Headed Back to the White Mountains

We headed back up to Jackson, NH this week for a fun filled week with the Murphy/Riley/Mulkern cousins. For some fun family time, a visit to Storyland, some river swimming and to celebrate Nia Riley’s Christening.

Needless, to say we had a fabulous time. The kids were great! They loved being with all their family. As did Mike and I.

It was a fabulous week of sunshine, smiles, and s’mores. It was a lovely break from our reality. The combination of the mountain air, and family that loves and supports us, was good for our souls.

Storyland…

…where fantasy lives.

I think that if you grew up in New England there is a pretty good chance you have visited Storyland in Jackson, NH at least once your lifetime. Or if you are me, once every year from age 3 to 16!

So of course we started that same tradition with Kathryn and Patrick. This was there second year visiting it, and they both really enjoyed. I think they will like it even better next year.

What makes it most magically is that we visit Storyland with about 20 of our extended family members! Which makes for a great time!

Stream of consciousness

So I am trying my hand at this method of blogging. Lots of bloggers use this method of writing when they have a lot to say of a bunch of random thoughts. I imagine this is going to more like a glorified facebook status update. Some of these topics I may come back to and write a more in depth blog entry on one or more of these topics. So maybe this is a spring board for future posts, maybe not. But there are so many thoughts, and time sensitive things I want to share.

So Katy’s benefit at the Shannon Door was amazing!!! Jimmy and Kimmy Keys!!! Rocked the House!!! The Mulkern Family and the generous people of Jackson, NH. I renewed my faith in humanity.

My awesome husband graciously ok not so graciously stopped at a few outlets on the way home and I got some super adorable shoes at LL Bean for $4.49. I can’t wait to wear them tomorrow!!

Speaking of tomorrow… I will be taking Katy to her transplant clinic ALONE! Usually Mike and I both go, but it’s not very fair to Patrick and we don’t expect any real decisions to be made. Other than pulling the damn NG tube.

Mike will spend the time unpacking and organizing our house since it looks like a bomb went off… Looking forward to getting everything cleaned and organized before we head back to NH for the Murphy/Mulkern/ Riley invasion of Storyland! CAN NOT WAIT!!!!

Tomorrow evening Make a Wish is coming to plan our trip to Disney. Although the thought of seeing K & P enjoying Disney in such a magical way… the reason they are given this opportunity breaks my heart.

I completed my first year at Bay Path I finished with an A and B…not so happy with the B, but considering the session I had. I am actually pretty impressed with myself. It was a long, hard, emotional session. I am happy its behind me and am looking forward to the time off. Classes start back 9/18/10. Currently I am planning to go back…all of that depends on when Katy’s new ticker arrives.

So, that’s all for now! Let me know what you think about this style of blogging!

Keys for Katy!

WOW! Is all I can say! I am overwhelmed with emotions and I tried to keep myself it check… but at times it was nearly impossible. The generosity and kindness of strangers has renewed my faith in humanity.

Jimmy and Kim Keys are two people we have never met…yet, they feel like dear longtime friends. They loved on my sweet babies and took time out of there VERY packed schedule to squeeze in a show to benefit Katy,and our family. People that they have never met… they read about her on our cousins facebook page. They worked together to organize a never before Jimmy Keys Kid show!

Jimmy, is such a fabulous entertainer and all around GREAT guy he had no trouble winging it. He along with his wife Lady Gaga Kim Keys kept about 90 kids and their parents laughing, the entire time.

The Shannon Door was our host and they had candy and homemade cupcakes and lemonade for everyone. Auntie Tess baked over 100 cupcakes for our little Rock Star!!

When Jimmy sang K K K Katy the tears started rolling down my face.

Mike and are so very thankful to both Jimmy and Kim Keys and the gang at The Shannon Door

If you are interested in catching one of Jimmy’s amazing shows… I promise you won’t be disappointed. You can find his tour schedule at http://www.jimmykeys.com/show-dates.php

The next time you head to North Conway for a weekend away, a visit to Storyland or some awesome skiing….make sure to stop in at The Shannon Door for THE BEST PIZZA http://www.shannondoor.com/

Now for the pictures….

Jackson Bound

“We've been talkin' 'bout Jackson, ever since the fire went out.
I'm goin' to Jackson, I'm gonna mess around, Yeah, I'm goin' to Jackson,
Look out Jackson town.” –Johnny Cash

So The Murphy’s are packing up the mini van ( I know can you believe I drive a Mini Van, Not only to I drive a mini van… I LOVE my Mini Van) HA! There I said it! It’s really the perfect vehicle for an over packer like myself.

Anyway, we are headed North to visit some of our favorite cousins. The Mulkern Family. They along with Jimmy Keys are hosting a benefit for our little Rock Star!

Looking forward to spending some time with our wonderful family, celebrating my girl and getting away from Children’s Hospital!!! Even if its just for a couple days. It’s a warm up since we will be doing it all again next week!

Next week is the Murphy/Mulkern/Riley Reunion!!! AKA The Irish Invasion of Story Land!

Jackson Falls

On our last day in Jackson, NH, we headed to the Jackson Falls to take some pictures.  Unfortunately, Patrick slept the entire time we were there.  However, we were able to get some amazing shots of Kathryn!