Happy New Year in Noho

Fun with stamping!

Willa & Eleanor having a snuggle

Christmas 2011

ALL the Murphy cousins! Josh, Eleanor, Lily, Allie, Emma, Tim, Frankie, Shane, Ryan, Michael, Brennan. In front: Ava, Lulu, and Connor

Frankie and our mother's helper, Jess

Atlantic City visit

We finished our trip in Atlantic City, NJ where we had a great visit with Lolly and Poppy. We loved staying right on the boardwalk with the incredible view from our balcony. Frankie had fun with his Lolly and Poppy – going out to breakfast, playing with some new toys, and eating at Rainforest Cafe in AC. We also got to see the Gimblet family while we were there – Andrew, Ayn, Nick, and Sammy. We headed home after a week of travel, exhausted but with lots of good memories!

view from our balcony

Lucy the Elephant

Frankie, what did you draw??

Poppy, Lolly, and Ellie

Poppy and Frankie

Visit in Folsom, PA

We spent a couple days in Philly, then headed to Folsom, PA to visit with Edie and Buck’s family. Diane and Tom were such gracious hosts, and it was so nice to see all of Buck’s family again. Frankie had much fun playing with all the new toys and taking rides on Tom’s scooter! Grammy treated us to a fantastic day at the Camden Aquarium (which is such an awesome aquarium, by the way!). The Hippo exhibit was the best – so incredible to see them dancing underwater!

Grampy, Grammy, and Miss Eleanor Ruby

Eleanor Ruby listening intently to Grampy Buck

checking out the hippos

Mighty Mike!

Philly Marathon

Frank did an amazing job running his first marathon! He finished in 4:08 and was probably the happiest marathoner you ever saw. We are so proud!!!

Go Frank!!

(click to expand)

Rockin it!!

Halloween

We had a fun Halloween despite the freak snowstorm that postponed it in Lexington. Luckily, one street over is Arlington, so we were still able to trick or treat with our friends Shelley, Gustave, Faith, and Ronan. It was a little strange getting around snowbanks and branches down from the storm, but Faith & Frankie proved to be pros at this whole trick or treating thing! Frankie chose to be an alligator as he has been obsessed with them for some time (we also got a bat costume from Willa and Julian, so he had fun with both). Our Ellie Roo was a good sport, falling asleep in the Baby Bjorn during all the festivities.

(click to expand - Happy Pumpkin!)

too scary!!

 

The New Ride!

After 4 months of being a one car family, we finally found our new vehicle – a Jeep Liberty! We love it so far, and Frankie has been calling it “Mommy’s Monster Truck.”

 

Beer Tasting

We hosted our first beer tasting on a perfectly chilly Fall day. We did a blind tasting of the beers which proved to be very informative when the paper bags came off. First place went to White Birch Smoked Stout. Surprisingly disappointing was the Victory Golden Monkey which people described as “cheap tasting” and “smells like urine.” HA! The kids seemed to enjoy themselves as well, especially near the cozy fire.

Frank’s 40th

We celebrated Frank’s 40th birthday at Watch City Brewery in Waltham. The party was not a surprise, but Frank sure was surprised by his gift – his dream guitar! An ESP Viper. It was a lot of fun celebrating this important birthday with family and friends. Thanks to all who made his bday so special this year!

"It's matte! It's matte!" (excited about the matte black color)

*b/w photos by Anne – thanks!

The Cape: September

We had a great time on the Cape with our friends the Brousseau’s!

Frankie & Sylvie

discoveries in the sand

Philly & Vivian

skydiver (not one of us!)

Bruce Dickinson, is that you??

first smores!

Eleanor & Vivian

seals on the sand bar in Chatham Harbor