My Birthday

I hit the BIG 3-0! It's crazy to think that I am 30 years old now. Where does the time go? Daniel and I celebrated my birthday on Sunday. He made breakfast for me and after church we went on a drive to Marblehead with our friends, Jesse and Kelly. They showed us a great spot by the ocean on Marblehead Neck, an island off Marblehead. We didn't stay at the water's edge for long since it was cold and rainy, but the drive was very enjoyable. Daniel also took me out for dinner at Not Your Average Joe's. Of course, The Amazing Race began Sunday night so we made sure we were home to watch when it came on. During the show, Daniel gave me a foot massage! I wasn't thrilled to be turning 30, but it turned out to be a very nice day. And the celebration will continue in a week and a half when we travel to Minneapolis to see family.

Apple Picking

Last Saturday we went apple picking with our friends from small group. We went to Brooksby Farms in Peabody. Daniel and I hadn't been to this farm yet so we were looking forward to seeing what it was like. We were pleasantly surprised to find a huge orchard! We had a lot of fun picking apples from the trees (and sampling them, too!). I think Daniel had more fun than me since he spent most of his time up in the tree! Before leaving the orchard our group walked down to the farm's store to get some apple donuts. They were delicious! After picking, everyone came over to our place and had more fun making apple crisp. We made four batches! Daniel and I really enjoyed spending the afternoon with our wonderful friends!

The Prudential Skywalk

Daniel and I took Kristen and Ryan to the Prudential Tower on our last day together in Boston. The Pru is a 52 floor skyscraper that provides an amazing 360 degree view of Boston and beyond on the 50th floor Skywalk. Daniel and I had heard that the skywalk was a great place to visit. We hadn't gone before so we thought it would be fun to experience it with Kristen and Ryan. It was a clear sunny day and the views were spectacular.

Kristen and Ryan's Visit

Daniel and I had such a great time this past week with his sister, Kristen and brother-in-law, Ryan. They are home from Sudan for a few months and flew in to Boston last Wednesday afternoon. It was an adventure in itself for me to pick them up at the airport. I walked down to the train station from home (about 15 minutes) and took the train into Boston. From the North Station, I walked to the Government Center Subway Station (about 10 minutes). I rode the blue line up to the airport stop, where I caught the shuttle bus to the airport. It was great to see Kristen and Ryan when they arrived! We have had a very busy week, with trips into Boston, New Hampshire for berry picking, and Plum Island for Fish and Chips. Here are a few pictures from our time together.

Kristen and Ryan's first train ride into Boston

The Wharf

Looking out at the airport from the wharf

The courtyard behind the Old North Church

George Washington in the Public Garden

Blueberry picking

Raspberries and blueberries

Picking Honeycrisp Apples

A picnic at Lynch Park in Beverly

The beach on Plum Island

Plum Island Wildlife Refuge

Fish and Chips at Bob Lobster