Boston

After seeing the USS Constitution we walked part of the Freedom Trail in Boston.  We started at the Old North Church.  I thought the kids would like to see it 'cause I had read them Paul Revere's Ride recently (the poem in children's book form).  I think it's pretty cool that here is the actual church they hung the lanterns in - one if by land, two if by sea.  The kids thought it was ok.  I think they were most impressed that there were little boxes you could go in and close the door.

We also passed Paul Revere's house (which you have to pay to see) and went along to Mike's for cannoli.  They sell cannoli at most of the grocery stores in Rhode Island, and I've tried those.  But Mike's in Boston is supposed to be one of the best places.  So we tried it.  They were good and rich, and the pastry did seem very fresh.  So we had our Mike's cannoli experience.  Bring cash if you go there.  They only take cash and they are kinda spendy.

We made our way down to Faneuil Hall after that.  The kids were already showing signs of grumpiness and fatigue.  We bought some lemonade and big hunks of watermelon to supplement the kid snacks we had with us.  Everyone seemed to feel better after they were fed and rested.  We also got ice cream.  John wanted to eat his sock instead.

 And then we pressed on along the freedom trail

This is the Old State House and in front of it, is the site of the Boston Massacre

I think that part of a circle on the ground on the right is the Boston Massacre plaque.  And that's Grant following the red brick freedom trail.  It's an actual red trail on the ground all through Boston that goes to different historic sites.  Grant wanted to make sure he was right on the trail!

 Benjamin Franklin statue at the Boston Latin School

 and the Donkey statue there too

 At the Granary Burying ground Matthew found Paul Revere's grave

Grant and Matthew were still pretty lively as we got toward the end of our day, but Anna and John had pooped out.  I was getting pretty tired myself.  It was only about 1.5 miles that we walked, but it was warm and lots of stopping and standing made me extra tired.

And the final stop on our tour was the famous Boston Public Garden.  Make Way for Ducklings is a much beloved book in our house so we wanted to go see the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and the duck statue that is supposed to be there.  And we found them.  Matthew sits on Mrs. Mallard while Grant sits on Jack.

 And then they switched

There were lots of kids sitting on all the other ducklings.  We had to wait our turn for Mrs. Mallard.   But it was cool to see.

 And Matthew with the swan boats in the background

So we survived Boston and sat in a lot of traffic as we left..at rush hour. 

 But we eventually made it home and got to eat some cannoli

Yum!!