Go Bruins!

Saturday, November 10th the McNamaras were treated to a very special night by Megan's boyfriend, Jonathan, a life-long Bruins fan and season ticket holder. Our group was joined by Jonathan's family including his daughter, a resident of Buffalo and a load of her good friends who all traveled from Buffalo for the long-awaited match up. We were on the 9th level of the Garden in a spectacular room filled with food and drinks and friendly people. We were even treated to a visit by former pro hockey players, Bob Sweeney and Scott Young. There were free Bruins hats for all who attended although there weren't many Buffalo fans in the room donning them and a few of them were even tossed over the ledge when the Bruins sealed the deal, winning the game 2-1 at the end of the 3rd period. Chris and I are still speechless about the extravagant experience but even more in awe of Jonathan's generosity and kindness. We won't soon forget the good time we had and are so grateful to Jonathan for including us in the fun! Here are some pics:




Erin and her boyfriend, Chris:



Chris, Dad, Brian and Erin:



Chris and Brian with Bob Sweeney and Scott Young:



Megan and Jonathan enjoying the view and each other's company:



Brian, Erin, Megan and Jonathan with Blades, the Bruins' mascot:








The final score:

Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble

2007's Halloween can go down in the books as another good time as friends and family joined us to eat some food and answer the door. True to traditionm our neighborhood was hopping as we greeted well over 75 trick-or-treaters that night. Maeve's Auntie Katie (aka A-ka) joined us and even slept over so we could continue the festivities the following day. Here are a couple of shots of Ak-a the cat and Maeve the elephant. Strange isn't it that they both have the exact same expression in both pictures?




Our favorite trick-or-treaters of the night: The Glynns, Reeds and Murphys:



Just a really trippy experience for me when I saw this at the end of my street:

Walking for Na, Walking for a Cure

On Sunday, October 21st the McNamara family rallied in Warwick, RI as we have done every year for the last 5 or 6 to participate in the ALSA Rhode Island Chapter's annual "Walk to D'Feet ALS." This is the first year that Mom was not with us to spur us on with her physical presence but her memory and spirit were more than enough inspiration to raise some money and lend our support. We made up some special "Mom stickers" to wear close to our hearts (although Maeve wore hers on her back, cleverly placed by me. so that she wouldn't be distracted by it), shed a few tears along the way and found some comfort in the sunshine and smiling faces who showed up with us that day. I fervently pray that the need for this walk will be a thing of the past very soon...

The Long-Faced (get it?) Elephant

As excited as I was to buy Maeve's Halloween costume this year considering her large affection for the magnificent creature, the elephant, could she look more melancholy about wearing the thing? It almost looks like she wants to trample me...

Lee's 30!

It's not every day that we have an excuse to gather together and shower Eileen with all of our affections and well-wishes. Thanks to her boyfriend and best friend, Scott, we had just such an opportunity. Yes, Eileen is now 30, although she has never looked better that she does now and has certainly grown more beautiful just as much on the inside with each passing year. Scott managed to gather some tried and true people in Eileen's life: friends from her high school days as well as her college years, co-workers, family, and even some new friends as well. People traveled from all pasrt of the country - no joke: New Jersey, New York, Chicago, even Colorado! I'd say it was a success (I sure hope Scott feels that way) and I think Eileen managed to enjoy herself in her most gracious and humble way, once she got over the shock of it all! Here are some pictures for posterity:

Yard Work

One of Maeve's many things that she enjoys doing during her visits to Hanson is to help Pa refill the birdfeeder. Maeve uses a litte Dixie cup to transfer the seed from the bag to the feeder. Most of the feed ends up on the ground (of course) but Pa doesn't seem to mind. It's more of the enjoyment of completing the tasks together than whether or not the birds actually get fed! Now with the Fall season upon us, me thinks both Pa and Na are hoping Maeve might enjoy doing a little raking as well?

Sent From Above

She is here. At last, little Audrey Carolee McNamara has arrived to deliver her message of love and purity, pulling at our heartstrings and awakening something new within each of us without forgetting the past, like only she can. As for me, this day September 28th, is a very special one. I am a new Aunt. A proud Aunt. She enlivened Chris and I tonight by her beauty, her smell, her little sounds. I am energized and inspired to shower her with my affections and my support. I am so relieved to have another piece of Mom in my life - something tangible and beautiful. Weighing in at under 7 lbs. she is every bit the gem that I imagined and Chris and I could not be happier for Brian and Michelle. Can you tell how proud I am of her already?