Root, root, root for the Red Sox

For most of my life, I have hated baseball. I have never understood why anyone would want to watch it on metal bleachers in the hot sun and REALLY never understood why people would watch it on tv (or, like my dad sometimes, listen to it on the radio). I realize it's a game of nuance, but I have just always felt it to be tedious and slow and extremely boring. Like, the only thing more boring than baseball is golf. I'm sorry if this offends any of you. 

And then...I went to a game at Fenway Park last summer. I loved it! Fenway is the cutest little ballpark that there every was. In fact, I'm pretty sure that my newly discovered appreciation for baseball is intrinsically tied to this particular ball field (so...I'm not willing to say that I'm a fan of BASEBALL, but I will say that I'm a Red Sox fan). I went for the first time last summer and had a great time. I still don't follow all of the details of the game, but I am very into hot dogs and ice cream and Cracker Jacks. And singing "Sweet Caroline" all together. It didn't hurt that the Red Sox won the World Series last year, either. Boston was sort of electric with Red Sox fever. In all honesty, though, Boston is always alive with Red Sox fever. New England LOVES their Red Sox (and, in case anyone was thinking to themselves that there are any other New England baseball teams, like the Yankees or the Mets, I need to inform you that New York is not considered part of New England, and don't insult true New Englanders by calling it such, thankyouverymuch). It was great fun to be playing in the World Series and even more exciting to win it here in Boston.

While Brad's parents were here a few weeks ago, we got a babysitter for Claire and headed off to a game (which we didn't win, but that's hardly the point, in my opinion). The Sox were playing the Toronto Jays, the weather was awesome, and the food was fantastic. A perfect Boston outing.

Waiting for the T...along with quite a few other fans.

Down near the bathrooms, there's a gallery of all of the Red Sox logos through the decades.

Family picture!

The gal singing with the microphone stand sang "O, Canada" and the girls' group sang "The Star-Spangled Banner."

I got this shot of the New Balance, Dunkin Donuts, and Ford logos...it's so very New England. New Balance is headquartered in Boston, Dunkin Donuts is originally a New England chain, and Ford is as American as it gets. Very Boston-themed sponsors.

Big Papi warming up, with Pedroia at bat.

Big Papi is WELL-beloved around here.

The Pru, lit up with Red lights (for the Red Sox).

When the crowd was belting out "Sweet Caroline," the cameras panned to this little girl holding a sign that said, "I AM sweet Caroline!" The whole stadium laughed.

So, although I've loathed baseball for most of my life, I have to say that I love the Red Sox. Boston has rubbed off on me, and I can't help it. Root, root, root for the Red Sox, 'cause if they don't win it's a shame! (there's been a little bit of shame recently, unfortunately...)

Playing the tourist, post-grad

Since we know we're moving in just a few short weeks, we are really trying to make the absolute most of our time in dear Boston. So, when Brad's parents were here for graduation, we made sure to play tourists a few times. I may or may not have blogged about some of these places before, but I'll do it again- just for good measure.

For graduation dinner, we got a babysitter and headed off for a fancy dinner at The Top of the Hub, which is a restaurant at the top of the Prudential building (note: for those following my "things locals know" list, the Prudential Center is known as the Pru). It has a fantastic menu and a GREAT view of the entire city. Not only did we celebrate Brad's graduation, we celebrated my in-laws' 30th wedding anniversary! It was a big night- and we ate A LOT of good food.

The Pru is that tall, skinny building. 2nd tallest in the city (after the John Hancock building).

Views of the city

The Charles, dotted with sail boats.

If you look closely, you can see the gold dome roof of the state building, as well as the Boston Common.

If you look closely in this shot, you can see the hatchshell amphitheater where the Boston Pops play for the 4th of July.

Sunset over the Charles. The pictures do no justice, whatsoever.

Brad's dessert plate, with "Congratulations" written in chocolate.

Barbara's, with "Happy Anniversary" (Bill had fancy writing, as well. All three of them had candles, too. My plate just had dessert on it.)

Happy anniversary!

We also spent a few lovely hours roaming around Cambridge. My MIL had been before, but my FIL hadn't. We stopped by the Curious George store and meandered through Harvard Yard before getting ice cream at J. P. Licks (local ice cream chain). Claire had big fun.

House near our parking spot. Purple door. 

Curious George store.

Claire is a big George fan, so it's exciting to see the doorman and...

...Hundley! 

Harvard Yard.

Statue of John Harvard. We're rubbing his shiny toe for...good luck? to return in the future? Something along those lines.

The chapel on campus.

One of the many libraries.

Main gate.

Our bank. Er...one of the branches for our bank. Technically, we tend to go to a different branch.

Happy pants.

We made sure to swing by Yankee Lobster for a New England lunch of lobstah rolls (think chicken salad made with lobster instead of chicken, eaten inside a New England-style hot dog bun). We walked briefly to look at the Harbor...and then had to head home for someone's nap time. Not naming any names, but it rhymes with "bear." 

We also went to cheer on the Sox! I'll probably do a post about that all on it's own, though. (and not because they're just doing so well...they aren't. It's a bummer.)

Oh, and for breakfast on the way to take Gran and Grandpa to the airport, we made a stop at our favorite: The Paris Creperie. I had my favorite crepe yet. Oh man. So good.

Check out Bill's Creperie Nutella latte, topped with a chocolate fleur-de-lis. Fancy pants.

Boston is such a cool city, and we love showing it off. Thanks for the great visit, Boswells!