Our Trip to Boston!

On a bright sunny Friday morning, we packed up the Conestoga wagon and headed East to help celebrate Jocelyn's 3rd Birthday. The ride, though 14-hours long, was very scenic and peaceful. Judging from the number of cars on the road (there were very few), it was obvious that the gas crisis is affecting everyone in the country. We took the northern route past Lake Erie, the NY wine country, through the Adirondacks, into the Berkshires, across the Mass. Pike into Weymouth. Our little angel had fallen asleep practically standing up on the back of the couch with a telescope in her hand. Talk about an indelible picture! We got up on Saturday morning and the real fun began. Jocelyn and I helped weed the garden. Uncle Dennis and Jocelyn played with her toys. Grandpa and Jocelyn watched a movie on Grandpa's toy. We all went to the beach for a walk. Jocelyn and Grandma got wet in the water because we wanted to "get our feet wet." Of course, we had no control over the waves and the other kids running in the surf, so we did get a bit wetter than originally planned. Jocelyn made out so much better because her parents had thought to bring a change of clothes and Grandma had to wear her wet shorts in the car. :( Mommy, Daddy, Grandma and Jocelyn went on the Carousel. It was really fun! We went back to the house to change, then it was off to Little Q for dinner. What fun that was! It was a traditional Chinese restaurant where you cook your food in a brothpot in the center of the table. Everything was delicious, even the Cayou food (tofu). We walked around Quincy afterward, stopping at the Coffeetime Coffee shop. Jocelyn had to have a cookie. Of course, she was only interested in the thick dark chocolate topping.....who said genes aren't a factor in your taste buds? LOL


When we got home, Jocelyn opened her gift from Grandma and Grandpa - a trunk of dress-up clothes. Believe me when I tell you, she literally ooh-ed and aah-ed over every single piece of clothing there was -- without prompting. We had a fashion show immediately! It was marvelous!I am sure she will deal with the paparazzi well when she is rich and famous! She never reacted to the cameras as she tried on the clothes that transformed her into an array of characters - from cheerleader to ballerina to fairy to bride to princess! I am including a picture so you can get a glimpse into her delightful reaction!


Sunday was the Big Day! It was a Princess Party! Mommy and Daddy did a terrific job of making everything just perfect! Jocelyn helped Uncle Dennis put up the balloons in the front of the house and in the yard, directed Grandpa on how to arrange the chairs, and held the banner as it was affixed to the wall. It was wonderful to see the Hurley's and Brian and Megan's friends. The "little girls" of a few years ago are now young ladies. I don't understand how they continue to age as I remain perpetually 27! The Princess Cake was gorgeous! with all the princesses represented. The young guests colored and did crafts at the picnic table, while the grown-ups chatted. At one point, Jocelyn and her pal, Katherine came down all dressed up in creative ensembles from the Dress-up box. The fashion show continued for a while. I cannot begin tell you how sweet they were walking through the crowd of family and friends waiting for everyone to notice how beautiful they were. They both looked like they felt so special! Jocelyn opened presents chatting away and commenting on every single gift like a big girl! It was a lovely day for all. It is hard to believe that it was only 3 years ago, this little princess came into our lives and embedded herself into our hearts forever!

Monday we said goodbye to Brian and Megan as they left for work. We had another hour with Jocelyn before Nana Fran came to pick up her up for the day. It is always so very sad and so very hard to leave. I was so glad that we had the chance to see our Boston branch to help celebrate the princess' birthday. I look at our collection of 400+ pictures daily. [Hey! Remember that there were 3 of us with cameras on this trip!] :) I hope you all enjoy these.