Highlights from today: (click here for pictures)
We didn’t have breakfast this morning which was probably a good thing because we were trying to get on the road to Boston quickly. The kids each had a poptart and were still asking for food but we were now out. Robby decided to pull into a Dunkin Donuts to buy a little breakfast. We bought doughnut holes for the kids-I opened the bag and they were all assorted flavors-chocolate, sprinkles (only 2-what a problem that was), jelly filled, powdered sugar-I had never seen that before. We were making good time and got back on the highway pretty quick and within a few miles, the gas light popped on. So the next exit that had a gas station, we pulled off to get gas. I thought for sure that someone would have to go to the bathroom as soon as we left the gas station but we ended up making our time up pretty good.
We drove right to the USS Constitution and found pretty good street parking. The ship opened it at 10 and we had time to look through the visitor center before going in. To enter the area, you had to go through security. Reagan was concerned that we didn’t take our shoes off but they have become quite the security experts. At the visitor center, they had an exhibit explaining how ropes were twisted to make them stronger so when we were on the boat, the kids really noticed all of the ropes and how think they were. Anderson was interested in the cannons. Graham didn’t want to leave and he kept saying “boat drive”-he wanted to go for a ride on the boat.
There was another museum, USS Constitution Museum, right nearby so we walked through it. They had a neat kids area-with hammocks, play food and even dress up clothes to try on. Next, Robby ran back to the meter to put in a few coins and we headed to the water taxi towards the Long Wharf. The weather today was beautiful-a little cool in the shade but sunny and warm. Being on the taxi was great-the kids loved watching the sailboats and there were lots to see. We walked right towards Faneuil Hall and took a few pictures. We went upstairs and looked around and then went back outside.
Then Robby looked and looked for the popcorn that we had been promising the kids. When we were here last time, we had delicious popcorn but we might should have checked to make sure it was still here before we started talking about it to the kids. While Robby was gone, I was standing with the kids who were all sitting in the strollers. Why do people always look at us and why in the world would you come and ask us if you can take a picture of us? I said sure and the kids all turned on their smiles for the stranger. She wasn’t the first person to take a picture of us this week-craziness! About that time, Robby was headed back-and he just walked right past us like he didn’t know who we were. I guess he didn’t want to be in the strangers picture!
Anyway, the popcorn place was gone and we needed to head back to the boat before our meter expired. The kids weren’t too devastated but pretty disappointed-we told them though that they could have a treat in a few minutes. Well, thankfully people were passing out packages of gummy bears near the boat. We grabbed a few and then they gave us a few more and gummy bears worked perfectly as their treat so all was well.
We had to work out way back into Boston next and traffic was pretty heavy for a Saturday. But we made it and even took a nice little drive (unintentionally) through Beacon Hill. We parked near Boston Commons and grabbed out picnic stuff and went for a picnic. The weather was perfect and the table was nearby. We could also see a playground so that was our next stop. The kids had been looking for a playground for a few days so they were delighted to get to slide.
Next we walked through Boston Commons and walked to the Public Gardens. We had read Make Way for Ducklings which is about a family of ducks that make their home in the middle of the Public Gardens. There ware now duck statues that we took our pictures beside and we could see lots of real ducks living in the island in the middle of the pond. This is where the swan boat rides are usually but they weren’t around today-probably have closed for the season.
We then took the subway toward Faneuil Hall again. Managing the two strollers on the subway is quite a task especially when the elevators don’t get you exactly where you want to go. We went down the elevator which took us to the wrong line so we walked to another line only to find stairs which led to more stairs. Finally we gave up and just decided to pick the closest stop to the line we were at. Robby can carry the stroller with Campbell in it up or down which leaves me with the other buggy and trying to manage Graham. We make it but it isn’t pretty! One set of stairs we were going down and Graham let go and just started picking up speed as he went down the stair-luckily Robby was just getting to the bottom and was able to turn and catch him before he flew down them head first.
We followed the Freedom Trail once we left the subway. Reagan asked what the Freedom Trail was and I told her that something important happened there. (Don’t tell Robby but I haven’t a clue what the Freedom Trial is other than knowing it is a red line on the sidewalk in Boston-ha!) Anderson was very adamant that we must follow the trail and not get off of it. We made it to the visitor center and then to Quincy Market. I don’t know if I had ever been inside and Robby wanted to show me the beautiful dome ceiling inside and since we were inside we thought we would get a snack. Cookies for Graham and Reagan, a cupcake for Anderson and Boston Cream Pie for me and Robby.
We then went back to the subway and it was crazy crowded. We managed and Reagan and Anderson loved that Robby had to fold up their buggy and they had to stand up. Reagan is so funny-she almost panics every time we get on or off of an elevator or subway or whatever. She is so worried that someone will get left or smooshed. If she would just walk out of the way, we could all get out. She counts us all each time and tells me that it is okay, we have 6. Funny, funny.
We then had about 100 miles to drive to our hotel. We thought we would make it at a decent time but traffic was pretty slow until we were far out of the city. There wasn’t a wreck but the sun was just blinding in some areas. The kids watched movies and Graham and Campbell slept.
We drove by Mystic Seaport but it was pretty dark and closed (we knew it would be) so we just kept on driving. Robby had found a good restaurant on the way to the hotel called the Seven Seas and he ran in to pick up supper. The reviews said that a meatball grinder was delicious so he asked if that would be fine. I agreed and he ran in to put in the order. Anderson asked me what a grinder was and all I could answer him was that it was supper but other than that I wasn’t sure (I now know that it is a sandwich). They were huge and delicious. The kids had a turkey sandwich and they ate most of theirs and then Anderson started working on eating my meatballs. As we were eating, Reagan got up to check if our hotel room had a shower and a bath tub. And we were completely shocked to find that it did. This is only our 7th hotel on this trip and to think that they all had showers and bathtubs! Amazing.
As soon as Anderson figured out that we were headed to the hotel, he started asking Robby if it was morning and if we would get to the hotel before dark (even though he was still asking this after it was already dark). We knew that he really wanted to go swimming but it was pretty late. We would try to explain that the hotel may not have one, or that it might be closed or that we were getting in to late-this didn’t deter him. He told Robby that we would “just talk about it when we get there.” Even though it was near 8, we found the floaties and bathing suits and went to swim. While we were eating, Graham stood up and started looking around for his floaties while screaming “floaties, floaties” in a panicky voice. They were in the car so we were able to calm him down.
The kids and Robby went to the pool area, while Campbell and I worked on getting the room ready for night time. Soon we went to help everyone get out of the pool and walk back. Graham must have been tired because he would lay his head down on his floatie in the water. Reagan and Anderson were pretty proud of themselves from jumping in the water.
After swimming, we came back to the room for quick baths and then bed. Graham’s bed doesn’t fit in the bathroom so he is halfway sticking out so we are having to be very quite. Campbell is exhausted and couldn’t fall asleep since she was so tired. I had to rub her head until she fell asleep. Reagan and Anderson are now watching a movie before bed and maybe everyone will be asleep by 10:30.
No comments:
Post a Comment