Heritage Gardens at Christmas

When we were up in Massachusetts this summer we went to the Heritage Gardens and it was beautiful!  We went to see their Christmas lights when we were up for Thanksgiving. It was fun to wander around at night and the lights were beautiful but I think I prefer the summer!!

Thanksgiving in Plymouth

 We drove up to Massachusetts to see Mimi for Thanksgiving this year.  She really wanted to go and watch the Pilgrim reenactors march to the top of Burial Hill in Plymouth so we all went with her to see it.  It was actually pretty cool and the kids enjoyed themselves - especially getting hot chocolate at Dunkin donuts beforehand! 

Edaville Railroad

 We are up in Massachusetts to celebrate Thanksgiving with Mimi this year but we thought that we would take the kids out of school for a few days and spend some more time up there instead of having to drive up and back in 4 days!
Today we went to Edaville Railroad with the kids. It was cold but super fun! We road the merry-go-round, the ferris wheel, the train and some other rides as well!  The last time that we went it was when the kids were really little (2010!!!) and it wasn't nearly as much fun as this time around!! It was fun to see the things that had changed - and the things that hadn't changed.  Plus we have another kid this time and he LOVED it:

Kerry and Dan's Wedding

  Brendan and I flew up to Massachusetts this weekend to go to Dan and Kerry's wedding.  It was a beautiful day and everything was perfect!  It was so nice to see everyone and to take a little vacation by ourselves.  We stayed in a cute Bed and Breakfast in Plymouth and enjoyed relaxing and recharging!

Georges Island

 Today Mimi had to work but we got up early and drove up to Hingham and took the ferry to Georges Island.  I had never been and it was so much fun! They ferry trip was great - Declan had never been on a boat before (that he remembered) so that was awesome.
We arrived to a totally empty island and had a really nice morning poking around the ruins of the fort and exploring the dark rooms and stairways.  It was pretty amazing how dangerous some of the area was - it would NOT have been relaxing with younger kids.  There were plenty of areas without ropes or rails where you could fall off of rocks or crumbing stairs!  Crazy!!
The day was beautiful and the views across Boston Harbor were perfect.  We ate lunch at the little restaurant at the visitor center and fought off seagulls - no one even lost a French fry!
When it was time to go home, we boarded the ferry back to the mainland - tired and sweaty but very happy!!

Mimi's Walking Club

Today we went with Mimi's walking club to visit the State Forest near her house.  It ended up being quite the hike through the woods and the kids totally did awesome!  Not one complaint and we walked 3 1/2 miles!!

Dinner at Duxbury Beach

 We went with the O'Malley's to Duxbury Beach for dinner on Tuesday evening.  It was beautiful - the kids swam for about an hour and then we grilled, had a bonfire and a dance party.  The kids LOVED it! I'm so glad that we decided to come up here. Although we love living in Virginia, there is something so great about doing new things and having new experiences!!!

Heritage Museums and Gardens

 On Tuesday we visited the Heritage Gardens and Museums in Sandwich, MA.  It was such a great surprise!  We had a great time and it was beautiful! The day was gorgeous - literally couldn't have been nicer!! We walked through beautiful gardens, visited a few art exhibits and went on the indoor carousel - twice! There was a great kids area where there was a big tree house, lots of musical instruments and plenty of things to keep the kids busy and entertained!
Afterwards we went to lunch at Fisherman's View overlooking the Cape Cod Canal.  The food was fantastic and everyone was super well behaved - I guess it pays to just starve them and make them march up and down hills!