mandatory portage: trip to mass. (final post)

We cashed in Hilton points and stayed a night in downtown Boston. Swan boats, the aquarium and lobster dinner! (Lobsters from a restaurant - not the aquarium - ha!)

Of course we took some time at Faneuil Hall/Qunicy Market area - shopping and having lobster roll #2. (Lobster roll #1 was from Steamers in Newton - the best.)

Strolling around Quincy Mah-ket.

Then we walked to the Boston Common and Public Gardens.

Now we're over in the Public Gardens - checking out the real ducks...

...and the statue of the ducklings from Make Way for Ducklings. Owen had to pat each duckling's head and say "duck" each time.

Riding on mama duck!

We rode on the famous swan boats (I don't think I had done that since I was 2! Or at least I can't remember.)

Not my photo - stolen from the internets - but I forgot to get a picture of the boat! Photo credit David Paul Ohmer via flickr.

Owen was a little cranky at this point, but we prevailed!

Riding on the swan boat in the lagoon.

Photo credit David Paul Ohmer via flickr.

Here we are going under the bridge pictured above.

Owen waving to the other swan boat. It's a double wave with two hands!

That night, we walked down to the harbor, hung out for a while listening to some music outside the Boston Harbor Hotel (hey - a family can dream, right?) - and then walked across the bridge to the Barking Crab for some fried clams (for me) and clam chowder (for Dave). Appetizers complete, we walked back to our hotel. The restaurant next door had lobster 2 for $20! (That was lobster dinner #3 of 4.) So we got it to go, brought it up to our rooms and washed it down with some Pumpkinhead beer from my cousin, Matt. Perfection!

The next morning was rainy, so after venturing out for breakfast, we came back to the room and all took a nap! When we woke up, the sun was shining and skies were blue. We walked to the New England Aquarium and then spent some time in the historic North End. Lots of fun for all. Thank goodness Owen likes to ride in his stroller...I mean carriage! We walked and walked. A wonderful time was had by all on the entire trip. Thanks to all our extended family for an awesome visit!

Owen at the New England Aquarium. I love his little pointer finger. I mean fingah!

Owen's favorite part? The giant spiral ramp up the center of the building and this big ramp outside that leads to the sea lions. He's running at full tilt in this picture.