Our trip to Boston

While Jake went to Durham for a week of school, me and the kids went to visit our good friends the Miles, who moved to Boston. They were amazing hosts! I agree with those who say how rare it is to find a family where the husbands are friends, the wives are friend, and their kids are friends. Andrew is just 3 months younger than Rachel, and Tommy is just 3 months younger than Emmy. Jake and Dave met at BYU in the finance program. We moved out to Charlotte together and even though I had only met Maria once, everyone thought we were best friends. We grew closer doing storytime at the library together, playdates, being in the Young Women leadership at church together, and being pregnant together. She really is one of my best friends and she inspires me to be a better mother, wife, and friend. I'm impressed with her creativity and how she keeps her house so clean despite toddlers, babies and house remodeling. On the days we stayed home we did Halloween cookies, pumpkin pinatas, fingerpainting, etc.

We went into the city one day and saw Bunker Hill, the cemetary with Samuel Adams and Paul Revere among many other historical buildings. I really love the city feel, it reminds me of New York and Europe. It kinda makes Charlotte seem lame :)Rachel was a little nervous about the dark winding stairs so I carried both Rachel and Tommy up 300 steps to the top. Okay, not all 300 but a lot of it...I have to get my exercise in somehow.
That sucker you see her holding was thrown down the "hole" and can now be seen in the monument down at the bottom...if you're interested.

Boston is beautiful this time of year with all the vibrant colors everywhere
Although it is a bit on the cold side. We're definitely not used to it and good thing the Miles' had some extra warm clothing for us, because we just don't own these things.
Relaxing at Boston Commons Park
Boston has an incredible Children's Museum.
Rachel talking to Daddy
Since we've been home Rachel keeps saying things like, "So you all done with school" "Don't go to work" "Don't leave me remember" "Come back to home in Charlotte"

Tommy is a terrible sleeper while traveling. We were up several times during the night. I couldn't figure it out. But he's now back to only getting up once a night again. Thank goodness.
With my sleep deprivation, Maria's sore throat, 4 kids with runny noses, Emmy with an ear infection and Rachel with croup we still had a lot of fun.
Tommy mastered his sitting up skills

Last Friday we took a day trip to Salem, which was kind of fun for this time of year. I was a little disappointed by their "Pumpkin Festival" but it was fun to walk the streets and see the shops..."The Magic Store" or "The Broom Closet" and things like that. We even toured a little Puritan village which was really neat.

Salem had a fun trick-or-treating event in Pickering Wharf shopping center. Rachel refused to keep her pants on underneath her skirt and she was refusing her coat even though she was shivering!! Crazy girl.
Thanks again Dave and Maria!!! Our guest room is ready for whenever you want to come back to Charlotte :)