June 22, 2014 (Massachusetts)

Mile 985

We started today with a quest to master public transit. We took buses and trains and water taxis, oh my! It was a lesson in the diversity of transportation.  Our first stop was the much anticipated Harvard Museum of Natural History at HARVARD! I was much obliged to expose my children to EXTREME higher learning. I mean, they’ve been to the UGA campus with mama a bunch of times, but this trip was not going to employ Game day, beer koozies or perfectly coordinated red and black wardrobes.  Our friend Justin tipped us off to the Harvard Natural History Museum. I don’t know if he knew I was a shade dorky when it comes to nature’s specimens (Taxidermy!) But they are arranged by phylum, so you can compare similar vermints side by side!!! How much bigger is an Eagle compared to a Hawk? Condor vs. Vulture- Who would win the cage match? How many varieties of beetle can you fit into a VW Beetle? This museum has all of the answers. And, I am in love with it. When we bring the children back for freshman orientation, we will meet again!

God made this scorpion out of a lobster, and hornet, and a nightmare.

Guess who don't care.

The Aye-Aye has a great personality and makes her own clothes. But, that's about it. Bless her heart.

Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes

So many captions....So few that are appropriate enough to put in writing.

Who nose?

Mile 990

Next, we headed back into the city to dive a little deeper into Boston Public Gardens. Our friend Christine lent me her copy of “Make Way for Ducklings” and I read it to the kids before the trip. Thomas was quite stoked about this part and it lived up to his expectations! We took a little cruise on the Swan boats that have been in operation for 130 years by the same family! There were little baby ducks and mama ducks and sweaty tourists. A perfect trifecta! After that, we headed down to the Harbor to the Tea Party Museum.  There were costumed docents and theatrics, so they had me at hello. We got to throw tea overboard (Take that, Georgie, Tres!) and learn all about the birth of our fine nation. You can’t put a price on that! Yes, you can. It’s $80, plus, $7 for a ball cap.

 

 

Not your mama's tea party

 


Mile 995
Our day ended with a delightful dinner at The Barking Crab. It was packed and we were relieved to be seated with some fellow Southerners from Mississippi. We talked about Barbecue and football (the tie that binds all people from south of the Mason Dixon) and it was just the touch of home that we needed!  We treated the kids to an ice cream from the 7-11 on the way home and called it a day! Tomorrow, Maine!

Vickie showing John how it's done

We Southerners have to stick together in a foreign land