More Summer 2012 Highlights-It's Now or Never!

I decided that I must get these pictures on the blog now...or it will be never! Especially since fall is only days away now!

Kelsea displaying her handmade gift from
David before it was carefully packed away.

Of course, our Boston trip was a big highlight of the summer!  We went to celebrate David's earning his Phd,  to see where Dan and Rebecca live, and to help David and Kelsea prepare for their move to California.

Daniel and Timothy awaiting their first flight!

The very next day after our arrival was the Fourth of July.

Kelsea had given David the complete collection of
Far Side in 2 huge volumes.
They were great for all in passing the time.

Waiting for our 4th of July excursion.

The entrance to the subway...the start of our excursion!

Another 1st!  Daniel and Timo's 1st subway ride!

Here Daniel looks a little happier!

David was able to get access for all of us on the MIT sailing club dock, which was right across where the fireworks would be launched when it got dark.  We went early to get a good spot.  Then we passed the time visiting and playing games.   There were grills on the dock that were going for anyone to use, and after awhile, David and Dan made the very best hamburgers and brats for us to feast on. Mmmm...I'm getting hungry as I write about it! We had music from the Boston Pops, and when darkness fell and it was finally time for the fireworks, an announcement came over the loud speaker system saying that the fireworks needed to be delayed due to a lightening storm that was forcast to hit soon.  So in the dark, everyone backed away into the shelter and waited until it passed. It rained slightly, and we could see the lightening pass us by farther away.    Finally we all were allowed to go back out to sit on the dock for fireworks. But  just after it got started, a HUGE DOWNPOUR came and lasted till we were all drenched entirely through.  But amazingly, as hard as it rained, it could not take away from the spectacular show!!  Dad and I have never seen anything like it, and I wonder if we ever will again.  

Wonderful picture with Boston skyline in background
before the nightfall and fireworks!

These pictures do not do it justice at all, but at least it might give you the idea.

At the grand finale, the entire sky was lit up.  And Wow!...
the noise! 

Finally, it was done!  And we all headed back in an enormous crowd to squish on the subway and return home.  We held hands so as not to lose one another.  What a great day it had been!

Dad and I stayed at David and Kelsea's, while Daniel and Timo stayed at Dan and Rebecca's.

Here Daniel is working on a very cool puzzle
at their house.

One evening we were treated to pizza at Dan and  Becca's. 

 Look at the fun plates we got to use!

Then on Saturday, our whole group got together to take the subway once again to Quincy Market in Boston and then on to a wonderful afternoon at George's Island in the Boston Bay.

Here is a "living statue".
He moved when people gave him money,
and he gave them a little token of some kind.

The price of the fruit at Quincy Market was
unbelievably cheap.  It all looked so great!

George's Island is out in the Boston Bay and has an old fort in which you can walk around and explore.  We got there by a ferry boat ride.  Lots of fun!  Pictures at Fort Warren:

One of the highlights of George's Island is going into a dungeon-like part of the fort where there is absolutely no light going in through a dark hallway, but a tiny little opening way up high lets just a glimmer of sunlight in once you are in the final room. David and Kelsea were aware of this, so we came prepared with a flashlight. (2 I think!) 

Inside this dungeon we could not see each other, but we sang some hymns together in unison.  It sounded amazing!! Once our eyes acclimated to the dark, it was surprising that we were able to see more around us.  

We requested a picture by a stranger.

And here are all the boys!

Before leaving to get back on the ferry that had brought us
out, we played frisbee in that beautiful open court
you see behind me.

The night before heading back to Minnesota we all had supper together and slept over at Vijay and Deepa Chandra's house.  They are the couple that Rebecca nannies for.  It was so fun to meet the darling Matthew and Hannah that Rebecca has told us so much about!

This is part of the beautiful view you can see of Boston
from their apartment.

That's it for Boston.  Whew!...Stay tuned for more summer highlights!