Tuesday

We started today with a tour around Boston's famous Freedom Trail- complete with costumed guide, of course (see picture attached). The tour was really informative; we learned about and saw everything Revolution- related. We started at Boston Commons, went by some pretty incredible sites, and ended at Faneuil Hall. After lunch, we went over to the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum. Some of the kids encountered the subway-- a form of public transportation that is completely foreign to Houstonites-- for the very first time! And, miraculously, everyone got on and off the subway at the same time, so we had no problem staying together. Luckily, we have a fabulous group of kids, so they are fairly easy to manage.

Honestly, I was a bit worried that our kids wouldn't be into an art museum, but the ISGM is a unique museum experience. As the tour guides walked us around Isabella Stewart Gardner's private collection and asked probing questions about each piece of art, our group gave some amazingly insightful responses to some of the pieces shown. The museum houses everything from Rembrant to Durer to John Singer Sargent, and some of the building's architecture is comprised of pieces of old Venetian palazzos and tiles from an ancient Roman bath. Apparently, Isabella Stewart Gardner collected all of these items during her life, and arranged each piece in the museum to inspire creativity and provoke depth of thought-- I think she accomplished her goal.

This evening, we ate dinner at the Parker House Restaurant and walked a couple blocks away to see the Lion King at the Boston Opera House. We can all safely testify that the Parker House rolls and the Boston Cream Pie are as wonderful as expected. (Luckily, we've been walking everywhere!) Also, the Lion King was incredible-- the Boston Opera House was beautiful, and if one is going to see a show anywhere besides Broadway, I think this might be the place.

Tomorrow will be another activity-packed day-- Walden, ice skating, and Celtics are all on the queue. So, should be fun!