Local Tourists

Brad's sister, Rachael (Auntie Ray Ray), came to visit about a month ago. She timed her visit perfectly, weather-wise. The temperature was amazing. Very little rain. Nice breezes. It was fantastic tourist weather. So, we touristed like pros.

I have done the Freedom Trail in its entirety once, but I have done sections of it countless times. The last leg of the Trail is not the most convenient, so I rarely do it. However, Brad and I have had a Boston Bucket List going for a while now, and "climb to the top of Bunker Hill" was on it. Rachael's visit was our chance. The weather was great, and we were feeling adventurous, so up to the top we went. It's steep and tight and wind-y and makes your legs hurt...but the view was pretty sweet. I even carried Claire on my back part of the way up (then I got weak and tired and had to transfer her to Brad). Those stairs are steep, and Claire's 19 lbs felt a lot heavier. 

This shot was taken after the climb. My legs were still shaking.

View from the top

Siblings

After climbing Bunker Hill, we walked past an ice cream truck and had an interesting conversation with the ice cream man. His family has lived in Charlestown for generations, and he was full of stories about bank robber family members and the filming of "The Town" right there in Charlestown. 

We also made a quick stop by the U.S.S. Constitution (Old Ironsides). 

Obviously, we had to have a lunch at Regina's and pick up cannolis at Mike's, followed by a stop at the Old North Church and the Paul Revere Mall (it's a courtyard, not a shopping center). 

Yay! I love Regina's!

Wait a second...I get a cannoli, right? Right??

Waiting at Mike's...Claire is skeptical about whether or not she is actually getting a cannoli (she didn't, by the way).

Paul Revere Mall with the Old North Church in the background.

Family shot!

Other side of the church. "One if by land, two if by sea."

Lovely.

We enjoyed listening to part of the official tour and explanations. We left a donation on the way out- don't worry.

We finally got around to riding the swan boats in the Public Garden. Claire loved it! She's such a water baby. She enjoyed the water, watching the ducks, and watching the other swan boat passengers.

Views from the water. We love you, Boston!

I got this great shot of our church building out of the window of our car while we were at a red light on the way home. Isn't it beautiful?

We had a great time with Rachael in town. Claire was in Auntie Ray Ray withdrawals for a while. The weather was awesome and the visiting was a blast. We really enjoyed playing the local tourists and roaming around our city yet again. Good times in New England.