The One With the Museum of Science

 

Yesterday, we went to the Museum of Science to enjoy the last day of the "All Aboard Trains" exhibit. And it did not disappoint. The MOS had set up a series of trains to replicate New England places (including Boston). And, they have an amazing train movie at the Omni Theater as well. It was amazing.

 

However, we did more than just see trains. We watched a 4D movie about Penguins...which was really neat and very interactive.  We also went to the Lightning Exhibit. They have changed it around a little bit. In fact, they even used two different Tesla coils to make music. They place Taylor Swift "Shake it Off."

We went to Bri's favorite place - the Hall of Humans - and did the interactive exhibits. We also managed to check out the old Space Capsule and got a neat picture there. We visited the old butterfly garden, which used to cost money to visit. However, all of the butterflies were gone. I am not sure what exactly happened or if the exhibit is changing, but it might be.

We also got a few snacks when we were there. Bri and I managed to mess up one of the vending machines...always fun.

 

 

The One With The North End Parade

 

 

Today, our kids - along with the Danvers High School Marching Band - were in the 50th annual North End Christmas Parade. And, boy, was it a show.

First, we should mention that Emmie and I decided to chaperone our first parade. It was quite an adventure. Little did we know it would be about 20°F. But, that was no worry. It was a blast. We even took the bus in with the students. I was the wagon wheeler (it reminded me of Time for Timer).

However, the real treat was the parade itself. It was amazing Bri was in color guard as usual and Kiff was playing trumpet. The entire band was dressed up in their Christmas ugliest - with a plethora of ugly sweaters (actually, most were rather snazzy).

The parade itself featured all sorts of attractions - mascots like Blaze the Bruin, Elmo, Mickey Mouse, a Minion (Kiff got a picture with one with the trumpet section) and more. It was amazing! Santa also arrived by helicopter, which was pretty cool. Wally and Tessie from the Red Sox were behind us...awesome.

The parade itself wove through the streets of the North End, ebbing all around and actually recrossing a few spots (including twice by Mike's Pastry - yum). It was long - and chilly - but a spectacular to watch (and to be a part of for the first time). 

This was a quaint addition to the Christmas festivities calendar, but one we will hopefully get to do again!.

The One with the Trip to Boston

 

Earlier this week, we went on a day trip to Boston to explore the Freedom Trail. We visited several fun places: Our itinerary took us to:

• Boston Massacre Site

• Old State House where we met some nice workers

• Faniuel Hall 

• Paul Revere's House (great trip inside)

• Outside the Old North Church

• Union Oyster House

• Holocaust Memorial

 

The One Where Bri is in the St. Patrick's Day Parade

 

 

As I type this Emmie, Kiff, and I have been watching the St. Patrick's Day parade in South Boston. This is the first time Boston has hosted it in two years because of the Covid Pandemic. As a result of that fact and the fact that we didn't know the area that well, we decided to watch the. Danvers High School Marching Band from home (which was probably a good idea, because it was PACKED).

 

Needless to say, it has been an awesome parade to watch. Not only is it one of the biggest events to return to Boston in two years - what a way to usher in a new era and to welcome the first day of spring - it was the first time we got to see the group on regional TV.

 

It did not disappoint. We were able to see the marching band probably better than we would in person, and it was QUITE an experience. Bri was on TV several times, performing in the color guard with her lime green shirt and rainbow flag. WOW. That was fantastic!

 

We did notice that the spot where A street meets Broadway seems to be a great place to see it. That is where NECN has their announcing booth and it seems like an idea spot to catch the parade in the future.

 

Bravo Bri!!! Right now it is time to return to the parade as the American Legion walks through the parade.

The One With the Swanboats

Yesterday we bid farewell to summer with a visit to Boston's Swanboats.

That is always a fun time...we enjoyed the gentle stroll around the pond and saw a variety of birds and even a few turtles and fish.

Of course, it was a little crazy....it was college "move-in" day...always fun.

It is a fun way to spend a day and well worth the little jaunt around the pond.

The One With Our Anniversary

Recently, we celebrated our annivesary. It was a ton of fun.

It is hard to believe we have been married for so long.

We had a family breakfast, left notes for each other, went out to a lunch treated to us by Bri and Kiff, and later went into Boston.

So much fun!!!

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful bride.