Paul Revere!

Here are some photos from our visit to Paul Reveres house.  We took the train into Boston and as we were driving up to the train station, I was having nostalgic memories of my days working in town, taking the T.  I was so T savvy then.  We got up to the station and believe it or not I havent been on a train in about 6 years!!  Every time I go into Boston, I drive.  I am spoiled.  Let me just say that it took us a good 15-20 minutes to figure out HOW to purchase a ticket.  "In my day, we had tokens"...well...my confidence was quickly shot.  I had to suck it up and ask for help in purchasing a ticket.  GOOD GOD.  The HORROR!!  I have to say that the lady who helped us was so nice and explained everything so clearly and nicely.  It was almost as if no one ever talks to her and she was glad to give someone help.  She told us where the elevators were...(oh ya, I have the stroller...how do I get around?  I didnt even know that the train even HAD elevators!") and we were on our way.

Our drive in was so fun.  Ava was excited to look out the window and she loves being in the tunnels.  Manny was an angel and looked around at everything with such curiosity.  It was so pleasant and I was so proud of myself thinking that I can take my kids anywhere.  I am so capable and self sufficient!  I had visions of us traveling through Spain next summer...Jose with Manny on his back, Ava running through the quaint little streets with excitement and wonder.  Me happy and smiling, the sun shining.  Ahhhh...Spain.

We got into Boston and came across the new park outside of Haymarket.  I think it is called the Rose Kennedy park...I dont even know.  Ava loved taking her shoes off and experiencing the interactive fountain.  People were outside having picnics, laying on the grass taking naps, friends gathering in circles talking and families enjoying little patches of shade by the new little trees that have just been planted.

As we made our way into the North End, Ava commented on how "This place smells like pisghetti mum!" I was so happy she understood we were in the north end, where they make the best Italian food other than our own kitchen.  We enjoyed walking along and came across the Saint Anthony's feast.  The food smelled amazing and the streets were packed with people.  If it werent for Ava yelling that "This is a disaster" over and over and screaming to get out of here, I would have enjoyed the 6 fried shrimp we paid $15 for while Manny cried because he was now very hungry.  We navigated our way out of the crowds and headed for North Square...BTW, North Square happened to be in the very OPPOSITE direction we were heading in.  There is no where for a stroller and backpack in those little delicious restaurants in the North End.  We trekked our way to Paul Reveres house finally got there and Ava had a snack.  Manny ate, I calmed down from screaming at her to stop yelling.  All was good again.

We headed out of the North End by passing the same streets over and over again with two kids crying and complaining.  I had on my angry eyes.  We charged out of there, finally finding our way and ate in Fanuel Hall at Kingfish.  I had yummy lobster corn chowder and ceaser salad with shrimp and Ava finally ate her hotdog.  Everyones blood sugar resumed to a normal level and all was good again.  Ok, maybe the beer I had made it all seem better too.

We walked all the way over to Newbury St. from there and go the train home...by this time it was 8:00.

We were all exhausted.  I was proud that even though it was a very HARD day with two little kids in tow, we did it.  We found our way, we ate good food, and we even laughed.  Maybe we wont be going to Spain anytime soon, but I think it is definitely in our future to go all together.

Experiencing Boston from a tourist standpoint was new for me.  I was AMAZED at how nice everyone was and how throughout the day we had unexpected acts of kindness from people.  From the lady who worked at the T helping us learn the "new" system, to the patron sitting next to us at the restaurant who ran over to us after we had left still chewing food with our baby bottle in his hand.  Oh, and the guy who ran ahead of me to grab the other end of the stroller and help me down the stairs while Jose had the two kids with him.  I told that guy I loved him.  I meant it...I loved Boston.  I loved my city.  I loved my family.  Even though the days of working on Newbury street in my little clicky shoes and my fabulous hair and make up are long gone...(the hair and make up remain the same...c'mon, I would never give that up!) I enjoyed the transition to being an "out of towner" with my practical shoes on and my exhausted family in tow.

We will go back.

Enjoy the photos.