BOSTON

Caleb was asked to go to a conference in Boston to learn things related to his project. Can't help it: "Honey I have to go to..." "What???" "...a conference." "A conference?? This is great news honey! They're finally realizing your potential!..." I know I'm not quoting exactly but you get the gist right? That's definitely our favorite movie to quote in our house!
We'd wanted to make it to Boston this summer anyway, so we were really excited! We visited Boston when we went on our big family trip "back east" when I was about 15. Boston and Philadelphia were my two favorite places. There's so much wonderful history in Boston, I love all the brick buildings, and it seems much more well kept and clean compared to a lot of big cities. We really had a great time.
We left right after church and stopped in Providence, Rhode Island as it was right on the way.
Pretty view from this historic park.

Bangin the stump. You know, doin what workers do (he's often a "worker").

This boy is a stick collector! The trunk of our van is full of them. He always has several in each hand when we're outside and is quick to offer sticks to the rest of us.

Monday the kids and I slept in super late (Caleb took a shuttle and then the subway to the convention center each morning), swam, napped, then went and toured around a bit. Without a double stroller we really couldn't make it too far, not to mention it was really hot so Sammers wasn't up for walking long distances! We parked near the Public Garden and spent our time there and at the frog pond.

Eliza loves to do exactly what her brother does! They were "fishing" with their sticks. Eliza tried to get in the water the ENTIRE time. She kept telling me "no! no!" for holding onto her shirt but she really would've gone right into the water. She is one persistent little girl.

We found an ice cream truck and enjoyed eating it on this old stump. We left it very sticky!

We were the first ones in line for the next carousel ride and Sam was set on riding on the dragon. We backed away after getting our tickets to let Eliza roam a bit, then at the last second a girl jumped in line and went straight to the dragon. He erupted! The lady running the carousel had heard him claim the dragon and felt so bad for him. Luckily the girl's Mom noticed and got her to move. He was happy again. :)

Sammers was playing with the camera and captured this picture. I learned my lesson later when I rear ended a taxi van! It was stop and go traffic as usual in Boston and I was trying to find my way and looked up in time to put on the break but I still hit him a little. He had a metal thing on the back so his van was fine, and it just dented our license plate. Sure scared me.

After picking up Caleb we went to the famous Fanieul Hall marketplace and ate at Wagamama. A lady at the park had suggested it to me and we really liked it. It was Japanese food but it was healthier than normal and just really good.

Tuesday we napped early, swam, read books, then it was time to go get Daddy! We ate at the Barking Crab so we could try the traditional New England lobster roll. It was really yummy and a fun atmosphere, right on the water.

 Then we headed to the Freedom Trail!

Colonel Samuel. All the talk of war and soldiers at these historical sites was not good for this boy's obsession with swords and guns and fighting!!

Bunker Hill Monument

The kids liked the challenge to stay on the red brick trail.

We were bummed that the museum was closed but we walked over to see the ship and a guy told us they were about to shoot the cannon, a nightly ritual. Sure enough about 5 minutes later the cannon went off. Awesome timing!

Wednesday we went and picked Caleb up around 9:30 am to drive him to one of the J&J offices about 30 minutes away. He went to meet with a Romanian guy that he met when he was interviewing. I wanted to talk to him afterwards but unfortunately he didn't have time. While he was in there we made a Walmart run and then walked on a path and as usual gathered sticks and played in the dirt.

My handsome man.

Wednesday evening Caleb took Samuel on the subway which he of course really enjoyed! We stopped and got a Boston classic Regina's pizza for dinner (one of the best pieces of pizza I've had!) then I dropped Caleb and the kids off at the hotel to eat and swim while I went and did a session at the Boston temple. It's a gorgeous temple!! There were only a handful of us at the temple which is so different than what I'm used to in Utah! I felt how much our service is needed in the church outside of Utah. I do love Utah but I'm excited to live in the "mission field" after we're done with school.

Thursday we ate our last delicious continental breakfast and said goodbye to our new friend Reanna (she was at the pool everyday when we were and loved playing with the kids. She's 12) and then checked out. We drove around Beacon Hill (famous quaint Boston neighborhood) and finally even found the historic Acorn Street. Cutest little alley I've ever seen! 

We picked up Caleb, stopped and saw Eric, a guy Caleb grew up with in Stevensville, MT, then drove to the temple so Caleb could go. Eliza slept in the van the whole time, Samuel and I played outside in the dirt and pulled weeds. :) That's my Mom coming out in me!!

See the rabbit he's chasing?

We hit a lot of traffic getting out of Boston and we got home pretty late that night. The kids did great for the most part. Eliza is finally more interested in books so that helps a lot with car rides.

His main entertainment while we drove was cutting pieces of bread with his pocket knife. He'd put tiny pieces into Eliza's cup holder, then when she wanted she'd reach in and grab some. They're so funny. :) You can imagine how our van looked by the time this trip was over!

Um