Boston

Dorchester Heights was our first stop in Boston. It is the site of George Washington's 1st Revolutionary War victory. He and General Henry Knox rolled a bunch of cannons up the hill in the night and surprised the British who were, thus, at a great disadvantage down below and Washington won without a fight. The British were forced to flee the city.

ready for the Freedom Trail.

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile historical walk around downtown Boston. It covers such places as: The Granary Burial Ground (where Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and the victims of the Boston Massacre are buried), Old North Church, Paul Revere's home, Boston Common, etc.

_________________________________

Boston Common

Paul Revere's current residence

outside the Old North Church.
"1 if by land, 2 if by sea.  The British are coming, we'll fight to be free!"
a song we love from one of the videos we watched.
See if your library has it: History's Heroes.

The boys were drawn to Paul Revere while we were studying the things and places we would be seeing on this trip. Above right is his very humble gravestone at the Granary Burial Ground. He was a real American hero whose courage birthed a nation of free people. As you read this, will you please take a minute to pray that all the good these brave men did to ensure our freedoms today will not be in vain for our generation or future generations of this great country?

This is on the fence at the Granary Burial Ground.

________________________________________

Newman Window

Old North Church

This (above right) is the "Newman Window" of the Old North Church. Newman hung the 2 lanterns in the tower and the Regulars were busting down the door to the church when Newman descended. He ran down the aisle of the church and jumped out this window to escape.

We ended the day with a short subway ride back to the Common which I am sure will be the boys favorite part of the day. The boys did a great job on the walk. We didn't make it to "Old Ironsides" or Bunker Hill. But, will try to take that in tomorrow when we leave for New York.

Fun photos

Jamie got these shots today just before we left the Island. There was a playground at the tourist shopping area, so we let the boys get a little energy out while I picked up a few last minute souvenirs.

Our week on Prince Edward Island

It really doesn't matter which direction you look, the Island is wholly stunning.

We arrived in PEI a week ago and left today. What beauty!

We stayed at the home of some friends of ours from our church in Borrego, Tom & Karen Story. We missed Karen because she is helping her parents in Texas (her dad has been ill). Tom is the most perfect, gracious, generous, and hospitable host. Their cottage is completely adorable and so cozy. Tom busied us with many, many activities and we had a fantastic time.

_______________________________

The boys' breakfast spot on the deck.

______________________________

Of course, we had to do an "Anne" activity.

__________________________________________

We love the beach!

A highlight was definitely our little fishing excursion. Silas caught the 1st fish and Brandon got a 2 1/2 pounder which fed us all. The boys have asked often to go fishing so this was the perfect opportunity.

I think Si is a little unsure of that fish.

__________________________________________

Jamie took the boys out in Tom's canoe. The neighbor's dog, Riley, followed them out at least 100'.

_____________________________

Silas and Daddy playing at the PEI Preserve.

_________________________________

Ready for our "Cows Creamery" tour. Hilarious!

__________________

Silas was very upset when he realized we were leaving the Island this morning. The boys really took to Tom and I think were pretty sad about leaving.

Please pray for us regarding Silas. Obedience has been basically non-existent and we are at our wit's end.

We are heading for Boston tomorrow.

The Shot Heard Around The World

"Stand your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon.

But if they mean to have a war, let it begin here."

~Captain John Parker, April 19, 1775~

We drove from Sturbridge, MA to Bangor, ME today with a little (unplanned) stop in Lexington to see the Lexington Battle Green. So glad we added this into our day.

Lexington Battle Green

One of the many spills Silas took today. I am running out of bandaids.

77 minutemen lined up between this rock and the monument to face 700 British regulars. So, why don't many Americans have that much courage today? Makes me feel like rising up and fighting for what I believe in.

Hancock-Clarke House. The destination of Paul Revere.

Old Burying Ground. (Looks shockingly similar to the Haunted Mansion, doesn't it?)

Since we are in Maine, of course we had lobster for dinner. mmmmmmmmmmm....... Tomorrow, we are off to P.E.I. Anne of Green Gables, here I come!!!

Old Sturbridge Village, Massachussetts

We spent the day in an 1800's themed venue today where the place was crawling with Lobsterbacks and Freedom Fighters. Cannons, muskets, drums & fifes were in order. A fabulous opportunity to bring an era that created a nation to life.

GPS...need I say more?

Trying to get from Washington D.C. to Sturbridge, MA within a reasonable amount of time... I don't think this will cut it. Of course we were already 2 hours into our drive before we realized what was going on. Has anyone else ever experienced such mayhem? I swear there is a little GPS troll inside this contraption trying to mess with us. Needless to say, a 7-hour trip turned into an 11-hour trip.

But, really, isn't this type of thing the reason we love family vacations so much?