Boston Baby!

The last time Michele and Jimmy were on a plane, it was coming home from Costa Rica as newlyweds. A year later, there was a stowaway peanut on board to Boston.

Coffee, tea or peanut?

Addison slept the entire flight up and back from Boston - we were very lucky. On the other hand, it's really the other passengers that were lucky isn't it? Here are some highlights from our Massachusetts trip.

We spent the first 2 days of the trip about 20 miles outside of Boston in Framingham to visit Jimmy's grandmother. She really enjoyed meeting Michele and was extremely excited to spend time with her great granddaughter. Addison was also a big hit with the other ladies in the nursing home.

Addison and her great grandmother

After the visit with Jimmy's grandmother, we met up with Jimmy's aunt, uncle & cousins for some pizza and bowling. It wasn't just any pizza and any bowling, it was Papa Gino's & Candlepin. For those of you not in the know; Papa Gino's is a pizza chain in New England that has the BEST pizza anywhere, period. Candlepin bowling uses smaller balls and candlestick-type pins. It is also New England exclusive and tons of fun.

Michele Candlepin bowling

After another visit to Jimmy's grandmother Thursday, the family headed to Boston for the last 2 days of the trip. On the way we stopped in the harbor town of Rockport. It's a fishing village about 30 miles north of Boston. It has little shops, restaurants, boats, cool ocean views and of course, rocks.

Rockport, MA

While in Rockport, Addison was introduced to the ocean.

Another 'must' on any trip to Massachusetts is to eat at Friendly's. They are famous for their ice cream and sundaes but also serve delicious classic American food.

Addison peruses the Friendly's menu

Late Thursday afternoon, we arrived at the Millennium Hotel in Boston. It is located right next to Fanuiel Hall, Quincy Market and is walking distance to Boston Common and the waterfront.

the view from the hotel room

Friday was spent exploring Boston. The first stop - get some fried dough. Jimmy had been talking for some time about the flavorful goodness that fried dough offers. Fried dough is similar to a funnel cake or a bear claw - but it's so much better.

Jimmy working the fried dough stand

Another 'must-do' while in Boston is to visit Cheers. The bar inside is not the same from the tv show but the outside is actually what was on the show.

NORM!

The public transportation system in Boston is called the T. It really is a great system (compared to some other cities - like Atlanta) and gets you close to everywhere. We rode every line of the subway and was able to see most of the city between that and walking.

Riding the T

As luck would have it, the only 2 days of the year the Fenway Park tour was closed was the 2 days we were there. In addition to not seeing a Red Sox game because they were out of town, the Hall of Fame induction ceremony was at the same time we were in town.

Outside Fenway

That's about it from the Boston trip. There are a few pictures in the online album in the Boston folder - here is the link. Michele and Addison leave Wednesday for their trip to Chicago. There won't be any Papa Gino's, Fried Dough, Candlepin Bowling, Friendly's or Jimmy... but they'll try to have fun anyway.