Lots of lights

It’s a fun blur of “what day is it?” right now

It’s been an unseasonably warm last few days so we took advantage and saw some outdoor lights.

The first were at the Catholic La Salette Shrine in Attleboro, MA

We went with the Grandparents, Aunts, and Uncle on my husband’s side.

It was 50 degrees and Elise said “Wow!” and “pretty lights”

I’m impressed that a Catholic display was still inclusive. A lesson for my City of Quincy!

The next night was Zoo Lights at Stone Zoo (Zoo New England). This year there were Lego sculptures too.

I would have liked to see more zoo animals but we still had fun.

Zoo visit was with grandparents on my side.

Hope you are having a wonderful December – celebrations or none!

More Winter Festiveness

This December was just so much fun for me and my daughter!

At the Thomas Crane Public Library Children’s Room, she proudly told me all the colors on the gingerbread house as she pointed to them

We went to Jordan’s Furniture Enchanted Village in Avon and my daughter loved the dogs in the display (They’re animatronic and moved their heads)

I went to the Quincy Winter Market on a snowy day

I saw Santa when I volunteered at the Friends of the Thomas Crane Public Library table at a holiday fair

Our family of 3 visited Bass Pro Shops to meet Santa…the picture didn’t come out well but Elise high fived him as we left

She loved watching the fish at Bass Pro Shops though with her Dad

Finally, here I am on Christmas Eve, wearing a Santa hat

I hope your winter has been filled with joy!

Seasons greetings for whatever you celebrate and even if you don’t celebrate anything, I hope you’ve found some relaxing days.

 

Christmas in Quincy – Part 2 – Tree Lighting

Recap if you missed part 1, the city of Quincy, MA is obsessed with Christmas

Our family of 3 headed to the Quincy Common for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony

Dad and 2 year old with a toy soldier stilt walker

Cute carolers

Finally, the tree lights! (I’m holding my daughter)

Overview of the crowd

It was a chilly but fun night!

 

 

Christmas in Quincy – Part 1 – Parade

My city, Quincy, MA is a bit in love with Christmas. There is a lot of celebration, beginning the Sunday after Thanksgiving and continuing throughout December.

The Quincy Christmas Parade is “The Largest Christmas Parade in New England”.

The route is right under my condo balcony, but now that I have a toddler, I prefer the sidewalk for viewing. (She got a bunch of candy from the floats going by.)

The 2019 parade theme was “Christmas Around The World”

Here’s me and my daughter waiting for the start.

We made sure to bundle her up

Tessie the Green Monster is a newer mascot addition to the Boston Red Sox (baseball team) – you may have heard of Wally the Green Monster. I like them both!

This fire spinner was amazing and I saw her at the city tree lighting celebration too.

The Aleppo Shriners are always friendly – this clown was stilt walking

The Hallamore Clydesdales are BEAUTIFUL

This was my favorite float – the waves moved side to side!

Quincy Fire Department with Santa on the fire truck end the parade

If you’re in Quincy on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, let me know & I’ll save a spot for you with our viewing crew (friends and family)!

 

I won – LivFitness

I’m super psyched that I’ll be able to put fitness classes back into my life in 2020 thanks to winning a contest from LivFitness in Quincy.

I get 1 month of classes, a haircut, and a massage (my first massage!)

Living on just my husband’s salary right now has been tough and I’ve cut any “extras” that take care of me.

I’m going to start 2020 in an awesome way!

America’s Farmer – Farmer’s Market In A Box

In a pleasant surprise, I received a complementary box of produce from America’s Farmer.

The slight problem with the surprise delivery though was that it sat for a few days before I realized it was there. (I didn’t check my mail room at the condo with the Thanksgiving holiday.)

But, what we were able to salvage has been delicious and I would recommend their box delivery.

My 2 year old daughter loves the yellow pepper slices:

We also received a lemon, cucumber, red green and orange peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, apples, pears, and a butternut squash.

This seems like a perfect service for when you can’t get to a local farmers market because they’re during working hours.

My daughter Elise and I were regular attendees at Quincy Farmers Market this year and we love getting direct from the farm produce.

My 2019

Danielle, Getting Fit in MA, where have you been?!

My 2019 has definitely been interesting and blogging took a backseat.

Biggest news is I graduated Emerge MA signature political canidate training program and ran for City Councilor in Quincy, MA.

I didn’t get through the preliminary election in September but I’m still proud of the race I ran – knocking 4k doors and winning 3 of 5 precincts.

I received great press and endorsements too. Thanks to all my supporters! Mass Alliance put it best at their Celebration of Progressive Champions event last week: I’m a “future winner”.

Emerge MA gave me a group of women that are now sisters and it’s the network I didn’t know I needed.

My daughter is turning 2 at the end of December. She proudly told everyone to “vote mama”

Now that my campaign is over, I’m looking to return to work as a nonprofit fundraiser.

The winter holiday season will be very busy but I wouldn’t change it.

Wishing you joy in whatever you celebrate!

Photo Blogging Challenge – Whatcha eatin’?

The November photo blogging challenge was “Whatcha eatin’?”

It’s great to be back participating in the monthly photo blogging challenge!

My daughter Elise is 23 months old so her trying new foods is a huge thing right now.

Her favorite food is apples:

Her second favorite is green beans:

Here’s her eating the fruit off my salad while we wait for lunch at a restaurant (Thanks Nanie and Grandpa for lunch!)

Uncle God Dad, did you say pie and ice cream?!!!

And of course, Thanksgiving turkey with Grandpa Tony showing my daughter what’s cooking on the stove

Looking forward to seeing everyone’s posts!

This monthly photo blogging challenge is facilitated by PJ of the Northeast Bloggers Network.