Our Boston Trip

We just got back last night from two days in the Boston area. Boston has definitely been on my list to visit ever since moving here, but we've never made it out there. Matthew went two summers ago by himself while the kids and I were in Florida. Since Elijah and I just studied the Revolutionary War in school we didn't want to waste our only opportunity to visit the sites of some very important historical events.

We got up fairly early on Saturday, not at the crack of dawn, because Boston is only three hours away, and after going back around the block to run back inside to get the camera, we were off!

Our first stop of the day was Lexington, Massachusetts, where just a few brave militia men made a stand against a few hundred British soldiers marching their way to Concord to attempt to destroy the colonial's weapons horde. This was the site of the famous "shot heard around the world" which basically began the Revolutionary War.

Matthew and the kids in front of a monument to the fallen soldiers on the Lexington Green. Do you like Sophia's pose?

We had only been there for a few minutes, but Elijah was having a blast. He had to stop and read  these plaques for us.

We also toured the Buckman Tavern, which is also there on the green, where Paul Revere met with Sam Adams and some other men to warn them that the British were on the move. No pictures, because you can't take pictures inside.

Lunchtime!

Another monument in Lexington.

After that we headed just a few miles down the road to Concord to Minuteman National Park, this is where the militia had gathered in full-force to make a stand against the British.

There were a lot of people (tour guides and park rangers) just walking around in full costume.

At the park you can see the spot where  Paul Revere was finally captured by British troops on his infamous midnight ride.

Waiting outside the Hartwell Tavern for a demonstration. There was another skirmish fought here as the British attempted to flee back to Boston, but were pursued by militia.

Elijah, his musket, and Sergeant Wilder, who taught us how to muster like real soldiers.   I don't have any pictures of us marching, because I was marching too!

Getting our release papers signed, by John Hancock, no less.

After we mustered with the militia, we watched a really cool musket demonstration where a park ranger loaded and fired a real flint-lock musket. No pics, because Matthew was video taping and I was wrestling with the toddler.

Walking out to the visitor's center to watch a quick movie.

Pretty girl, crazy hair!

Sophia's favorite way to travel. (Yes, we stupidly forgot our stroller!)

Our last stop in Concord was the the North Bridge, where the British troops finally ran into the  colonial militia who had chosen to make a stand on the bridge. The colonials actually held the British off and sent them fleeing back to Boston.  They pursued them all the way back to Boston.

The Old North Bridge, well,  a new Old North Bridge.

'Lijah-Boy!

Grave of British Soldiers. Sophia absolutely loved this guy dressed up as a Redcoat. She was smiling and waving to him every time we passed, he smiled and waved back too!

After that we headed to our hotel just outside of Boston for a little R&R for the rest of the day.

We have really only stayed in a hotel twice with Sophia, so she still thinks it's really exciting. Here she is watching cartoons (cable tv!) while I comb out her hair.

Sophia putting on her "makeup" the next morning before heading to downtown Boston.

First stop was the Boston Common where we picked up a walking tour book for the Freedom Trail.  (A path which takes you through Boston to different historically significant areas.)

The new State House.

The Granery Burial ground, where lots of famous patriots are buried.

Paul Revere's grave.

John Hancock's grave.

In case you were wondering what Matthew's was up to.

Benjamin Franklin. We were walking along the Freedom Trail again at this point, so this isn't his grave.

Inside the Old South Meeting House, they once held a meeting here to plan the Boston Tea Party. The "box pews" were intended to help keep people warm during long winter meetings.

Another view of the meeting house.

This is the Old State House. In 1770, the Boston Massacre took place right outside. 

Elijah inside a replica of the clock on the State House.

Sophia inside the clock. 

Now, here at the Old State House, we visited the gift shop and let the kids each pick a souvenir to take home. This wasn't a hard choice for Elijah, he picked a bag of "army men" that were all colonial and British soldiers. Sophia immediately latched on to this pink bear (pictured above) wearing a tiny Boston sweatshirt. She literally would not let it go and was snuggling and hugging it so tightly we had no choice but to buy it for her. For the rest of the day she carried that bear all through Boston!

Outside Paul Revere's house. (Can you spot Sophia's pink bear? Also, nice Corvette, huh?)

Still outside Paul Revere's house, trying to figure out where to go next. We did go inside all these places, but most did not allow photography inside.

Walking the Freedom Trail  (see the brick line?) Sophia has her bear!

Statue of Paul Revere outside the Old North Church. (Yes, he's wearing a Bruin's hockey jersey.)

The Old North Church were Paul Revere had his friend the sexton keep watch and hang a lantern to warn the people how the British were coming, "One if by land, two if by sea."

Inside the church. It is actually still being used as an Episcopal church and they have services here. I can't imagine sitting in these box pews, but I guess it would be a good way to keep your toddler from running out into the aisle!

After this we decided to call it a day, so we did miss a few stops on the Freedom Trail. We had a little bit of a long walk back to the car and everyone was hot and tired. But all in all, it was a really great trip. I'm so glad we went!