August 2012: The beginning of August was filled with all the fun associated with summer. Aurora met friends for playdates, had fun in the backyard, enjoyed the Walnut Hill pool, etc. We even got away for almost a week to go up to New Hampshire.

Aurora learned how to play independently this summer. She could easily spend an hour with her trains, cars, tracks, blocks, and Magnatiles, creating intricate track patterns and building garages and houses for the vehicles. She even began to lay out blue paper under the bridges, and decorate the water with ducks or boats. Aurora still loves books, and could entertain herself by "reading" book after book. She also likes to do "hidden picture" type puzzles, and is quite fast at finding the objects.

The end of August was spent preparing for the start of the school year. As we counted down the days until Aurora returned to day care, she often said that she wished she could stay at home with Mama all the time. While she was excited to see her good friends Samantha and Saavedra again, Aurora was also sad that her lazy days at home with Mama were ending. Kathy was also sad to have to go back to work again.

August 1, 2012: Pool day! We met Lindsey and Peyton at the Walnut Hill pool for some splashing! We enjoyed a picnic lunch outside.

Skitty, the neighbor's outdoor cat has taken to wandering into our house if she sees the door open. Sometimes, she follows us up the stairs and into the house. Once inside, she spends several minutes wandering from room to room before strolling back outside.

August 3, 2012: Once again, Skitty comes over to say "hi"

We take advantage of Free Fun Friday at the MFA in the evening. Unfortunately, Aurora fell asleep in the car on the way there. Kathy enjoyed seeing the Renoirs hanging together. After looking at a few exhibits, Aurora was ready for a snack.

And then it is off to dinner at the Eagle Deli in Brighton.

August 4, 2012: Jon enjoys the Walnut Hill pool for the first time this summer.

Lunch break!

And back into the pool.

August 6, 2012: We pack up the car and drive north into New Hampshire. Aurora is set for the long car ride with magazines, games, and her "computer" from Wai Po and Wai Gong.

First stop - the Polar Caves. We meet up with Corin and Oliver there. After feeding the deer and the ducks, the kids are off to explore the caves.

Weird creepy crawlie the kids discovered.

What do you see, Aurora? Trees and sky.

Once again, Jon successfully tackles the "lemon squeeze."

Aurora and Oliver ponder what will happen if they cross the kissing bridge without a kiss.

After a picnic lunch, we say good-bye to Corin and Oliver and set off for our hotel, Nordic Village Resorts. This is the view from our "backyard."

August 7, 2012: The next morning, we drive further north towards Mount Washington to go biking at Great Glen Trails. This was one of the most scenic rides we've been on as a family.

And we're off!

Aurora stopped to watch a guy fishing in the stream.

Biking uphill is hard work! Good thing Baba is there to help out Aurora.

Time for a short break and a biking snack.

Video: Away they go

Eventually, we reach the highest point in our ride. We stop for another snack and a water break. The view of Mt. Washington was awesome.

Back down and around the meadow. By this time Aurora was pooped and she decided to ride in her trailer instead. Along the ride, she looked for special animal signs, collecting a stamp at each one and earning her "animal tracking" badge.

Back at the main building, we have a light lunch while enjoying the hummingbirds flitting around outside.

Then it is back to our room to freshen up and wait for the Howard family to arrive. Once they have a chance to unload their car, we head to Storyland. Our first ride is a train trip around the park to see what rides the girls would like to do. Their choice? The antique cars.

Their next choise was the Polar Coaster.

The Bamboo Chutes and Dr. Geyser's Raft Ride cooled everyone down. While she loved the Bamboo Chutes, Aurora did not enjoy the raft ride.

That evening, Jon takes Aurora and Kathy for a row around the pond. Amy was a much better rower than Jon!

Every evening, the resort has a bonfire and guests can roast marshmallows or make s'mores.

The girls take advantage of a large empty space to dance and show off their gymnastics skills

Video: Flip

August 8, 2012: Jon and Kathy wake up early and pack our snacks and lunches for a full day at Storyland. Lazybones gets to sleep in a bit.

Our first stop today is Cinderella's Castle, where Aurora gets to meet Cinderella and sit on her throne.

Next we ride the Swan Queen to Butterfly Island. A curse made the island lose all its colors. Luckily, we were there to help save it and bring back the colors and music.

Aurora the buccaneer fires upon an approaching pirate ship.

We board the pirate ship and all is well for the first 5 minutes of the ride...

...until a skeleton and Black Beard appear. If she could have, Aurora would have jumped ship right then.

Back up to Cinderella's Castle just to check it out and take a ride in the pumpkin coach.

Antique German carousel, where the horses rock back and forth.

Mama gets treated like a princess.

Video: Polar Coaster 1

Video: Polar Coaster 2

Aurora refused to go on the raft ride again, so she played in the spray park while Greer rode it.

Inside Mary, Mary Quite Contrary's house.

In the Nursery Rhyme area.

Riding a Flying Dutch Shoe. Aurora liked being able to control the up-down motion of her shoe.

Video: I'm flying!

Quenching her thirst with some lime flavored Hawaiian shaved ice.

Aurora tries out the Flying Fish ride. Once again, she is in control of whether they fly in or out.

Video: Flying fish

The wildest ride we went on was the Twirling Turtles. Aurora loved being spun and whipped around!

Afterwards, we made our way into the Loopy Lab. Aurora (and Jon) had a blast shooting foam balls. Mama's big floppy hat came in useful for collecting balls for the cannons.

Video: Ready...Aim...

Video: Waiting for the balls to drop

One last ride on the Polar Coaster.

Psyching out the competition and mentally prepping for Splash Battle.

Ready for a water fight! We got soaked, but Aurora loved it!

Waiting to go explore Los Bravos Mining Company.

Crazy Barn, Farm Tractors, and the Cuckoo Clockenspiel. Aurora refuesd to look at the animated characters whenever we went inside the clock.

Video: Clockenspiel

One final train ride around Storyland. What an awesome day!

August 9, 2012: We wake up and enjoy a leisurely breakfast outside our room.

We head over to the pool area. There are three pools (one indoor and 2 outdoor) to try out before we leave!

Video: Noodling around

Checking out the outdoor seasonal pool. It's a bit chilly.

Ahhh. The outdoor heated pool is much better!

Video: Jump

The hot tub it too hot!

Back inside.

This hot tub is also too hot for Aurora.

While packing up the car, we see a Mama bear and a cub try to break into the recycling bin.

After a short drive and hike, we arrive at Diana's Baths, a series of small waterfalls and pools. Although she originally did not want to get out of the car, Aurora had an awesome time once we got to the waterfalls.

Video: Sliding down a waterfall

August 10, 2012: After arriving home the previous evening, we meet Oliver and Corin for breakfast and some shopping at Ikea.

Back at home, the animals are at a show. Those on the pillows are the performers.

Amazingly, after 4 days in New Hampshire, we never went out for ice cream or dessert. We make up for it by trying out a "new" place near home.

August 16, 2012: Aurora's new favorite restaurant is Whole Foods. She especially likes their pizza.

Helping carry the bags up the stairs.

Having a picnic dinner while enjoying a chimes concert at a local church. Soon, however, she must start dancing!

Video: Dancing

After the concert, we get to go up into the clock tower to see how the chimes work.

August 17, 2012: Free Fun Friday at the ICA, followed by an evening stroll along the harbor and dinner at Whole Foods.

August 18, 2012: We wake up and make yogurt parfaits for breakfast.

Despite some drizzles, Ariana's party is still on!

Aurora is now enrolled in Pre-Ballet class at Walnut Hill! She has been asking to take ballet at Mama's work since she was 2 years old, but had to wait until she turned 4 to start. We go and buy her official class outfit (leotard, tights, slippers, and bun making materials = $70). Kathy had sticker shock, but Aurora could not wait to try on her new outfit!

August 19, 2012: Another day, another birthday party. This time, it is Jonas' party at Walnut Hill.

Video: Baseball 1

Video: Baseball 2

That evening, we had dinner with the Pollack-Howards.

Photos by Aurora.

August 21, 2012: Time at My Gym.

Video: Highbar 1

Video: Highbar 2

Video: Monkey bars 1

Video: Monkey bars 2

August 23, 2012: The morning is spent at Gymboree for art class and open gym time.

Art class ends with some time to play with play dough.

Snack break before heading in for open gym play time.

Video: Swimming with Gymbo

Video: Obstacle course

Video: Too embarrassed to dance

That evening, we head into Boston for a picnic dinner and Member's Only night at the Aquarium.

We head to the shark and ray touch tank first.

Myrtle the Turtle hanging out in her Giant Ocean Tank shortly before they close it for renovations.

Video: Chomp!

Who is longer? The Amazonian catfish or Aurora?

August 24, 2012: What a special day for Aurora! Baba takes the day off and we head out to Old Sturbridge Village where Aurora learns a bit of what life was like 200 years ago.

For $5 each, Jon and Aurora both get to do do a craft. Jon makes a tin candle holder and Aurora makes a toy house.

Checking out the stage coach. Then waiting to go on the ride.

Miss Aurora gets her first stage coach ride!

Video: Waving to her subjects

Pumping water for the horses.

Video: Pumping water

On the carriage ride. Those were some big horses!

Inside the potter's house. She was very interested in seeing how the potter used his foot to turn something, which made the stick turn, which then made the pottery wheel turn. She also checked out the kiln.