MA Trip 2016

We just got back from visiting Deg's family in MA for a week. We go out every year, but this year, we planned it around a surprise birthday party for Linda. Her birthday's in February, so needless to say, she was very surprised. It was awesome. But beyond that, we had a really fun time and are super glad we got to go visit.


On the first day, we really just slept. We had flown in on a red eye flight, so it was mostly just hanging out. And I took zero pictures, so oops! But nothing really to see. Except a bunch of naked babies who were having a water fight. And DJ loving on his youngest Valentine cousin, Callie.

Day two was our lake day. The local pond has a nice beach area, and we spent the afternoon playing in the swimming area with the kids and messing around on the boat. Because taking pictures while supervising swimming kids is darn near impossible, I only got boat pics. But you will get the general idea.

I had to show them how it's done. A Hall always slaloms.

And then Chris had to uphold his dignity by slaloming, too.

We got Lisa up on a knee board for the first time ever. She's a trooper!

Meagan then showed us how it's done.

Then there was some goofing off int he water that had to happen. DJ had passed out in the boat, so he didn't join, and Bailey was cold, so I stayed in the boat with them.

On day three, we went to Bancroft's Castle, a truly random castle in Groton, MA. Some guy built it in the early 1900s because he wanted to. The wood part has burned down, but the stone part still stands. So we hiked on up and had a picnic.

Karate in the castle window.

Cousins!

 On day four, we went to Animal Adventures, a really cool organization that takes rare or exotic animals who people can't take care of or who are seized by the government and they house them in this zoo. There's a lot of stuff to touch and see and the kids had a blast.

Who doesn't love a guinea pig?

The bunny hutch!

Chris caught a chicken.

That night, Linda hosted a little birthday party for DJ. She is awesome. You've got to see this cake she made for DJ. She knows he's obsessed with Egypt, and she wanted to give him something amazing, and boy, did she!

Seriously, look at that cake.

No really, look.

The kids were amazed. Frankly, so were the adults.

Inside the cake? Oh, no big deal, just a nested sarcophagus with a mummy in it that DJ got to excavate. I'm telling you guys, it was amazing!

The next day was full of deception, and I feel 0% bad about it. It was the day of the surprise party, and I straight up lied to my mother in law to get her an hour away in a different town. I told her I had dead relatives down there and that I wanted to see their graves. I don't! But she forgave me, so we're all good. She was very surprised and very pleased with the party. It was a wonderful celebration of her and I'm glad we got to participate.

Most of the kids in attendance. Because why not have a huge wrestle party in the rain?

From left to right: Lynn, Linda's best friend from childhood, Eleanor, Lynn's mom, and Linda.

DJ and Deg making s'mores at the party.

 The last day of our trip was short -we had to leave for the airport by 5. We attended church with everyone and then hung out with everyone until it was time for us to go. DJ had such fun playing with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and it was so fun to see everyone and get to participate in some really neat activities with them. Come visit us anytime, guys. But word of advice - come in the winter!!

Grandma and Grandpa and all their babies.