The Impostor Bostonians

Dress Up

2012-01-22T17:57:00.003-05:00

Caroline and I took another trip to visit our dearies in New York.

Amelia got the most exquisite dress-up dresses for Christmas.

Little girls are so much fun.

Caroline is 2!

2012-01-01T13:35:00.002-05:00

The perfect cake for little Miss 2...

2011: A Year in Review

2011-12-31T13:34:00.008-05:00

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Merry Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T13:25:00.005-05:00

Dan, Sharon and Caroline

Cindy Lulu

2011-12-11T21:48:00.002-05:00

Caroline for one, is pretty impressed with this idea of Christmas trees.

Honky Caroline

2011-12-04T22:19:00.007-05:00

Caroline has caught some sort of a bug and

this morning she woke up with a really husky voice.

She's pretty miserable today and when she cries

she reminds me of the old Disney 'Ugly Duckling' cartoon.

Poor little tyke.

A Thanksgiving Done Well

2011-11-24T22:50:00.005-05:00

This was our first year to make the turkey and host the feast.

We were pretty clueless as to how this was to be done...

So we watched some videos.

We learned the 'art' of brining the turkey, a must-do for a moist turkey.

Peter is the pie-meister. He never dissapoints!

Lynn felt a little left out of all this manly prepping so I put him to work.

He is always a welcome houseguest.

(The ladies did everything else, behind the scenes.)

It all came together just beautifully,

lovely and delicious.

We were very pleased with our spoils.

Dan's hearty plate.

After dinner and before the naps... I insist!

And now, for those McKinlay's out there:

A potato ran away

before Thanksgiving Day

he said

"they'll make a MASH out of me

if I should stay"

A Visit From Unclynn

2011-11-20T22:45:00.004-05:00

A week with little bro Lynn,

what a treat!

Never a loss of people to meet and things to do in Boston.

Dan and Lynn went to a Patriots game.

We know what he likes.

(Yes, even in the nosebleed section.)

And a trip to Boston would be complete without a visit to

the New England Aquarium.

(Caroline had more fun than she's letting on.)

The Jersey Shore

2011-11-13T20:18:00.000-05:00

Dan had to take a quick trip to New Jersey for his new job training,

and Caroline and I got to tag along.

His company put us up in the finest hotel...

It was in a nice little resort town called Spring Lake,

about a mile or so from the coast.

The weather was very lovely for November.

We had a long day at the beach.

And then relaxed and watched our 50" piece of heaven

while Dan was gone during the day.

A Trip to the Farm

2011-11-06T11:24:00.001-05:00

We took a trip to Wilson Farm in Lexington with our good friends, Mary and Ram.

There were funky pumpkins of all colors and shapes.

I loved their display on the front of the store.

My cute little pumkin.

Little Red Riding Hood

2011-10-31T17:48:00.003-04:00

Halloween 2011

Welcome Georgia Daisy!

2011-10-27T17:22:00.006-04:00

Our new little niece was born Thursday, October 27, 2011

at 6:25 a.m. in Brooklyn, New York.

8 pounds and 20 inches.

I crocheted my first project for her.

Her first pair of red shoes.

We Occupied Wall Street

2011-10-16T15:48:00.005-04:00

Dan has rage.

And the world will know.

Ukulele Lessons

2011-10-09T12:15:00.001-04:00

So lately Dan has picked up the ukulele again.

He has been going to youtube to learn new cords and songs and came across this little gem.

We were dying laughing and wanted to share it.

Now I want to know where one would get a kazookeylele.

It's a Major Award!

2011-10-02T10:36:00.003-04:00

We have been in Ashland, Ohio to help celebrate Papa Gorrell's

'Ashland High School's Distinguished Alumni Award'.

He was honored for his substantial work in the community and country.

We are so proud!

Speech! Speech! Speech!

He gave a wonderful, touching speech.

We spent the lovely evening with the whole 1st generation Gorrell clan.

Matt, Chelsy, Shane "Big Daddy" Stevens (Lesley's fiance), Lesley, Elyse, Sharon, Daniel, Gilly

Finally Fall

2011-09-25T13:30:00.005-04:00

Can't wait to break out the sweaters!

New York State of Mind

2011-09-18T19:10:00.004-04:00

Well, New York toddler anyway.

Caroline and I spent the past week with my very ripe with child sister Charlotte

and her tootsie Amelia, who moved there about a month and a half ago.

We spent a lot of time at the local playgrounds.

The favorite toy of the trip:

The Baby Stroller.

And sometimes naked Tiny Tina.

What fun to be a city kid!

God Bless The U.S.A.

2011-09-11T07:36:00.005-04:00

After 10 years, there's something I've learned.

On this day, I'd like to pay a little tribute to our country.

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-28T23:21:00.000-04:00

For a couple of days now we've been bracing ourselves for the mother hurricane.

There were trees and power lines that went down.

But we were pretty blessed. We, our car and our house, all made it through safely.

We got a lot of rain and a lot of wind though.

Dan and Caroline couldn't resist going out and splashing in it for a few minutes.

Overall it was a cozy day indoors as a family. We even had friends over for desert.

Home Again!

2011-08-21T14:30:00.000-04:00

After a very busy and wonderful summer,

we are finally home and together again.

San Francisco Treat

2011-08-14T14:44:00.020-04:00

While I've been visiting Utah,

Mom and I took a trip to see Kaitlin

in San Francicso.

Such a fun city!

And after 3 years,

Kaitlin is right at home there.

One night Kaitlin had her friends over and

Mom told a few of her stories.

Kaitlin and I gave her a makeover.

The look was complete with a peacock feather hairpiece,

and purple, gold, and green eyeshadow.

She looked stunning!

Caroline got into Mimi's sparkly

makeup and spilled it all over herself.

We also spent time peeking into Kaitlin's world,

shopping for fabrics.

And illustrating her designs

for her couture project.

San Francisco,

The flavor sure can't be beat!

Utah, This is The Place

2011-08-07T13:29:00.005-04:00

Well, for a couple of weeks anyway.

We've gone on walks in the canyon.

Ernie, Lynn, Caroline, Mimi

To dinner at Costa Vida with what's left of the family.

Ally, Mimi, Lynn, Sharon, Dad

A visit to Sue's in her awsome attic under construction.

A lovely evening with our best friends from Salt Lake, who happened to be in town the same week.
Sharon, Ben, Missy, Dave, Marisa

Then church the next day so all the kids could meet.

Caroline, Sharon, Adelaide, Missy, Oliver, Sammy, Eliot, Marisa, Noah

We've worked in the back yard, planting grass seed.
Caroline was very helpful.

Then a night out with long time USU pal Tami.

And of course I couldn't take a trip to Utah without seeing my bestie roommates from USU 2002-2003.

Suzanne, Sharon, Caroline, Paige, Kami, Ramsi

(and Paige's little Evi under the blanket)

A Quick Stop On The Way To New York

2011-07-24T23:05:00.003-04:00

Charlotte, Peter and Amelia are moving to New York!

We are going to be neighbors!

They stopped in Boston and stayed and played for a few days.

I'm so excited that they're here!

FIVE Years

2011-07-22T19:18:00.004-04:00

Today is our fifth wedding anniversary.

I sure do love my sweetie.

Palmyra

2011-07-17T14:35:00.012-04:00

The Gorrell's and our family took a trip to Palmyra, New York to see the Hill Cumorah Pageant and some church history sites.

What a wonderful, edifying day!

At the Sacred Grove. Caroline slept in the car.

The whole crew:

Elyse, Chelsy, Ezra, Caroline, Abram, Daniel, Sharon, Dathan, Greg, and Gayle

Our little family.

The Kaity and Ally Show - Part 2

2011-07-10T14:32:00.011-04:00

The rest of K & A's visit we stayed in Massachusetts.

We walked the Freedom Trail, went to Salem (to get in touch with our roots), to the aquarium,

to the beach, to the 4th of July concert and fireworks, to the Boston Temple and to the Red Sox game.

We had a ball! (but we sure missed Danielle)

A Year & A Half

2011-07-01T14:23:00.010-04:00

A Year and A Half from Sharon Gorrell on Vimeo.

The Kaity and Ally Show - Part 1

2011-06-26T14:21:00.012-04:00

When my sisters Kaitlin and Allysann were just young whipper snappers,

they used to entertain all who would listen to the taped recordings of their talk-show

"The Kaity & Ally Show".

This past week I have been blessed to be entertained by them once again.

So far we have spent most of our time in Vermont because Dan had some work to do up there.

We stayed in a charming old-fashioned bed and breakfast.

We visited the St. Albans historic museum, the Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory,

and the Joseph Smith birthplace monument in Sharon.

What a Great Dad

2011-06-19T12:58:00.008-04:00

Dan is a very fun dad.

He and Caroline have a special way of communicating.

Conversation with Caroline from Sharon Gorrell on Vimeo.

I think they really understand each other.

Housesitting

2011-06-12T12:15:00.017-04:00

For a couple of weeks in June we have been housesitting for our friends, the Cox's.

(Dan's college friends' parents)

This is where Dan lived for the first month he was here in Boston while I stayed back in Utah.

It has been fun to be in a great big house with a beautiful yard, an extra (new) car,

an in-house washer and dryer, dishwasher, soft luscious carpet, cable TV, spa-like showers,

and plenty of toys and stairs for Caroline.

Bookclub and More...

2011-05-29T13:16:00.009-04:00

Bookclub was at my house this month.

We read 'Kamikaze' by Gordon T Allred.

I got a little carried away with the Japanese theme, but it sure was fun.

I only wish I had a kimono.

Happy Birthday Danny!

2011-05-18T12:15:00.012-04:00

27 Things We Love About Dan:

1. He's kind of growing up.

2. He plays the ukulele.

3. He'll always help a friend in a jam. (or anyone else)

4. He can install a sink and vanity in a really old house.

5. He still wears shirts from high school.

6. He's a good rapper.

7. He bought glow-in-the-dark banjo minnows off an infomercial

and has yet to catch anything with them.

8. He's a good Young Men's president.

9. He really wants a Cleveland Brown's hat. (but they're really hard to find?)

10. He's my best friend.

11. He makes a mean pesto.

12. When Caroline has a messy face after dinner, he licks it clean like a mother cat.

13. He's an 'Assistant To The Project Manager'.

14. The reads The Economist.

15. He's fun to go to parties with.

16. He's enjoying his luscious locks while he still has them.

17. He plays the harmonica.

18. He can fit an entire cheeseburger in his mouth. (but doesn't recommend it)

19. He's a really hard worker.

20. He and Caroline communicate through shouts and spitting raspberries.

21. He loves to jump on the tramp with his nephews.

22. His idea of a good time is hunting for mushrooms in the woods.

23. He only has four toes on his left footprint.

24. He plays the recorder.

25. He reads Bossypants.

26. He is an Eagle Scout. (and it actually helped him get a job)

27. He has an adorable baby!

Mother's Day - Take 2

2011-05-12T12:25:00.000-04:00

No major mishaps. I may be finally getting the hang of this.

Pretty Little Easter Egg

2011-04-24T21:55:00.006-04:00

We spent Easter with our Ohio and Indiana family.

Easter Egg Hunt from Sharon Gorrell on Vimeo.

There's no place like Indiana.

Roadtrip!

2011-04-17T13:07:00.004-04:00

Dan's work sent him to Vermont for a couple days last week and Caroline and I got to tag along.

We stayed in St. Albans for a couple of days, (Caroline had her first experience in a pool)

and then spent a night at a bed and breakfast at Lake Champlain, (Caroline had her first experience sleeping in a bathtub)

then back to St. Albans for their annual Maple Fest. (We all had our first experience drinking maple syrup shots)

So fun!

Caroline Goes To The Doctor

2011-04-10T13:30:00.007-04:00

I just took Caroline in for her 15 month checkup.

She enjoyed the ride in the subway.

No carseats Yay!

Lot's of fun things to look at in the waiting room...

She weighs 21.5 lbs (25%)

She is 28.5 inches tall (3%)

Still my shorty and stouty.

It was all fun and games until the needles came out!

She did not approve.

Caroline The Destroyer

2011-03-27T12:00:00.003-04:00

Not sure what to do about this new phase.

I turn my head for one minute...

The little darling.

Twenty Nine

2011-03-20T13:53:00.005-04:00

Last Friday was my birthday.

I am welcoming a new decade as well as a new era...

It's Toddler Time

2011-03-06T00:13:00.005-05:00

Toddler Time from Sharon Gorrell on Vimeo.

Counting Our Blessings

2011-02-20T00:07:00.013-05:00

Dan recently got a new job at Alares, a 'green' construction firm in Quincy Mass.

We are so grateful and excited about it. He's doing well as an Assistant Project Manager.

I finally read Three Cups of Tea for my book club this month.

I found it so inspiring and it was a good reminder of how blessed I am to be a U.S. citizen with access to a good library!

We finally got a cheap new stroller for Caroline.

Yay for going on walks again, even if it is still freezing outside.

Valentines Day

2011-02-14T23:50:00.003-05:00

A lovely day with my sweetie and my honey.

There's Snow Place Like Home

2011-02-06T19:21:00.009-05:00

They keep talking on the news about what a doozy this winter has been.

Here in our neck of the woods we have gotten a major snowstorm almost weekly since the day after Christmas.

The view from our front porch.

Next door neighbors, Dan and Sharon's backyard.

Our Dan has been a trooper and helped next door Dan with clearing the driveway every time.

But Caroline and I have mostly waited it out inside, catching up on our NPR and Sesame Street.

Mostly due to the blizzards, but also because we accidentally left our beloved stroller in Ohio at Thanksgiving.

Caroline the day after the first snowstorm, Dec 27.

Not sure what she thinks of it.

Luckily it looks like that snowsuit will fit her next year and maybe she'll be up for more snow activities.

Cibo Delizioso!

2011-01-30T20:40:00.015-05:00

For Christmas I got us a new cook book to try because to be honest we don't eat that well,

and I thought it would be fun to learn some new things.

I've been amazed at how much Dan has gotten into it. He's looked through all 491 pages and has sticky tabs all over.

After making four or five fantastic dishes for us he said he wanted to have a dinner party to share his new passion.

We invited four of our good friends over this evening. The dinner was a success! It was delicious and we had such a good time.

I didn't however have the foresight to take pictures, so these are out of the cookbook, but Dan's looked just as good.

Here is a sampling of the menu:

Rotolini agli spinaci e ricotta

(Spinach and Ricotta Rolls)

Gamberoni al Cognac

(Jumbo Shrimp in Cognac)

Insalata di pasta, mozzerella e pesto

(Pasta and Pesto Salad)

Pesto alle noci tostate

(Toasted Walnut Pesto)

A yummy warm dinner on a cold winter's night.

P.S. Yesterday I made my first batch of Gnocchi!

Oh The Places You'll Go... Until You Graduate

2011-01-23T23:25:00.004-05:00

Dan has tried his hand at many-a part-time jobs.

None quite so interesting as this one.

He included in his resume that he could do a mean backflip.

The 'Physical Agility' section of his resume has finally paid off.

"styleboston" EP218 Detour from styleboston on Vimeo.
(He's wearing orange in some of the video and white in the rest)

Danny Sloan Needs Our Help

2011-01-09T21:22:00.001-05:00

My cousin Danny Sloan recently found out he has a brain tumor.

This is shocking and terrifying news, but I have been so impressed with my family back in Utah

who have rallied together to support him.

He is scheduled to have surgery this month but his insurance will only cover a portion of the cost.

Other family members are putting together a benefit concert with all of the proceeds going to fund Danny's surgery.

I wish I could be there. But even though I can't I wanted to spread the word.

If anyone feels so inclined to attend the show or donate, here is link for more information:

dansloanconcert.com

Life With Lulu

2011-01-01T11:16:00.021-05:00

Caroline turns 1 year old today!

In honor of this momentous occasion I put together a little slideshow of her life so far.

*I want to give fair warning: This video is almost 12 minutes long.

( I'm sure all who are mom's understand ;)

Caroline's 1st Year Slideshow from Sharon Gorrell on Vimeo.

The following is a poem written by Caroline's dear Auntie Danielle for her birthday:

Caroline

Your mother is neurotic; you came on the day she appointed

And when you arrived she wasn’t disappointed.

When the whole world was singing Auld Lang Sine,

She first met her sweet Caroline.

It was love at first sight, your parents couldn’t get enough;

You’re their Boston Baked Bean, their wee strudel puff.

Like Jonny Cash they knew they’d walk the line,

Anything for you, sweet Caroline.

It’s been quite a trip since, you’ve become such a dear

We’re going to go through the highlights of your first year.

It’s done in a poem of the most auntly kind,

Because we love our sweet Caroline.

At first you didn’t do much but sleep and drink.

You were so small that Mom bathed you in the sink.

You were a good baby, but sometimes you’d make a racket

And when you did, Dad would shove you up in his jacket.

In March you and Mom flew to her hometown,

And when we all met you, you brought the house down.

The moment we heard you giggle for the first time,

You melted our hearts, sweet Caroline.

June brought the arrival of Allysann, the craziest of your Aunts,

On the beach she helped empty the sand out of your pants.

You two shared a room and became pretty close

To this day you are the room mate that she loves the most.

Charlotte and Peter came out to visit once or twice,

You met your cousin Amelia, she thought you were nice.

She was always glad to see you, you got along fine,

in your matching BOB’s, sweet Caroline.

You traveled to New York and saw Hoboken and Greenwich

You made lots of body art the first time you ate spinach.

To your great embarrassment, I’m sorry to say,

Your mother posed you nude on the streets of Broadway.

You’ve grown really fast, we don’t quite understand

Where the time went when you learned to sit up and stand.

You learned how to crawl, bum proudly in the air,

You grew a couple of teeth and a head full of blonde hair.

There was a night your parents were glad you came

When you won over the crowd at a Boston Celtics game.

It was adorable when you gave your folks a thrill,

You not only learned to walk, but on a treadmill!

You’re truly a beauty, a lady in the making

You’ve proved that you are always a picture worth taking.

With that MASSIVE smile you got from your Daddy’s line,

You will always be our sweet Caroline.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T12:44:00.000-05:00

Love, the Gorrells

Some Calories To Burn...

2010-12-19T13:04:00.005-05:00

Baby Caroline Walk from Sharon Gorrell on Vimeo.

Christmas Devotional

2010-12-12T00:08:00.003-05:00

Dan and I really enjoyed watching the beautiful Christmas message from our church leaders last Sunday.

We've been to the conference center a few times in years past, and watching this really makes us miss Salt Lake.

Thanksgiving In Ohio

2010-11-27T22:00:00.008-05:00

We went home to Ohio to spend the holiday with the Gorrell's this year.

We took a road trip, and though it was a long drive,

it was much more pleasant than sleeping on the floor of the airport

with a big pregnant belly!

The four generations.

BB, (listening to her Western book on tape) Gigi, Daniel and Miss Lulu.

Caroline hamming it up with her cousins.

Ezra, Aunt Elyse, Karen and Abram.

She had a special affinity for cousin Abram who would chase her around

and make her howl with laughter.

Daniel, the ever cool uncle, playing with the nephews who didn't care that it was raining.

Gigi with her two baby girls, Caroline and Ariya.

(They're not wearing pants so we could see who has chubbier legs - Caroline won)

Oh BB, we just love ya!

Celtic Pride

2010-11-14T12:31:00.008-05:00

On November 3rd we went to a Celtic's game.

We almost got a babysitter for our little shamrock, but we're glad we didn't.

Caroline was quite the hit as she made it on the Jumbotron at least twice!

LuLu On The Big Screen from Sharon Gorrell on Vimeo.

The crowd cheered so loud for her, I was glad that we'd given her earplugs.

Diwali

2010-11-07T13:22:00.007-05:00

Our good friends the Madabhushi's invited us to their Diwali party.

(Indian Festival of Lights)

So pretty!

The marigold garland on the green front door.

Mary Madabhushi (fifth from right) has many sari's and all the ladies got to wear one.

Ram Madabhushi made lots of South Indian food.

The ladies from our ward.

(Sharon, Dhanani, Mary, Danielle)

The fella's that were lucky enough to wear the men's Indian attire.

(Dan, Ram, Casey)

I felt like Michaele Salahi.

Trick-Or-Treat

2010-10-31T13:09:00.006-04:00

the fairy

the peacock

the viking

Massachusetts Top 5

2010-10-17T13:31:00.006-04:00

At the beginning of October we hit the one year mark of living in The Commonwealth.

Here are 5 fun observations...

We've had a bit above the average amount of visitors.

Apple Picking

2010-10-10T12:31:00.011-04:00

Yesterday we went apple picking.

What a fun New England in Autumn thing to do!

Lulu loves apples!

Nine Month's Later

2010-10-03T12:18:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was rainy and chilly, but I wanted to go for a jog.

So I dug out Caroline's teddy bear bunting to bundle her in.

She could barely roll over.

My, how she's grown!

Last Hoorah Of Summer

2010-09-26T00:31:00.004-04:00

Yesterday we spent the day at our friends Kim and Josh's beach house.

We like Maine.

Greg and Gayle Pay A Visit

2010-09-19T21:45:00.012-04:00

Dan's parents hadn't seen Caroline, (or us) since we went to Ohio in March

and I know that Gigi for one, was dying to see her dolly.

So they came to stay with us for a four day visit.

Caroline was happy to see them too!

She was quite the charmer, showing off her new crawling skills and singing her heart songs.

I think she loves her Gigi.

And Papa is okay too.

It was so nice to have a babysitter so Dan and I could attend a sealing

for some friends at the Boston Temple.

Look at those cutie blondie's.

Yes, I think we're off to a good start!

Caroline Is Crawling

2010-09-12T19:57:00.003-04:00

First Real Crawl_1 (September 11) from Sharon Gorrell on Vimeo.

First Real Crawl_2 (September 11) from Sharon Gorrell on Vimeo.

Weekend in Vermont

2010-09-05T18:31:00.011-04:00

This weekend we took a trip to Vermont with the youth of our ward.

It was the first time I had seen the birthplace of Joseph Smith, Sharon Vermont - my namesake.

Vermont is absolutely beautiful!

This is the youth of our ward. Our bishop has a place up there. After visiting the Joseph Smith Memorial,

we got our city kids to spend the afternoon with the local ward's country kids for games and a barbeque.

They definitely seemed to come from two different worlds.

We all wore name tags.

And Carolulu showed off her extraordinary mouth.

Beautiful baby in a beautiful place.

Au Revoir Ally!

2010-08-29T18:05:00.001-04:00

Between Boston and New York, we had a great summer...

New York City

2010-08-08T19:09:00.026-04:00

Wow, another trip this year, this time to visit my sister in NYC.

Oh, what a world, what a world!

Caroline is becoming quite a ham for the camera.

Large sunglasses make me feel so glamorous!

In Central Park.

My sister Charlotte couldn't resist this photo op when Caroline needed a change.

Dan wasn't with us when these pictures were taken but when he saw them he said

"Well, now she'll have something for two truths and a lie."

Ode to Seven Months

2010-08-01T21:51:00.005-04:00

I didn't post anything special for her 1/2 year since it was so close to the 4th of July,

so here's a tribute to seven months.

More hair.

Two teethies.

Great posture.

Happy baby.

Happy Anniversary To Us!

2010-07-22T23:39:00.000-04:00

Four years ago, we tied the family knot.

On our first anniversary the Grand Canyon was very hot.

For our second anniversary, a reunion with the fam.

For our third we were back east, to see if Boston was the plan.

And here we are at number four, here's hoping for many more.

One Month Later and Still Entertaining

2010-07-18T22:17:00.010-04:00

Mom stayed after everyone left for a couple more weeks.

But we're still having fun!!

Mom helping the street performer play a celtic tune on her glass harpy something...?

She asked us our favorite song and Dan wondered if she knew

'Tha Gangsta, Tha Killa, and Tha Dope Dealer'.

We took Caroline to the Children's Museum.

(We took more picture's of her than the two of us.)

and the Public Garden's to see her friends.

and Mom took me grocery shopping.

I told her 'let's keep it light since we have to carry it all home'.

Bye bye Mimi. We loved having you here!

Our Bestie's Are Here

2010-07-11T20:25:00.008-04:00

Some of our best friends the Smurthwaite's came to Massachusetts to celebrate

Marisa's birthday. (This is just run of the mill when you're married to Dave.)

We went to a cute little French restaurant out at The Cape.

Out and about.

They took us whale watching. That was one of the coolest things I've ever done!

But I was too seasick to get any photo's of the whales.

Luckily Dave got this one.

Caroline seemed to have fun despite all the wind and spray in her face.

Yankee Doodette's

2010-07-04T20:10:00.006-04:00

First Boston 4th of July and it didn't disappoint!

Mom, Dad, Charlotte, Peter and Amelia came to join in the fun.

We visited the Boston Temple.

It was so fun to hang out with Dad in his old stompin' grounds.

Auntie Leesey Came to Visit!

2010-06-27T15:22:00.008-04:00

Being a Fan is Tough Business

2010-06-20T14:30:00.018-04:00

So, Dan and I have never been what you'd call "sports fans".

Even when we were at Utah State we didn't place too much stock in our teams bringing home the gold (sorry Aggies).

But I don't know, something about living in Boston has made us want to be more aware and supportive of our home teams.

So this year when we found out the Celtics were again playing the ever loathed Lakers we decided to follow all of the games.

And we did. And it was so fun... for the most part.

We found ourselves really getting into it, complete with Celtic attire and phone calls to Lynn to analyze and gain more insight.

But I was really surprised as novice how heart wrenching it was to see them lose. I don't know if I can take that pressure again.

It was kind of draining. But I have to say I do feel more like a part of the community now, as we were all suffering together.

And at least now I know who those guys are that are plastered on the side of the TD building.

Health and Fitness Expo

2010-06-13T20:56:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was a rainy day in Boston, so we went downtown to the Health and Fitness Expo.

We got coupons, free pens, and lots of great advise. (Thanks Boston)

We got to see brain surgery.

But the highlight was definitely the guest celebrity, Mario Lopez. (Yep, you read that right)

He was there to promote his new book 'Extra Lean'.

He told us we kind of reminded him of his good friends Kelly and Zack.

Who's Your Daddy

2010-06-06T19:18:00.004-04:00

I was looking through some of Dan's old baby photo's and I thought 'Hey, that kind of looks like my baby!'

Dan The Baptist

2010-05-30T19:20:00.005-04:00

Dan was recently called to be the Young Men's president in our ward.

He's been going with the missionaries to teaching appointments of a family here from the Dominican Republic.

Joan is 13 years old and asked Dan to baptize him.

Beach Babes

2010-05-23T22:32:00.007-04:00

For Dan's birthday we took our first family trip to the beach on Cape Cod.

Caroline didn't seem that impressed. Hopefully she'll warm up to the idea as the weather continues to warm up.

Mother's Day

2010-05-16T16:39:00.006-04:00

My first Mother's Day was last week. A day I've dreamed about and looked forward to most of my adult life.

What will my little angel look like? I'd had her outfit picked out for the past couple weeks.

5 minutes before church, this is what my little angel looked like.

After church I was more calm so we took a few Mother's Day pictures.

That's my girl.

The next Saturday we took a trip to the Arboretum.

trip to the park from Sharon Gorrell on Vimeo.

When given the opportunity, she likes to chew on her dad's chin.

And this is my latest favorite picture.

Springtime Activities

2010-05-09T16:16:00.008-04:00

Our latest, greatest purchase (now that we're parents) was a BOB stroller.

My sister Charlotte sold me on them when she was out visiting last month, and they are fantastic!

With the combination of our new acquisition and the weather being nice,

we've been spending more time out.

Beautiful spring day at Jamaica Pond.

Look at all those biceps!

Out for a family jog.

One of my favorite things about Spring is when the Marine's come to town and put up an exhibition in the Common's.

They let Dan hold a gun. They also had real war machines that you could get inside and look at.

Apparently not this one though.

This was as far as I got before a stern young man in uniform told us we weren't allowed to photograph.

-I like how we got the sign 'No Interior Photography' in the shot.

But in our defense, we weren't going to take any photo's in the vehicle.

Four Month's Old

2010-05-02T15:51:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was Caroline's 4 month birthday.

It was such a beautiful day we decided to go to the Public Gardens and take some pictures.

Sweet Caroline

2010-04-25T17:33:00.010-04:00

emotional wreck from Sharon Gorrell on Vimeo.

Yay! More Cousin Time

2010-04-18T15:03:00.023-04:00

Charlotte and Peter took a trip to New York

so Peter could compete in a marketing competition for Loreal.

Then they came to visit us for a few days. We had so much fun!

We went to the Aquarium, Public Gardens, Museum of Science, and out to Cape Cod.

I loved having them here.

They'll be back in New York for the summer and I can't wait to get together again.

Sharon and Caroline at the aquarium.

Nemo and Memo.

Amelia getting a lesson on penguins.

Cool cat's at the Gardens.

Gotta have bath pictures.

Oh, Uncle Danny, he loves it.

Our Trip to Utah

2010-04-11T14:20:00.009-04:00

Since my parents weren't able to come to Ohio for the baby blessing,

and most of my family hadn't yet met Caroline,

I thought it would be fun to show up in Utah and surprise them. It was a great trip!

We were there for about 12 days and saw family and friends.

But our Dan didn't go with us and when we went home we were glad to be back with him.

I got there the night before Mom's play. One of the student's couldn't be in it so Mom had to take her spot.

That's why she looks like a pilgrim.

Allysann, Danielle, Sharon, Dad, Mom, Baby Amelia, Lynn, Baby Caroline, Charlotte, Kaitlin

Some of my most favorite people!

What a beautiful baby!!

Brother Lynn Came to Visit!

2010-03-21T13:28:00.010-04:00

Our fun brother Lynn came to visit during his spring break,

which also happened to over my birthday.

It was an action-packed week!

Who knows, maybe we can talk him into moving here...

On St. Patty's Day at Fenway Park.

We also went to a Celtics game that evening.

We found this shirt for Caroline in the subway station on the way over.

It should fit her when she's five.

We had a great time, (could be the start of a great St. Patrick's Day tradition)

but it was probably a little too loud for a two-month-old...

For my 29th birthday we walked on the Freedom Trail,

got lunch at Fanuil Hall and then relaxed on the Ferry.

Hmm, anybody notice a problem in these otherwise poignant pictures...?

Dan and Lynn at the Boston Temple.

What a great Unc!

Ohio Family Time

2010-03-14T13:00:00.004-04:00

Caroline is adored by her loving Gigi and Papa.

Auntie Chelsy, Abram, Ezra and Caroline.

Ezra kept asking "Where is Cawoline, can I hold him?"

Abram was so so sweet with her. What a cutie!

Blessing Day

2010-03-14T11:54:00.006-04:00

We took a trip to Ohio so that Caroline could be blessed on March 7th in

Dan's hometown branch, and in my dress and bonnet. She was so good the whole day,

until it was time to take pictures.

That's Photastic!

2010-02-21T22:19:00.005-05:00

Dan has been taking a digital photography class this semester. He prides himself in finding "art" in ordinary objects :)

But I think some of his stuff is turning out kinda cool.

Baby Love Valentine's

2010-02-14T21:31:00.008-05:00

We had a wonderful weekend as a family. A lot of firsts for Caroline.

Saturday we took her to her very first restaurant.

It's a charming slummy seafood restaurant called The No Name Restaurant, and it's down by the fish wharf.

She was very well behaved.

We also took her on the subway. She was able to tune out all the crazy noise and just sleep.

She also went on her first ferry ride.

She seemed to like laying on the table and looking out the window while being rocked by the waves.

We also had our first trip to church as a family. She was just an angel.

She gave me the best Valentines Day gift... a big gummy grin.

One Month Old… Baby Bootcamp Is Now In Session!

2010-02-07T22:07:00.005-05:00

Well, baby Caroline had her one month doctors appointment on February 1st.

I talked to her about sleeping situation, and Dr Gonzales said it was time to give her the boot out of the parents room.

She has been in her crib for almost a week now and doing beautifully.

I also wanted get her footprints stamped before her feet got too big.

The feet turned out well, but then we tried her hands and that turned out not so well.

She got the ink all over herself. Well... maybe we helped a little. She just looked so cute!

Apparently Dan is doing something interesting on the computer.

5 weeks old.

The Grandparents

2010-01-31T21:39:00.006-05:00

We had quite the full house with the visit from Mimi McKinlay and then Papa and Gigi Gorrell.

We all had a lot of fun with the baby; going on walks, giving her baths, rocking her,

getting up with her in the middle of the night (thanks Grandma's)

and playing dress up with her every day.

Precious Pearl.

Not sure what's going on here.

She took her first trip to Salem which is a special place for MiMi, as she is a descendant of a witch.

It was pretty cold but she snuggled in her teddy bear bunting and slept the whole time.

Sleepy bear.

It was so great to have MiMi here.

Next it was the Gorrell's turn.

Caroline meets PaPa Greg.

And Grandma Gayle (GiGi).

Sweet snuggles at 4:00am.

We took a walk along the wharf. It was freezing cold and Dan bundled baby caroline up in his coat.

The First Few Weeks

2010-01-24T21:54:00.006-05:00

Yay! I got one looking at the camera.

Go to sleep little one...

First time in the bathtub.

First time in her new crib.

Dan said 'is this so hard?'

I really wanted a '2010' hat for Caroline

but we couldn't find any when we got out of the hospital,

so Dan made this one out wire and one of my thank you cards.

Isn't it just so cute?

She's just so little.

Blurry, but cute.

She does seem to like a good beat.

Birth Announcement

2010-01-17T20:31:00.007-05:00

Caroline's Birth Announcement from Sharon Gorrell on Vimeo.

January, We Start The Year Off Fine!

2010-01-10T19:48:00.006-05:00

{Our heart’s in a whirl, we love, we love, we love our little calendar girl…}

Dan and I moved to Boston last fall so Dan could continue his education in Construction Management

at Wentworth Institute of Technology. We moved to a house on Bourne Street, which I thought was quite appropriate

since I was great with child. We miss our families and friends so much, but we love it here!

On January 1, 2010 our little baby Caroline Jane joined our family.

What a way to start a new chapter of our lives and a new decade.