Finally, a chance to draw breath after a hugely busy (but good fun) month or so. Since I last posted my parents have been to stay for two weeks, Izzy's best friend from home and her Dad have been to stay, we have been celebrating the Red Sox winning the World Series and we have had a six-day break in Florida. Added to that, our laptop has been in IT ER having a hard drive replacement. So, lots to tell you about and lots of photos to show.

First, however, we have some photos to catch up on from previous blog entries so here goes:

Our second Red Sox match at Fenway Park. They were paying the Detroit Tigers and it was a tense 3-2 victory for Boston. The Red Sox were destined to meet the Tigers again in the American League Championship play off (they were to win again too!).

 First day of school. Slightly different from our usual first day of the school year photos!

Isabel's birthday cake. She chose a Red Velvet cake - a blood red sponge cake which seems to be unique to the USA. It has become a big family favourite.

Our day out in Quincy, visiting Barry's fellow IHI Fellow Pete and family. Their house backs onto the beach and their next door neighbours have a variety of water sports equipment which Pete and family are free to use so the girls and Barry (and Dougal) went kayaking.

Grand Central Station in New York. Barry tried to minimise the sightseeing so we could do it as a family when we get to visit New York together but he couldn't help but take in some of the sights as he went to various meetings around the city. It's a hard life.

Broadway. Barry and fellow IHI Fellow Anne took in a show. They went to see Big Fish which was previewing on Broadway. Barry said it was excellent.

On a boat again. This time off to Salem, heading north from Boston harbour. Salem is famous for its witch trials and as an historic maritime town. As you can see, it was another day of glorious weather!

Dougal and Isabel pretending to be Leonardo di Caprio and Kate Winslett in Titanic.

The weather was beautiful but it was still a bit windy on the boat!

Isabel's favourite shop in Salem, surprise surprise - one of the oldest candy shops in the USA, apparently!

Child discipline, Salem style. We quite like it!

Which one's the witch????

Salem's Custom House. Lovely building.

Part of Salem harbour.

Honey, I shrunk the kids!!

Statue outside the Salem Witch Museum.

Salem Common - very attractive. Dougal enjoyed walking around it.

Rachel tries to be scary (and fails!).