Apple Picking

It is our tradition to go Apple picking on Columbus Day. This year we went with the Ackermans and the Rousseaus. Fall in New England is amazing. I've never loved fall because I know that winter is just around the corner. However, fall is beginning to grow on me.

They Might Be Giants Concert

Joe got everyone tickets to see a They Might Be Giants concert in Boston.  I had this great idea to surprise the kids and not tell them until we were on our way.  We told them that we were going to see Grandma and Grandpa Metzger in New York.  Then we waited to see how long it took them to notice that we were driving the wrong way.  We waited and waited and no one noticed.  Nicholas was in a very bad mood when we left.  So he put his hood up and refused to talk to anyone.  

Finally Holden saw a sign that said Boston 10 miles and Joe and I started to laugh.  Here is the result of that:

And then we did the big reveal:

Nicholas still wouldn't believe us, until Joe pulled the tickets out of his pocket and let Nicholas look at them:

The concert was at Berklee College of Music

The concert was great.  The boys did make comments about how loud it was, in spite of the earplugs.  They also felt like in gave them insight into why mom and dad like their music so loud.

Here is the crowd going into the concert.

Here is the band!

The back of Matthew's head.

The view from our seats.

Here is Matthew after the concert.  Apparently when you are 4 you can sleep through anything, including a very loud concert.

After the concert we went to eat at a place called B Goods.  It was SO good.  Matthew woke up for this.  (Well, kind of woke up.)

Joe took this picture from outside the building. 

Joe's artistic shot.

First Day Of School Year 2011-2012

Saying Goodbye

When I was a little girl, I was so bad at saying goodbye. We would leave our cousin's house to travel home and I would cry and cry and cry. Who am I kidding? I am still very bad at it.

This seems to be one of the many traits that I have passed on to my boys. The Woolstenhulme cousins left to fly home from the airport in New Jersey and the Metzger boys were just so very sad. Notice the sad eyes.

Thanks again for coming. It was so great to spend time with you.

Statue Of Liberty

The next day we went to Ellis Island and Liberty Island. These are the only pictures I have. It is when we were waiting to board the ferry in New Jersey to take us over. Again, remember no Joe means no pictures.

New York City

We headed to New York City the day after Holden's baptism. Poor Joe had to stay home and work. Stinks for him, but someone has to pay for all my fun.

We all stayed at Embassy Suites right across the Lincoln Tunnel in New Jersey. The boys and I stayed in Grandma and Grandpa's room. The cousins and Uncle Nathan and Aunt Liesa were right next door.

On Monday we took the bus into Manhattan. The bus stop was right across the street from the hotel.

These are all pictures of the tour bus trip we took of the city. I had never done it before and it was great.

The guy in the corner of the picture with the microphone was our tour guy. He was very informative and tried to be funny. I can't remember his name...

The Brooklyn Bridge

This is a famous jazz club where nearly all the great jazz artists have played. Someday I'm going to visit here, I put it on my bucket list.

These are all drawings done by elementary school kids after September 11th. They are going to put them on tiles and make a memorial out of them.

Apparently, Matthew is upset about me taking his picture.

The bus was really neat, but you can only sit on top. There are no seats inside the bus. This is only a problem when there is a huge rain storm that you are caught on while driving through the city. I don't have any pictures, but it was CRAZY.

I am not good at taking pictures anymore. Joe usually has his camera and takes more pictures than anyone could possibly want, so when he is not around we don't get as much documented.

After the bus ride we hung out in Times Square a little.

Austin was ready to go home.

Here is a close up in case you missed that super cute face!

In spite of the moments of rain, it was a fun day. A special thanks to Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Nathan, Aunt Liesa, Jacob, Brandon, Tyler, and Austin for going to New York City with us. We LOVE New York.

Baptismal Day

Our Holden was baptized and confirmed today. We would like to thank all of our family and friends who came and added to the joy of the day.

Here are some highlights of the day, in no particular order.

1. Joe only had to say the baptismal prayer two times, as compared with three for Nicholas.

2. After the baptism we served, by request of Holden, Tacos. Yummy Yummy.

3. Melisa made Holden a great CTR cake (that was not from a box) and we all sang Happy Birthday to him.

4. We had beautiful Hydrangeas for centerpieces provided by Gail.

5. In keeping with the unconventional nature of the Metzger family, Bishop Reed sported his flip flops. We love our Bishop!

6. When Noel takes on a project everyone gets put to work. Even little 4 year olds.

7. Whenever large groups of children get together, the instinct is to run wild in packs. They deserved to have some fun though after the great job they did on the special musical number.

8. On these special occasions we are a grateful for the ordinances of the gospel that bind us to our Heavenly Father, to each other, and to all those we love.