Our Trip to the Northeast!

The first of October I asked Adam if he wanted to go on a cruise(because we had some skymiles that needed to be used)-- instead he responds with, "let's go to Boston."  I would never turn down a chance to go to Boston so I was all in-- even though baseball season was over, the fall leaves were nearing their end, and it was starting to get cold.  I was still all game.  I was excited to be able to show Adam around to some of my favorite places!  Things got even  crazier when the weather forecast during the time we were going to be there was 'Hurricane Sandy,' Oh well. We were going to have fun no matter what.  So we packed up our bags-- left Lincoln with Grandpa Steve and Grandma Penny-- and flew out to Boston.  We got there Sat. Oct. 27th pretty late- enough time to get our rental car and a pizza and enjoy it in our hotel room.

DAY 1- Oct. 28

The next morning we headed to John Adam's house- lucky us we got a private tour and loved hearing about the life of John Adam (This was one of Adam's most favorite parts of the whole trip- he loves history and our founding fathers).

We then headed to church-- thinking it was going to be a normal sacrament meeting-- nope, lucky us it was stake conference. :) It was fun though because I saw my old Bishop and one of his couselors--- as well as a few random people I knew when I lived there.  After the meeting we drove out to Concord--- we checked out all the sites--- in the rain and all. 

Walden Pond: (the site where Henry David Thoreau lived for a few years)

Old North Bridge- 'Shot Heard Round the World'

Sleepy Hallow Cemetery- 'Authors Ridge': (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Louisa Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne)

As it started getting dark we headed up the coast to spend the night in Portland, Maine. 

DAY 2- Oct. 29th

I love-- There really isn't a whole lot of 'stuff' to do. Mostly lots of site seeing and enjoying the beautiful coast.  It was the day before Hurricane Sandy hit, and we could def. tell by how 'angry' the ocean was- which made for a beautiful coast and entertainment. 

We first headed out to the 'Portland Head Lighthouse'  As we were driving along the coast to get there we stopped to get some pictures.  It doesn't look too crazy and windy- but it was. You could def. tell this wasn't normally how it was. 

We then got to the lighthouse and it was beautiful--- and windy! 

We then headed into town to do some shopping and get some lunch--most importantly Lobster at the 'Portland Lobster Co.'!   

 Let's just say we are not veteran Lobster eaters--- this is why it looks pretty beat up when Adam was done with it. I was happy with my fish and chips.. yummy!

Next we headed to New Hampshire to spend the night--

DAY 3- Oct. 30th

We headed up to Vermont today but along the way we stopped at the State capital of NH- Adam loves capital buildings.. so I decided I get pictures at state lines and he gets them at the state capital buildings.  

There are TONS of lakes all over New Hampshire- this is just a random one we drove through and wanted to take a pic. 

 We were driving through Dartmouth College-- the campus was really pretty but the only place we could find a sign was this-- not so glamorous.

Next was Sharon, VT or Joseph Smith's Birthplace.  We had a fun visit with the Couple Sister missionary who was there who was from St. George!  Love connections to home.  The sun even peaked through the clouds for a bit and it was a beautiful afternoon where the spirit was awesome. 

Next up- Maple Syrup Farm and Store- 'Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks'  We loved this little place. Def. check it out if you are ever in Vermont.  

 Out in the maple trees-- looking at the tubing going from tree to tree-- this is how they get the maple out.

 ....and they had a mini replica of the state building.. picture moment.

Oh and of course we made a stop at the real State Capital building.

DAY 4- Oct. 31st

We had a fun day exploring and driving around quaint little Vermont. We went to 'Cold Hollow Cider Mill' where we could watch where Apple Cider is made.

Then up to the 'Cabot Cheese Factory' to watch cheese being made-- and to stuff ourselves with all the cheese you can eat-- so many yummy flavors! 

and then went to the little town of Quechee, VT to visit the amazing 'Simon Pearce Glassblowing factory'  It was so neat to watch how different glass is formed.  

 These picture in no way show how cool this was.

 They were located right along the river!

We then drove back down to Boston--- checked our rental car in and headed to your hotel on the T.  

DAY 5- Nov. 1st

Public Gardens, Boston Common, State Capital, Freedom Trail, Old Ironsides, Bunker Hill Monument, Water Taxi, Dinner at Giacamos, Mikes Pastries, and home...  

TONS AND TONS OF WALKING but We LOVED IT! 

State House- capital

Samuel Adams

John Hancock

Pual Revere

Mother Goose

Benjamin Franklin's Parents

King's Chapel-- I wish we had these type of pews - I would be able to keep Lincoln contained.

Boston Latin School- oldest public school in the country.

Old State House

... and of course some 'chowdah' at Faneuil Hall. 

Paul Revere House

Paul Revere

Old North Church- 'One if by land, Two if be Sea'

USS CONSTITUTION- Old Iron Sides

Bunker Hill Monument- We climbed to the top--- let's just say after walking all day I was so so tired walking the stairs to the top.

At the top.... 

 View from the top.

After all our walking we decided to take the water taxi back across the harbor--- great choice. It was beautiful with the boston harbor in the background and much faster than walking!  

 We then headed to Giacamos in the North End for some yummy italian dinner--- Love their Butternut Ravioli! After dinner I picked up a cannoli at Mike's Pastries and then we headed back to the hotel for a relaxing night in!

LAST DAY-  Nov. 2nd
FENWAY PARK. We saved the best for last.  Although season was not in we still wanted to go and tour Fenway Park.  I loved it.... and was finally able to go up to the green monstah- now if only I can figure out how to get tickets to watch a game from there.

sitting in the Green Monster seats.

Visiting Team Dugout

In the Dugout

Babe Ruth signed bat.

Boston Mickey

The original bleachers still used in part of the stadium

We had a fabulous time and can't wait to go back during baseball season and warmer weather!