Home of the Durken’s — Daryl, Amber, Colin & Lauren
We visited the Summit House at Skinner State Park for some beautiful views and a picnic lunch. The Summit House sits atop Mount Holyoke and is located in Hadley, MA. The kids really enjoyed the picnic and the scenic views. The picture of the four of us below was taken in the same spot where I proposed to Amber some 13 years ago.
Today Lauren began taking ballet lessons. The last time she tried Ballet it didn’t really work out. This time however she is really excited about her ballet lessons and performing in her recitals.
Greg’s birthday present to the kids was a whale watch in Boston. The kids were really excited about this trip. On the drive out to Boston they told me that they hoped to see a mother whale, a baby whale, a couple of dolphins and a swordfish. I just hoped that we would get to see at least one whale.
After arriving in Boston we rushed over to the harbor just in time to board the boat. The weather was absolutely fabulous and we enjoyed standing on the deck watching the Boston skyline disappear in the distance as we made our way out to the whale watching spot. The first part of the trip included a narrated tour of Boston Harbor. Early into our trip Colin had his favorite Red Sox baseball cap fly off his head and into the Ocean. He was devastated. But he cheered up after I assured him that we could probably find a replacement cap when we got back to the city. At first he was a bit more nervous and cautious on the boat but in no time he forgot all about his hat and began enjoying himself.
Once we reached Stellwagen Bank, the feeding grounds, we began to see the whales pop up out of the water and then gracefully flip their tails as they descended again for food. Colin and Lauren just loved it.
After the whale watch we grabbed a quick dinner at Faneuil Hall and picked up a new Red Sox cap for Colin.
Colin (hatless) and Lauren watching the Boston skyline dissapear.
Uncle Greg, Colin and Lauren posing in front of our whale watching boat
Colin participated in tennis lessons this summer. These lessons are designed to help develop skills and an appreciation of the sport. In addition to the lessons he asked us to join him in some additional practice sessions. He really enjoyed the sport and loved discussing it with Grandpa Fifield. He hopes to one day be able to play a match against Grandpa Fifield. John you better start practicing.
Today Colin lost his first baby tooth. He was extremely excited to lose his first tooth. Here he is proudly showing off his new smile.
Tonight Colin and Lauren helped make brownies. Unfortunatly, they will not be able to try them until tomorrow morning.
Lauren and I attended our first Father Daughter dance. Lauren enjoyed getting all dressed up and dancing with her friends. We enjoyed spending a special evening together.
This year both Colin and Lauren both participated in the LYA Basketball program. Colin has improved quite a bit and usually makes a least one basket per game. Lauren joined Colin this year and she enjoys participating and looks forward to the games on Sunday.
Colin
Lauren
This weekend the Amherst Railway Society hosted the Railroad Hobby Show at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. Grandma and Pappy joined us on our visit to the show this year.
Colin and Lauren were amazed at each of the model train displays. There were small model trains and big model trains and each delighted them in a different way.
Colin enjoys the model trains
Lauren watches a model train go by
Today was a great day to be playing out in the snow. Both Colin and Lauren went sledding down the hill in our backyard.
Lauren looks at all of the snow on her glove.
