Chase's Trip to BOSTON

Last Spring, Ben and I started talking about taking a trip somewhere. Covid and a new baby had really halted our travel plans for awhile there, and we were both feeling a sense of urgency to travel, especially with our big kids who LOVE to travel and are just growing up way too fast. As we discussed different travel options and logistics, one theme that frequently came up was how hard Lila would be on most of the trips we discussed, and that she is happiest at home anyway. We talked a little about how fun it would be to travel one-one-one with our big kids and that idea kind of snowballed into this plan- we each take one of the big kids on their own little trip! I quickly chose Boston as my city to visit, knowing we could stay at Heidi's and I loved it so much last time I was there. And it was decided pretty quickly that Chase, our history loving 5th grader (5th grade studies American history) should be the kid who comes with me to Boston!

A few weeks later (and while Ben was still undecided on which city he should take Hudson to) Ben heard an add on the radio for Dude Perfect! They were doing live tours this fall, and while Salt Lake was not an option, Boston was! So our weekend to visit Boston was immediately decided to coincide with the Dude Perfect show and tickets were purchased! Then we looked at the list of other cities they were visiting and picked Hudson's city- Seattle, Washington! (More on that later)

Mid-July we surprised the boys with the news about their trips. They were over-the-moon excited! It was definitely something to look forward to! I was super nervous about the possibility of Covid ruining our plans- which came close to happening when Chase's class had an outbreak a week before our trip. Luckily, Chase never got sick and we were able to go ahead with the trip. I didn't really take a good deep breath until we were on the plane.

Heidi picked us up at the airport shortly after midnight and had her apartment all ready for us, complete with fresh cannolis and a new Red Sox hat for Chase. Her apartment is so cute and comfortable, it was so fun to finally see it!

The next day Heidi had to work, so Chase and I set off on our own to explore the Freedom Trail! We rode the T into downtown (Chase was so excited about riding the train) and started to explore. We started on Bolyeston where the marathon ends, which happens to be right by the Public Library. The building is beautiful and Chase really wanted to see it, so we went inside and explored a bit. It was stunning- and immediately I felt the joy and freedom of traveling with just one child- when he wanted to stop to see something we could just stop! Take all the time he wanted! It was glorious.

Also, Chase is the best kid to travel with because he is appreciative about everything and interesting in everything- fine architecture, historical sites, people watching, nature, new and yummy food. I could travel the whole world with that kid!

From there we headed to my favorite spot in Boston- the Public Garden. Chase was especially excited to see it because he loved the book "Make Way for Ducklings" when he was younger.

Then we began the Freedom Trail. Chase loved every minute of it. He especially loved this old cemetery with headstones so old you can't even read them. He's pictured here with Paul Revere's grave. Also in the cemetery are buried John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Mother Goose and Ben Franklin's family.

This is the site of the Boston Massacre. Of course, in preparation for our trip Chase had studied up on it and knew all about it.

As we looked at the Old Statehouse, Chase said, "Mom, what nursery rhyme does this remind you of?" I couldn't think of one and he quickly reminded me, "The Lion and the Unicorn were fighting for the crown..." Chase has spent a lot of time reading the nursery rhyme book to Davis- it was fun for him to see part of it come to life, especially after seeing Mother Goose's grave just a few minutes before.

We toured Paul Revere's home- where Chase totally schooled me in knowledge of him that I either never knew or had forgotten...

One of my favorite sites was the famous Old North Church. The plaza in front with this statue is so charming and beautiful. And we really scored with a sweet older lady playing the glass harmonica- an invention of Ben Franklin's. She had Chase help her as she playing "Take me Out to the Ball Game" for us. Seeing Boston in the fall was beautiful, the leaves were just starting to turn, and the weather was absolutely gorgeous.

We went to see Old Ironsides- but the real attraction right next to it was this WWII destroyer that was also open to tours. The tour guide here sweetly chatted with Chase and answered a whole bunch of his questions about stealth bombing and technology.

And then we made it to Bunker Hill! We sat down for a little rest (it had been a lot of walking) just in time for a full presentation on the Battle of Bunker Hill from a retired college history professor, who was very engaging. 

This is Chase at the very end of the Freedom Trail- he was really proud of himself that he did the whole thing. 

Thursday night I had tickets to take Chase to “Dude Perfect LIVE”. He was so excited about this show. I pulled up our tickets on Ticketmaster right before and my heart sank when I saw a notice that I must have proof of vaccination or negative COVID test to get in! I had my vaccine card, but I didn’t have one for Chase (who was too young to be vaccinated) and I didn’t realize I needed a negative test! After a little more research, it didn’t seem to apply to younger kids, but I didn’t fully relax until they let us in to TD Garden. My stress level this whole trip to this point had been pretty high- but everything worked out perfectly and after this almost-snafu-that-really-wasn’t I calmed way down! This show was SO FUN and Chase was so into it. It made my heart super happy to see his face light up!

Friday was our day at the Museum of Science- which was SO COOL! Chase spent quite a while building a Mars landing ship. He kept reworking his design so it would survive the simulator and even got himself on the leader board TWICE. Once he’d done that he felt accomplished and we moved on to other things. The electricity show was amazing, and there were so many other really cool exhibits. After a few hours there Chase kept saying “Okay, I’m ready to go…” and then he’d see something interesting and get distracted. We finally left after about 4.5 hours there!

We had thought of exploring some of Cambridge and Harvard, but I could tell Chase was fading fast. It had been two late, late nights in a row and lots and lots of walking. I remembered that kids need breaks (moms too), so we went back to Heid’s for some chill time before getting dinner down in the Seaport. The Seaport was absolutely beautiful and Chase got to try lobster! He gave it an 8.5/10.

Saturday we headed to Maine! We were a little early for peak leaf time (which hit extra late this year), but there were still lots of pretty leaves and the drive to Portland, Maine was gorgeous! After a yummy lunch we headed out to the famous lighthouse on Cape Elizabeth. We took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up at this beautiful state park with lots of waterfront to explore. It was a happy accident and we got to see a little bit more of Maine!

The lighthouse is pretty and iconic- I’m glad we made the trip! Also, Chase was psyched to cross two more states off his list (we drove through part of New Hampshire to get there). Also, I hadn’t ever been to Maine- and I totally get his excitement about this.

Heidi was the best hostess! Her place in Boston is so cute and I loved spending so much time with her and laughing until we cried. Chase loves his aunt and loved spending so much time with her.

Sunday we headed back home! This trip was really the best. Traveling with just one child was a dream. Especially going with Chase- he loves history, loves architecture, loves to try new food, loves pretty leaves… his excitement about everything was contagious and made the trip for me. I loved walking the streets of Boston, making memories with him, and giving him some much deserved one-on-one time!