This summer we took the boys on their first plane ride to Boston. We also were able to take a trolley, subway and boat along with renting a car. The idea for this trip came about from Toby's interest this past Thanksgiving regarding the Pilgrims and Joel reading a book: Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick. We discovered that just visiting Plymouth, MS would not be enough of a trip so decided to visit Boston with a side trip to Plymouth and up to Portland, Maine with a quick drive thru New Hampshire. We would recommend this trip to everyone...it was fantastic and the boys can't wait to go back.

Historical sites @ Boston. Statue of Benjamin Franklin. Cemetary where Benjamin Franklin's parents are buried along with ?5 signers of the Declaration of Independence among other notables. The headstones were interesting. The third picture is Paul Revere's house.

We played several times in Boston Commons. The nation's oldest public park.

The hotel had a bowling/gaming center next door. We played "small ball" as the game attendant called it, otherwise called "candlepin." The pins were like thick sticks and the balls were about the same size of a shotput. You get 3 throws to knock down all the pins.

Red Sox game at Fenway. It was a long one with rain delays and then went extra innings!

Must take a Duck Tour of Boston. The boys got to drive the boat in the river after the driving tour of Boston.

The Science Museum in Boston is soo big and really neat for the whole family!

Went out on a whale watching tour out of Boston.

The aquarium in Boston is great! Seems like we always find an aquarium to visit on vacation.

Plymouth Rock in Mass. It's rather small.

Lobster boat trip out of Portland, Maine. We got to bait and set the traps and then pull out the lobsters!

Wanted to record how J can ride a bike WITHOUT training wheels and he isn't even four years old! I thought it was crazy early when T learned to ride without training wheels when he was four and 1/2. J kind of learned because one of the training wheels broke when we were @ 1/2 mile from home. We enjoy taking long bike rides through a new housing development. We usually stop for a snack/lunch.

T loses his first tooth, just a few days before his birthday! Hard to believe that we were so excited when that tooth was one of the first to come in when he was @ 7 months old! Man, how fast time flies by.

May you have had a lovely holiday time with your family. Here's a few snapshots highlighting ours. The cute reindeer shirt that Toby is wearing he made in kindergarten. That's his foot for the face and hands for the antlers. He has the best teacher!

Gingerbread House Kit that my secret Santa game me. Wonderful!

"Spot" game (as Jack calls it) was played at Mimi and Pappy's before opening presents.

Frenzy of packages!

Aunt Janice has some great Christmas crafts! Thanks Aunt Janice!

Paternal family cousins.

Maternal family cousins came to visit.

Toby got his much-wanted Gameboy Advance and can wear it on his belt!

Jack the Builder

The boys really got into decorating the Christmas tree this year. I don't think that I put a single ornament on the tree. I had to move some of the ornaments UP though. Toby was concerned that the upper part of the tree wasn't decorated. He really has an eye for details. They pretty much wore the "HO, HO, HO" hats all day....even shopping. Jack calls them "HO, HO, HO" hats.

Reading The Polar Express.

Thanksgiving 2007 spent with the Fuller side of the family. Toby made his "Pilgrim" hat in kindergarten and Jack made his "Native American" (that's what Toby called it, guess school is teaching political correctness) in daycare. First time in many years that we haven't deep-fried the turkey. I don't think that we missed the work of it either:)

Red Power Ranger and Mummy. Toby came up with the Mummy idea on his own, even how to wrap up to execute the idea. Unfortunately the wraps kept coming apart and didn't make it treat or treating past 2 houses.

Jack Jack, dressed up for school.

Halloween 2007 decorating fun!

Toby's first day of kindergarten in Mrs. Lemon's class. He is so excited about going to a big school where his cousin teaches. I'm a bit nervous about him keeping up with his things and getting to the different places. Daddy drops him off to wait in the cafeteria until it's time to go to his room. He tells me Mrs. Lemon comes to get him with others in his class. After school, Toby goes to the YMCA afterschool care where Daddy picks him up a little later.

Jack gets into "going to school" with his own little bag.

I turned FORTY this year-yikes! Where did the time go? Anyway, Joel surprised me with a bowling party! He did a great job getting it all together, me there on a weeknight AND across town with help from niece, Tammie. Thanks to all for helping me celebrate!

Sneaky family and friends with the organizer-Joel!

Me talking with sister-in-law, Christy. Friend from Bridgeport, Melissa came with son, John. There is Colt with John and Sandra Fuller (sitting).