New year adventures in MA

We started the New Year off with a bang. The kids went swimming and then we visited our dear friends. We only see them about twice a year, but the kids always just pick up where they left off. We also had some fun play time with our cousins and Matthew tried out an interesting fashion statement for the year.

One of the highlights of the week was taking Lily to the American Girl Store for her 4th birthday.  More on that below.

Swimming 

Matthew and Tadpole

Sara and Abz

Eating lunch with cousins

Matthew's fantastic outfit choice

Lily was so excited to go on a special birthday date with me and her Grammy Girl. It was fun watching Lily's reaction to the store. When Sara was 4 we took her and she was so excited she almost couldn't contain herself and she had big grins from ear to ear. Lily takes a little more time to warm up to things and she wasn't quite sure what to make of such a big place. She walked around with her shy, half smile for about 25 minutes before picking out Ruthie to be her doll.

Lily's shy smile

She began to warm up after she picked Ruthie (Kit's friend)

After purchasing Ruthie we went to the cafe for lunch. Lily spent almost the entire time brushing Ruthie's hair. I think that's her favorite thing to do with her.

Lily passed the wait time by brushing Ruthie's hair

They brought out the cake and we sang to her, but she didn't want to cut it open at the cafe. She wanted to bring it to Great-Grandma's house to show her and share it there.

Us in the cafe

After that we headed home and Lily got a little nap after such an exciting day.

Brushing hair can be exhausting

We got to Great Grandma's and sang Happy Birthday again and Great Grandma had a couple presents for Lily and her new doll.

Lily showing Great Grandma her cake

Lily with Great Grandma