie.

We spent the first morning at the Garden in the Woods.  It was a little drizzly, but the girls were prepared with their princess umbrellas.  

I'm sure Lucia was trying to determine the best possible way to get on the other side of the roped off area...unfortunately for her, there were too many adults to keep her on the gravel path!

Counterfeit parents.  We like to pretend :)

We were told that there were many flower species in bloom.  However, I think this was one of the only flower species I actually saw blooming.  

After the enjoying the Garden in the Woods, we made our way to the U.S.S. Constitution and respective museum.  Here is the Boston skyline from the ship.

Below deck, keeping the girls in check ;)

Later in the evening, we drove down to Cambridge for Thai food and amazing hot chocolate.  Seriously, I have never had hot chocolate quite like this. The dark hot chocolate was UNBELIEVABLE.  Should have taken a picture of the hot chocolate, but instead I took a picture of this:

Someday we'll have this print in our kitchen.

The next day we filled up on an amazing assortment of donuts before heading to Salem, MA.  These donuts really were killer. So good, in fact, that we got a dozen twice within our five day visit.  

Salem was a cute, quaint town and fun to explore.

The stone benches in this photo have been dedicated to the 19 innocent people wrongly accused and killed for dabbling in witchcraft.  I'm sure glad I didn't exist in 17th century Salem. Yikes.

We had a wonderful lunch near the waterfront, and afterwards the girls needed some time to run around.  Lucia made a friend who shared his ball with her. 

She was not happy to leave, yet it had to happen sooner or later.

We ventured down near the House of the Seven Gables.  Lilacs were in bloom and smelled so delightful.  Oh, how I wish I had a lilac tree.  They're beautiful and they smell good.  Unlike the tree that is beautiful but smells like partially cooked hamburger (I have no idea which tree emits this smell, but it is horrendous).

We didn't want to splurge and tour the property, so I decided to snap a quick photo of the  manicured lawn and posterior view of the house.

We attempted to take some family photos.  

The girls crack me up in this one.

That's one good looking family!

Gosh they're cute!

On our drive back from Salem we drove up to Prospect Hill to get a good look at Boston.

Sunday before church we walked part of the minute man trail, and learned some factoids about our great country's history.

We even got a photo with a Red Coat at the site of the North Bridge.

The North Bridge from a distance.

Later that evening I helped Janet with some crafts.  She helped me tap in to my crafty side. I now know how to make a flower out of felt.  Alright!

Monday we finally had a beautiful, sunny day!  We spent the day walking around downtown, eating our picnic Burger King in the Boston Common, playing on the playground, and riding carousels. 

Violet's not quite tall enough for the water fountain yet.

Reflections of buildings on the Frog Pond.

Lucia loved the carousel so much that when the ride was ended and we had to leave, she grabbed onto the metal fence and started shaking it.  Lucia is so cute when she's upset.

Violet happened to love the carousel, too! 

We missed the release of the swans in the morning, but were still able to see the birds preening their feathers in the park.  

And Janet finally found where the duck statues are located!  

We had such an incredible time with the Chad Tobler family. Thank you for your hospitality and for having us.  We can't wait to see you all again!

My Tobler life as of late

Hello! 

My spring semester is officially complete! Half way through my program, can I get a HELLS YES!!?? Or just a heck yeah from those of you who are more refined than I am!? I am so stoked for this break.  I am finally going to finish Jane Eyre and we have an upcoming trip to Boston. And I got to watch track all last weekend in addition to helping my friend shop for a wedding dress.  Life is pretty dang sweet right now. Annnd, we're finally getting a couch on Wednesday.  Finally.

Now, I recall stating in a previous post that people who take Instagram photos think they are "professional" photographers. It's true. I happen to be one of those millions of "professional photographers."  It's so nice to hardly have to try to be artistic.  Here are the most recent Instagrams from my crappy non-iphone:

So, Clark's band just rented out a studio space where they can jam until the break of dawn (if they wanted to).  The boys were discussing some elements of their musical fusion when I captured this gem. Clark be thinking real hard. Or he be talking. Or responding. Not sure which.

And here's my man in action.  He can play so dang fast.  It boggles my mind every single time I see him play. He's just so talented.

  

This here park featured is Clark Park.  Basically a hop, skip and 200 yards away from our front door.  We love it here.  I love laying down a blanket and basking in the sunlight while reading a good book. People watching is great here, too. There's a group that gets together to play volleyball often. One of the fellas refuses to wear a shirt, regardless of the fact that his abdomen is rather undefined. I'm impressed by his confidence.  Also, when the weather gets nicer there will be men sitting around benches playing games of chess all day.  Like something you would see in a movie. Searching for Bobby Fischer right in my own neighborhood.

Clark made good on his birthday gift to me from 2010. A manicure and pedicure. Now, I'm no fancy gal. The last time I had a manicure was probably back in 2009.  These gel manicures that I'm not too familiar with are simply amazing. It's been three days and the polish has not chipped a bit.  I'm sold.  

So, at the dollar store the other night, I perused the several aisles of food as per usual.  (Nope, this girl is not ashamed.)  I came across these little guys: sealed 8 count mini mustard packages.  I was so excited!  After my excitement dissipated, my next complete thought was: maybe I should buy a couple of packages and then give away mustard as gifts.  Because they are just so cute and miniature.  And then I realized that most people would not appreciate the charm of a mini mustard like I do, so I reluctantly abandoned my idea.  But I may go back and buy a package just for myself, because they make me smile, and I do love me some mustard.

That's about it.  My dress/skirt experiment aka the Petticoat Experiment begins tomorrow.  I'm nervous for something that I really shouldn't be nervous about.  I just don't want to give in to the comfort of my robe and workout clothes any longer!  I WILL succeed and wear skirts and/or dresses for one entire month! 

Penn Relays Action

Last night I watched a HIGH SCHOOL girl run a 4:39 mile.  It was amazing, and it nearly made me cry.  Clark showed up too late and missed it. He also missed watching Villanova dominate in the women's distance medley relay.  Today we both watched as Princeton out-kicked the rest of the field in the men's distance medley relay. It was an intense race from beginning to end, and it was the best race I've seen in years. Not that I've actually had many opportunities to attend track meets in recent years, but let's just say it was the best race I've seen since I competed.  And, I'm just relieved that Oregon didn't win (still talking about the men's DMR).  I kind of have a personal vendetta against that school, and I just didn't want to see them win such an exciting race.    

Oh man, track get's me so pumped! I'm so glad I had the opportunity to see some incredibly talented athletes compete yesterday and today.  Maybe I should consider coaching as a career.  It's not too late, right?   

Springtime in Philly

I took my camera on a run through the Woodlands Cemetery because it is so gosh dang pretty inside the gates:

Ahhhh, these vibrant colors get me every time run.

Clark's FL adventure

Clark got to meet this adorable little lady last weekend in Gainesville, FL. I had to stay behind to study for my finals and put in clinical time.

Look at those beautiful eyes!

 Clark didn't return with many photos from his trip. OF COURSE. He's a typical guy. I'm just relieved that he cooperated and took photos of Presley as I requested.  Thanks again Jeff and Amy for taking such good care of Clark. He had a blast and we're looking forward to visiting in the near future! Annnnd, I think you guys need to post a video of Presley getting excited about a cup because Clark said it is the cutest thing ever.

The Petticoat Experiment

(This post really has nothing to do with petticoats.  But petticoats are frilly and feminine, so I feel it is an appropriate term to title my forthcoming experiment.)

I'm going to do a little experiment throughout the entire month of May.  Each day I have to wear a skirt or a dress.  Why, you may wonder? Because I have been feeling Blah for the last 14 months, and I'm tired of feeling this way.  And since I feel my most feminine and pretty when I wear a skirt or dress, I am going to do so for an entire month.  Obviously, it will be a very subjective experiment.  But I'm curious to find out whether I'll feel better about myself June 1st. 

I told Clark about this experiment about a month ago.  We were hanging out having some pillow talk and I said: I want to start trying.  Without getting into too much detail, this all stems from 1. growing out unruly bangs over the course of the last year 2. not having a decent hair straightener in Australia because of the different outlet voltages and my penny-pinching pocket (No, I did not want to spend $200 on a hair straightener so yes, my hair was always frizzy and far from cute), and 3. lounging in my robe or workout clothes far too often. I then presented to him my idea of wearing a skirt or a dress each day for a month.  He thought it was a good idea.  I think he likes when I try to look my best.

Of course, I won't wear skirts/dresses when exercising or sleeping.  But if I'm just lounging around, I have to lounge in a skirt.  If we go out to the grocery store or the Dollar Store (cause we are that classy), I have to wear a skirt.  If we're meeting up with friends or going out to dinner, I can't leave the house in anything but a skirt or dress.  I'm not sure how I'll hold myself accountable.  I'm working on that part of the experiment.

If anyone else is interested, feel free to join me in this endeavor.  Maybe we could hold each other accountable. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Hubba, Hubba. Am I right?

Consider yourself lucky.  I could have posted a picture of a much more provocatively dressed model. This is dead sexy for the 1800's.

PS, Just watched the most depressing movie ever.  DON'T rent Melancholia.  So, so depressing.  Since when does the Earth actually blow up at the end of a movie?  Sorry, I just spoiled the ending for you.  Now there is no reason for you to watch it so stay far, far away.
The Descendants was good, though.  Definitely worth renting.

You really can't ever have too many guns

We've just added two more to our collection:

YEAH. Check this sniper rifle out. 

Clark's got that crazy look in his eyes.  He probably shouldn't be allowed to brandish the sniper rifle AND the sawed-off shotgun at the same time.  

Story goes: Clark wanted to make marshmallow guns with his scouts.  He needed to have an example to show them so he constructed the first gun at home.  I had such a blast getting shot by marshmallows and shooting Clark with marshmallows that I made him promise to make another gun with me.  You know, as a very normal family activity.  So, Monday night we made a second marshmallow gun.  And we battled.  And we both won because neither of us ended up losing an eye.

Who knew PVC pipe could provide such an element of fun?  If you are interested in engineering a relatively safe non-firearm, you can find the video here.

Easter

It is Easter.

And though I don't say it often or publicly enough, I am so grateful for Jesus' atoning sacrifice. His love for me, and for ALL of mankind is just so overwhelming and humbling...

I really wish my better half didn't have to work this weekend.  We haven't been able to attend an Easter church service together in 3 years.  Oh, the joys of working for a hospital.   Clark works 1-2 Sundays a month, regardless of what schedule he requests.  I have to regularly explain to our class of seven year old kiddos at church that Clark has to work Sundays because hospitals never close.  The idea just blows their little minds.

Since we're always looking for an excuse to binge on junk food, we put together Easter Baskets for each other.  And Clark was sweet enough to get me some wife beaters.  Nothin' like working out in men's clothing at the gym.  I hope that next year we can get around to dyeing some eggs.  We were trying to recall the last time we did it...I think it was 2007.  

I accidentally ate this bag of Cadbury eggs in less than 24 hours.  Oops.

We presented our Easter baskets to each other this morning when Clark got home from work.  He stuck my goodies in a laundry basket.  What did he get me for Easter? Diabetes.  Or pre-diabetes.  And other normal grocery items that he could have just put away the day he purchased them.  Like the sweet n' low for our oatmeal, and the sugar free pudding for when we are eating "clean" and watching our carb intake.  It may be a while before we start eating clean again.  I have to develop diabetes first...

Yes, those are important shredded documents I used for "grass," thanks for noticing!

Purple-y colored cream cheese frosting.  Wish that cake didn't disappear so quickly.

I realize this post makes us look like we're gluttonous pigs.  We're really not.  We've just had a really bad sugar relapse recently and fell weak to the power of Easter candy advertising. Anywho...
Happy Easter, y'all.    

Lovin' the SHADE

And I don't mean shade in the literal sense. Although I do love that, too.

The past couple of months I have begun a love affair with Shade Clothing. Remember them?  Yeah, they went off the deep end for a while.  I'm not sure how long they've been back (back in the they've got an awesome selection now way), but I'm really stoked about their return.

I absolutely love this shirt I just received in the mail.  It was a steal.  Just like all of my recent purchases from their site.  Seriously, ladies.  I'm not trying to push anyone into spending money frivolously, but their sales are uh-mazing.  I told Clark today that I am prohibiting myself from making any other purchases from the site, for an entire month.  This is going to be a challenge.  Because when a shirt or skirt goes on sale for less than $10, that purchase can easily be justified. And plus, you get free shipping and free returns.
What is not to love about this company?  Happy browsing.

(I feel like I've become an advertising junkie lately.  Sorry bout that.  But this is just too good not to share. )

THE Instagram

Is is just me, or does everyone with a damn Instagram app think that they are a professional photographer?


Until this very afternoon, I was envious of everyone around me with an iPhone because they all had the capability of taking professional, vintage looking photos so easily. Oh, the woes that come along with not wanting to support Apple.


Welp, I'm not jealous anymore.  Know why? Because Instagram is now available for android users! Yesssssssssssss.


Now I can join the instagramming masses and pretend that I am a professional photographer, too.


I got started today.


Ohhhhh, look at this view from my passenger window at the grocery store.  Sweet.

Ohhhhh Sherbet.  You look so smokin' hot with whichever Instagram filter I used.

But seriously, this pineapple sherbet is changing my life. One decadent, freezing spoonful at a time.

To think that I've only ever experienced lime, orange, and raspberry!  

(I must confess, I've always called Sherbet Sher-BERT.  Does anyone actually say Sherbet?  Fess up, you sophisticated people!)


Anywho, the Instagram is now available for android, and I am excited.  That was the main point of this post.  The end.

April Fools' Day, minus the Fools'

We spent all day Sunday in the company of our friends, the Gielmans.  They are wonderful people.  They love food, good music, and have a bigger computer screen than we do.  Naturally, we wanted to spend  Sunday at their house so we wouldn't have to strain our eyes watching General Conference on our laptop.  Oh, and they introduced us to this book, which I will one day purchase because it is so soooo funny and I can read it in one minute.

Clark and I contributed an 8 lb glazed ham and mac n' cheese to the day's great feast.  They provided apple dumplings.  It was an amazing day of enlightenment and eating.  And relaxing, as evidenced by the photos below:

Oh, you know you were playing on your smartphone, too.