Boston Trip Part Two

The trip from Philadelphia to Boston is tricky.  We just let google take us there and it took us through North New York City.  I was so excited to be seeing the buildings and area as we crossed George Washington Bridge, it almost made the traffic not that bad, off course, I was not driving.  After we got over the bridge things got a little tricky and we missed our exit.  We drove around the Bronx and saw a smoking car, a street fenced off, with police and news television crew.  They might have filming a show but it looked pretty real.  We circled back where we were supposed to be and off we were, glad to be out of the crazy traffic.

Friends of ours were attending Harvard University.  They offered to let us stay at their apartment while they were out of town.  What a huge blessing.  Hotels in Boston are terribly overpriced around graduation, we felt hugely blessed to stay at their apartment.  The next morning we turned in our car and tried out the subway.  Off we went for our Boston adventure.  We began with a tour of the Freedom Trail.  I was not impressed with our tour guide and would not recommend the tour we were on.  After she (the tour guide) was done talking (a lot, and very little about what I wanted to know) we set off on our own.  The Freedom Trail in Boston is a red, mostly bricked line that leads to many historical site.  We had a wonderful map that explained the different buildings and we had a great time exploring.

Our friends that lived there had given us a list of things we could do there.  It was so helpful.  For dinner we went to a recommended restaurant, then Mikes Pastry for dessert.  It was a wonderful day, full of great memories.  A couple times when we took out of map we had very friendly people that asked if they could help us and they directed us in the right direction.

Looking at NYC as we crossed the bridge

lots of cars trying to get to where they are going

ready to take the red line to Boston from 

On our tour

Boston Harbor 

A lobster roll for lunch, quite yummy

Paul Revere's home

Inside the North church where the lanterns were hung for Paul Revere,
apparently you would purchase your seat at church

Outside the north church

The Bunker hill memorial

Because of the heat we weren't allowed to climb the monument
but it was still very majestic to see

Old Ironside.  I felt like I was walking through our history books

very yummy restaurant

our dinner.

More tomorrow, have a blessed day.
Alicia

Boston Trip

If you haven't noticed, I really enjoy traveling. I enjoy getting to the airport and the quickness of the flight, but I also enjoy driving places and seeing the landscape.  When I was in high school I looked into being a travel agent. I had originally thought of being a stewardess, but wasn't sure of the time away from home, then once I found out my tendency toward motion sickness on a plane that idea was out.  Now I just put on my motion sickness wrist bands and off we go.

We are blessed to have parents and family that can help keep things under control with the kids and we feel they are in good hands.  David had a business trip to Philadelphia and I semi jokingly asked if I could go with him.  Last time we went, there was so much more we would have enjoyed doing but it is just too hard to be gone from the kids that long.  So, this time we continued where we left off.  Our first stop once we landed was to meet a friend of mine from high school that I hadn't seen in around 26 years.  It was so wonderful to spend time with her and catch up on the last 26 years.  So much has happened and it was nice to spend time with her.

The next day David went off to work and I got to meet up with my cousin, Chris, for a day adventure.  She picked me up and we went to Longwood Gardens.  Wow!!!  It is so amazing there.  I recommend it.  Chris had taken me around the lovely grounds and to the house and it was nice.  I thought that was it, then she informed me that we still needed to go to the Conservatory.  It is a massive 4.5 acre green house filled with plants from all over the world.  So amazing!!!  Outside the conservatory, the gardens has a giant water fountain area.  They were testing out the system and we got an amazing show.  The day was incredibly hot but we hung in there, got over 20,000 steps in, and really just enjoyed God's creation.

David and I at the airport

my high school friend 

Chris and I at the fountain

The Italian gardens at Longwood

the conservatory

poor little abandoned deer we found.

The next day, David had more meetings while I did a little walking around the mall.  Then we headed to Boston.  Quite a drive and it was late when we go there, but worth it.  More later.  Have a blessed day.

Alicia

Grandbaby on the Way

It is with great joy and excitement we announce we are going to be grandparents again.  It will be our special Christmas gift this year.  Brent and Latisha are expecting and it is such a blessing.  Here is their adorable announcement and a couple cute pictures.  Easter day, Latisha wanted to show me a picture on her phone of the eggs they decorated.  One said "Daddy," one said "Mommy," one said "August," and one said "Baby."  I was so excited, yep, I cried.  Latisha said, "Don't cry, Mama," but it was too late.  God is good.

Have a blessed day

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's day is here, so I think I shall update on the fun things we have been able to do with our kids that make me a mother.  This crazy weather has been absolutely beautiful and then absolutely chilly.  Despite the weather we have been able to make a couple trips.  David and I got a trip to see Alexander, Ivy, and Weston and then we took the family camping.

David and I decided it was time to make a trip up to Alex and family.  It was just the two of us and we had a wonderful time.  Weston is growing, smiling, and interacting more.  We got a chance to go out to dinner by the river.  It was so lovely and peaceful, and the food was amazing.  Weston was adorable at the meal and as the table next to us was leaving they wanted to let us know how adorable Weston is.  Alex and Ivy have been turning a part of their living room into Alex and Ivy's office so that the current office can be a guest room.  That is so sweet.  Ivy's dad has been doing most of the work, what a blessing.  Sunday we got to go to church with them and enjoy the service and especially worship, as Alex is the leader.  We always enjoy getting to make the trip to see them and I am so thankful they are as close as they are.

our wonderful dinner

Look at this adorable family

Ivy and I taking a walk

sleepy boy

Last weekend we took our first camping trip of the year.  My parents, Brent, Latisha and August, and Brent's parents and brother went with us.   It was wonderful.  The weather was a bit chilly and even rained on us, but we were able to eat under the shelter and keep dry.  A nice part of having a bit chillier weather is no bugs.  We camped at a place called Three River's Crossing and it had a free interpretive center that explains how the covered wagons made it across the river.  It turned out to be a lovely relaxing time.

a covered wagon at the center

on the road again

And one more set of pictures from another lovely evening out with Brent, Latisha and August.  God is good and we are thankful for His blessings.  Have a great day and Happy Mother's Day to all you moms.
Alicia

Sierra Turns 17

I can clearly remember turning 17.  Yes, that was a while ago, but I remember this odd feeling of adulthood was around the corner. I no longer felt like a child teen, I felt like my childhood was coming to a close and the choices I was making were more important.  Watching Sierra, as she transitions into "adulthood" is a bit surreal.  When we had Sierra we thought we might be done having children, he he he.  Had we stopped there we would almost be empty nesters.  I am glad God placed having more children on our hearts and am thankful for all the children He has given us.

My baby girl is growing up and making big grown up decisions for her future.  I am so thankful for the beautiful woman of God Sierra is turning into and believe she is following God's direction for her future.  She just finished up a couple more college classes and received A+'s.  Sierra has a desire to do her best at all she places her hands to and God is blessing her in that.  God bless you Sierra, keep pressing onward to the goals God has placed in your heart and you are going to do amazing.

Here are a couple pictures from Sierra and Danika's party.  They shared a party with their friends and had a wonderful time.  Have a great day and God Bless.

Alicia

They started out playing ultimate frisbee 

But it was quite windy

so it turned into "ultimate volleyball"

The birthday girls

with a fun big brother-in-law in the back

I must say the chocolate ganache filled Butterfinger cupcakes were amazing

Sierra on her birthday

a collage of her through the years

The girls and I having fun

here we are at the Girls convention