Thanksgiving 2011 highlights and activities for kids around Amherst

Five of six Carey siblings and families got together for Thanksgiving this year and to celebrate our youngest sister Maureen's 40th birthday.

There was quorum of Carey cousins.

My brother and sister-in-law would be the elder statesmen -- except for Brian and me.

A La Fiorentina (Springfield) birthday cake.

A great kids' activity: making marzipan figures. Almond paste from Deals and Steals, Northampton = $2.

Candlepin bowling at Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley.

We're thankful for technology, so we can stay in touch via smart-phone with Ana, who's in Mercedes, Texas for her grandparents' 55th wedding anniversary.

And talk to the relatives via Skpe.

Happy Holidays!

Hiking at the Notch

The Notch is the first place that comes to mind to take a hike in Amherst, and my brother and I had a good 2-hour hike this week. But beware -- the trails are not marked as thoroughly as some casual hikers like me would like. No wonder the police get calls to rescue people there!