Vacation in Beantown! (Part 1)

Erik took a few days off from work, and our original plan was not to head to Boston, but instead to go camping, biking, and hiking in Acadia National Park. We kept an eye on the weather forecasts, and at the last minute decided that camping in the rain with a toddler was not how we wanted to spend our family vacation time! We made the right decision - it poured in Bar Harbor and was gorgeous (except for one short downpour) in Boston. Many thanks to Kristin, Emily, and Josh for letting us stay at their place - it was the perfect "home base" for all of our adventures!

Day #1

We rode the T into town. We thought this would be a highlight for Leah (as she loves "big rucks" and "nains"), but in reality she was irritated because we had to fold up her stroller to board. She really wanted to push it around!

Walking through the Government Center plaza on our way to the New England Aquarium. Leah insisted on holding her book as she took in all the activity.

Erik and Leah watching Myrtle, the green sea turtle in the giant ocean tank at the aquarium.

Leah (and all of us) could have stood at a window to the giant ocean tank all day - it's a couple of stories tall, so there is a lot to see in front of you, above you, and below you. Very cool!

A penguin enjoying the spray. Leah loved watching them dart all around!

Reaching to touch a shark in a special touch tank

After visiting the aquarium we walked around a bit. We didn't go far before running into this fountain - a green space addition made possible by the Big Dig. We watched for a while, and were impressed that there doesn't seem to be a clear pattern! The locals were all in bathing suits - we were not that prepared, but nonetheless, Leah and I couldn't resist taking the plunge!

We ventured into the North End... primarily to go to Mike's Pastry shop for a latte and canoli! We enjoyed our snack in a park with Paul Revere on his "horsie."

By the time we made it back to the Commons, a thunderstorm was approaching. We waited it out in a parking garage shelter (with many other people tying to escape the downpour!), and then headed to the Public Gardens to visit the ducklings. They had to make way for Leah, as she smiled, patted, and quacked at each one!

After catching the train back to Newton, Leah was thrilled to push her stroller most of the way home. The walk is about a mile, and she probably pushed it half to three-quarters of the way! After such a busy day (and only a short stroller nap for Leah), we all slept very well that night!

Day #2

We reserved our second day for biking! We started off in Auburndale and headed to Newtonville to eat breakfast at the Bread and Chocolate Bakery Cafe. I can't imagine why this particular cafe caught our attention! We enjoyed delicious mini quiches, a ginger chocolate chip scone (great combination!), and some caffeine - a great way to fuel our morning!

In Watertown we met up with the Charles River Bike Path, and followed it all the way to its end in Boston. It was a lovely ride.

Once downtown, we stopped at a great playground for lunch and lots of play. We were all having so much fun that we ended up staying for a couple of hours! The playground was designed for young toddlers (another one for older kids was next door), and Leah was able to do almost everything on her own. She had a blast!

Sliding with Mom - the spandex biking shorts were zippy!

Where to, girls? (Shouldn't everyone wear their helmets in this kind of car?!)

Leah and her pockets.

Getting back into the bike trailer took some convincing for Leah, but she settled in and chattered away about all the people, bikes, and boats in view from her vantage point.


There is more to come, but I figured I'd post this as it is for now. If you'd like to see even more pictures from our Boston adventures, click here.