Boston Trip

Due to the crazy and unexpected circumstances of my previous Boston Marathon experience I really wanted to return and do it again with hopefully a better ending for a number of reasons.  This time we decided to take the kids.

Heading to Beantown

The flight was probably the longest Ethan and Elisabeth had ever been on.  We ended up arriving in Boston at midnight (10pm our time).

A glimpse of the lights of Boston!

Our little traveler

The kids thought it was cool to ride in "an actual taxi". . . . . .

Or maybe it was only Ellie who thought it was cool.

Exploring Boston

First Day

Elisabeth loves carousels so of course we couldn't pass up a ride in Boston Commons

Freedom Trail

We took the guided walking Freedom Trail tour and although we did this during our last visit we still enjoyed and picked up a few new facts about our country's history and this amazing city.  Plus we couldn't resist adding to Ethan's knowledge since he studied some U.S. History this school year. (sadly, since it's not a tested subject it does not get the attention like it use to).

Our guide was ___?____ Hancock, brother of John Hancock.

Runners' Expo

Packet pick-up is such an exciting event. 

Loved my easy to remember bib number!!

We all signed the athletes' wall of fame

Duck Boat Tour

We were excited to take the kids on this tour.  They are not quite as interested in hearing all of the information one can learn about Boston during the tour, but they enjoyed the ride until . . . . . . . . 

our amphibious vehicle prepared to enter the Charles River, then the drama of Ellie began.  She was so scared about going into the water.  It took sitting on my lap and a lot of comforting words before she could sit back and enjoy the rest of the ride.

We rode on Haymarket Hannah

Fun view of the city.

Ethan got to give our driver a break and take control of the boat.

Taking a picture while driving

Marathon Eve

Before heading back to the hotel we decided to check out the finish line area.  After being in the area for only a few minutes, Ellie started getting anxious and asking to leave.  She got really upset because she didn't want to be there at the finish line.  I re-assured her that we were all safe and there was nothing to worry about.
This experience helped me realize just how tragic the bombing two years ago was for so many children.  For Ellie, she knew about the bombing, that her parents were there, saw some details on TV, but wasn't actually there and yet 2 years later was scared from those events.  Even before, she has always randomly asked questions about bombs and what would happen if . . . . . .?  I think about how much this has affected her and think if it's this scary for her, what are those children who were present at the finish line two years ago still going through - so heartbreaking.   

Waiting for the subway.

Boston Marathon 2015

I cannot get over how incredible the Boston Marathon race experience is.  Even now, it's so surreal to know I was apart of it.  From the Expo, to the bus ride, to Athletes' Village, to the actual race and finally the finish and recovery it is such an amazing experience.  Compared to the perfect weather of two years ago, this day turned out to be extremely wet and by the end freezing, yet it was still amazing.

 Despite all of the rain (serious down pours) there was still an enormous crowd of support along the entire route of the race.  I ran without any music the entire time simply because of the crowds and music all along.  (also because at the point I needed music my hands were too cold to be able to start my music)

I was definitely better trained for this race, but I did not feel like it after mile 20 (normal).  By mile 23 my IT band started acting up and by the finish I was declaring to never to run a full marathon again (of course, that didn't last very long).  Despite the unpleasant weather and the pain of the last few miles, I am so grateful for such an incredible experience!

Heading toward the start from Athletes' Village.

Wave 3, Corral 4

Waiting at the start. 

 All week I had been watching the weather forecast hoping that the chance of rain would go away.  Well, it just continued to go from 50% chance of rain to 100% of rain.  On the bus ride to the start we went through areas of downpour, so I was hopeful when upon arriving at Athletes' Village and there was no rain, that we were in the clear.  Well, I was wrong!  Luckily the rain held off until about the time I was in the corrals waiting for the start of the race.

Yay!  It wasn't my best time, but it was better than last time: a few minutes faster, no bombings, and I could feel good about my accomplishment of finishing.  Going into this race my intention was to take it easy, feel good and enjoy every minute.  Don't worry about pace, or finishing time, just run for the experience.  I mostly accomplished that goal, but for some reason I still hope to take another shot at this course again some day.

Race Swag!

More Boston Exploring

One of the kids' favorite parts of our Boston trip was riding the subway.  

Morning after the marathon - SUNSHINE! (of course)  

New England Aquarium

We spent some time looking at some of the species from the Atlantic side of the country.

Ellie found her new friend and souvenir from the trip:

a stuffed stingray she appropriately named "Stinger"

City Trolley ride

Freedom Trail

Walking through the North End 

We explored the inside of Old North Church.

The church was set up with little cubicles for each family.  The names of the families were labeled on the door of each one.

Introducing Capt. John Corney

  How great would these be to have in church today especially for families with little ones.

View from inside of the cubicle

Paul Revere Statue

One of the "Boston Must Do's" that I had written down was to visit Mike's Pastry and have a cannoli.

We did and they were DELICIOUS!

Tour of Paul Revere's house

 Boston Gardens 

Swan Boat ride

Museum of Science

Now this is a marble contraption!

Holding up the world

Dad tried out a bed of nails

Prudential Tower View

Best 360 degree view of the city

Along with the look out floor at the top of the Prudential tower is a museum with information about the immigrants who have helped to build and create Boston and its culture.  

There was also a trivia game show with questions that are given to those testing to become an American Citizen.  I think we should have to be able to pass this same test to graduate from high school, get into college or something.  As citizens we should all know our country's history.

Although we were only able to spend a few days in Boston we had a fabulous time making memories in this great city.  It really is one of my favorite places visit and we can't wait for the trip here (in a few years).

After a fun family trip it's always fun to return home to your stuffed animal friends.  Here is what Ellie did with all of her friends to introduce Stinger to everyone. . . . . . a  bedroom picnic.