For the Kids

When my niece, Abby, was born, my sister and brother-in-law told me they were committed to visiting Boston twice a year so that I could be more a part of her life, and so she could see where I live. They've done just that. Now that I have two nephews, the same philosophy holds true. And this weekend, the boys — and their sister and their parents — came to visit me. Like Abby's first visit, it was a low-key weekend, but that doesn't mean we didn't have fun.

We took Abby — and her friends Quackers and Quackers' Big Sister — on a Duck Tour (one item that was on my Summer 2011 To-Do List). We took Abby to In a Pickle, where she had M&M Pancakes (and her mommy and I had yummy Nutella Stuffed French Toast). We ate marshmallows (because that's what you do on vacation, apparently). I showed Abby my office and introduced her to some coworkers. We went to a BBQ. We walked around downtown, and Abby rode a carousel on Boston Common. And the boys? They rode everywhere in their stroller, sleeping often (and sometimes not often enough), attracting attention and smiles from all who passed them by. I think they enjoyed themselves. I know I enjoyed showing them off.

One day not long from now, Marc and Ian will be a bit more engaged in the trip to visit their uncle, like their sister is. For now, it's still a good time. I look forward to their next visit, a few months from now.