Picture Explanations in LOTS of Posts! Our trip to Massachusetts... First stop? Boston.

 Well - technically, Franklin. We left our house around 5 AM to get to Franklin to worship with our sister church, Crossway. I don't have any photos of the church, but we were very blessed and happy to visit with them. We got to see some familiar faces from Youth Camp and meet a few new people. Worship was good and the sermon was just what I needed to hear (it was the first on a three part series on Cynicism ). We really enjoyed our time there, and, since we hope to continue heading "up north" on occasion to see Mike's sisters, it is great to have a New England "home church". 

   I probably didn't mention yet that two of Mike's sisters live in Massachusetts. They have been up there a few years now - Mike's family lived up there until he was 14. Anyway, we took the train from Somerville (where his "baby" sister lives) into Boston. Mike's sister had a light lunch waiting for us when we got to her apartment, then it was off to the station. This was the kids first train ride ever, and they were SO excited!! These first two pictures were taken from the train as we on our way into city. BEAUTIFUL!

 

      This is Park Street Church - one of Mike's previous pastors is now preaching here. A lot of history has happened in this building. We didn't get a chance to see North Church this trip - we only stayed for the afternoon.

We didn't go in, but did take time to visit the graveyard next door. Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, Phyllis Wheatly and Ben Franklin's parents are all buried here....

      Next - it was off to Boston Common. This is a preserved space for the enjoyment of the city. It is a park - the weather was perfect, and we enjoyed things like the fountain (which they just finished renovating),

      The "Make Way for Ducklings" sculpture - the story took place here in Boston, and the ducks are heading toward their pond...

      We had the kids pose with their Aunts, but apparently there was a lot of glare... Everyone is trying not to go blind - Chris must have given up because his hand went right over his whole face...  Oh well..  : )

The Carousel was also open that day. Everyone got a chance to ride...

Then it was off to Beacon Hill to see some of the Architecture...

      The kids had found this door knocker online, and were so thrilled to see is "in person"!!

      Then we headed over to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.

Here's another shot of Faneuil Hall - see the golden grasshopper weather vane on the roof?

Here's a better shot of the grasshopper. They have drawings of old fashioned fire engines spraying it clean... Again - the kids loved seeing him "in person"!

We had dinner at the Green Dragon (again - no pictures - sorry!!), and then headed over to see the scene of the Boston Massacre. The building and area seem so out of place among the skyscrapers that surround it. We did learn a bit about this from Mike though. Since we have been doing school, symbolism has taken on so many more meanings! I will explain more on that later, but when dealing with historical sites, the carvings and sculpture actually meant something - other than ornamentation. Do you notice the Lion and Unicorn?

They are the symbols of the English monarchy. The Lion is England, the Unicorn is Scotland, and they were incorporated together under James who was already the sovereign of Scotland when he became the King of England. They are the symbols of the crown. So, there was even more outrage in the colonies because the "Massacre" took place under the "full view of the crown" symbolically. In fact, the originals were torn down and burned in a bon fire - that's how seriously it was taken...

      Here is the "site" itself. It is a paved round with labeling around the edge that states it is the sight of the Boston Massacre. After this, we headed back to the subway (across the street from the site - that was strange for me!), said goodbye to "the Aunts", and headed over to West Peabody, which is where we were staying. We packed a lot into that day. We slept well! It was also such a gift to be able to spend time with Mike's sisters. They put so much time and energy into planning our time in Boston, fitting things in, showing us things we were specifically studying in school - all things they really didn't have to do, but did with such willingness. It was awesome!
      This was our first "family" vacation we have ever taken. After the first day, we were alone and seeing things as a nuclear family for the first time ever. It was such a gift to be able to do this. The weather and timing of things were so perfect and we are so grateful for the blessing this weekend away was!