Flight 319

So as Flight 319 rises into the sky and St. Mary's Class or 2015 leaves Boston behind we take with us a whole new set of memories that we will have to treasure. We enjoyed our last New England meal at the terminal. Crowded around the electronics charging station we nibbled on pizza and sandwiches. As with any other stop we padded the registers at Starbucks for a final Frapaccino and boarded the plane. At the Southwest cattle call we were assigned the last set of seating numbers. The majority of us are in the last 3 rows of the plane and the remainder of us are in middle seats dispersed around the jet.

Although I am writing this in the air I will not post it until we hit the ground. But I wanted you all to know what a privilege it has been to come along on this trip. I know that in several places in this blog I have referred to your children as kids. After spending this time with them I now know that they are really young men and women. You have all done an excellent job raising them and it showed as we left our mark on Boston.
I hope you have enjoyed my writing and have felt that you got to enjoy a slice of this trip for yourselves! It has been my pleasure to bring it to you.

Gerry

Quack Quack

The Duck Tour boards right outside the Science Museum so this is the easiest transfer of the trip. We waited a few minutes and boarded a truck/boat. If you haven't seen a Duck Tour vehicle, it is an amphibious vehicle that dates back to World War II. They seat 36 so we could all cram on one. It is the perfect end of the trip. The driver puts a funny spin on all of the information that we have absorbed throughout the trip. The traffic was terrible and our 70 minute trip took an extra 30 minutes. We didn't care except that I think he shortened our time on the Charles River since we were so late.

We left Bridget at the Science museum. We'll really Guy picked her up from the Duck. They are spending a few days visiting family while we come back home.

It's time to head to the airport so I will type to you in mid air!

Gerry

The Science Museum

The energy level at the Science Museum was a little subdued. When we got there we went right to have lunch in the cafeteria for lunch. When we checked in to the museum we split the group into a few groups led by a couple chaperons each. After lunch we led our groups to tour the exhibits. It was the first true 'purpling' that I saw this week. The Archdiocese has coined this term to mean co-ed. Some pink, some blue.  It is nice to see how well these students have come to interact.

The science exhibits were great since they encouraged participation. At one of the human body exhibits a technician was showing how lungs work by inflating a set of real human lungs. Lauren said something like "ew, gross, I don't want to see that". But I found it fascinating. The highlight of the museum visit was the electric show there. We all rounded up at 2 and watched a scientist create lightning and sounds for 15 minutes. Afterward she let several of the students touch the equipment and watch thier hair stand on end. This is Bridget

Nice hair-do!

Fenway Park

I know that only one of us is a true Red Sox fan, Emmet, but it would be hard not to appreciate the majesty of Fenway  Park. We started at the enormous Red Sox souvenir shop where Bridget, Clare and Eileen debated whether to buy foam fingers. Common sense prevailed. A few did add a shirt or hat to their collection. Drew has been sporting a Boston floppy hat for much of the week. Now Emmet and David E have joined his style.

The tour was cool. Our guide led us atop the Green Monsta (37 feet, 2 inches) for a great view of the field. We wandered around to several sections for equally amazing views. The guide reminded us that greats like Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio have played on this field. I thought it was funny she mentioned 2 Yankees as greats that played on that field! She also mentioned that some day someone might say Derek Jeter played here. I smell a secret NY Yankee fan!

We are back in the bus again. Heading to the Science Museum.  This will be our last official stop on our tour as the Duck Tour we are scheduled for will leave from the parking lot here. It's hard to believe crammed so much into these days.

Gerry

The Kennedy's

Once again, we were complimented on how (Libby says hi) well behaved our students are. This time one of the docents here at the Kennedy Library said that he had never seen a class our age file through the revolving door in such an orderly manner. We'll take it!

We are a little subdued but I think that it put us in a great state of mind to show some reverence for a former President. There are some nice interactive displays there. This is Attorney General Emmet Scanlon Kennedy flanked by his Secret Service agents David E and Dylan:

 We are heading over to see the Green Monsta now. If you don't know what that is you will have to wait to find out.

Gerry

Our Last Night in Boston

After Mass last night Steve drove us over to Cold Stone Creamery for dessert.  We had a great time choosing out hand mixed concoctions and just as much fun eating them. I'm not sure the store was ready for a full on assault by us. But they handled it well. As is often the case, the idle time was left to some sort of competition for the boys. While Fr. Chip and I finished our treats the boys were seeing who could vault over the 4 foot steel driveway pylons. It seems most could manage.  Mike was the most measured but when push came to shove, he made it over easy! I would say that this competition might have been to impress the girls with their superior athleticism but when I looked around there was not a girl in sight watching!

Based on their behavior, Mrs Eisel granted an extra social hour in the lobby last night. Many took advantage but some took the opportunity to get to sleep without noisy roommates to keep them up.

We are off to the JFK Presidential Library. Hopefully we will get some contemporary learning in. I will let you know.

About the Bus

A word about our chariot for these days in Boston.  We have been driven around Boston by Steve and his Peter Pan Bus.  For some reason it says 'Fairy Language' by the door.  Steve is a master negotiating the tight turns and narrow streets.

Inside the bus the negotiating is different.  People have set the seats and I haven't seen much change.  The chaperones have evenly dispursed throughout the bus.  I have taken the last row to oversee the troops. Megan and Charlotte sit right in front of me. I think that I have been featured in many of their selfies as I photobomb as many of the shots as I can.

We took pledge the first day that when Elizabeth speaks, no one else speaks.  As soon as the microphone goes on pretty much everyone listens. Although I have seen a few more earphones sneak on when she keys up the mike. ""

We have a lot of miles to put.in tomorrow so I better hit the rack!

Mass with Fr. Chip

One of the advantages of travelling with a priest is that when you would like to have Mass you can usually find a church and have one. Even better, we got to have mass at one of the most beautiful churches in Boston.  Fr. Chip had Mass for us in Our Lady's Chapel in the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Dylan and Moira were great readers and Fr. Chip said a great homily congratulating the kids for who they are and for who they will become.

Lexington Green

We traveled to Lexington as Paul Revere did. We ate lunch in town at various shops and reconvened on the green. Elizabeth reminded us about the story of Paul Revere's ride to warn Sam Adams and John Hancock of the approach of the Regulars to destroy ammunition that the colonists had amassed. Once the 700 Regulars reached Lexington  they faced 77 colonist. It was at this field where the 'shot was heard around the world'

We re-enacted the scene. Moira was Paul Revere, several of us were Regulars.  Melody and Tiffany led the charge!   A few more of us were colonists. It was brutal. 8 of the colonists died!

After we revived the colonists we posed for a group picture in front of one of the memorials.

The USS Constitution

Unfortunately Old Ironsides is in dry dock so they are not allowing visitors to board the ship. That being said, the Navy and the Park Service have done a great job with the museum so we could learn a lot about the ship and it's history.

We are heading to Lexington Green to see where the first battle of the Revolution occurred. We will on the bus for a while!

Breed's Hill

The battle of Bunker Hill apparently was fought on Breed's Hill! We are learning a lot. That doesn't take away any that the monument for Bunker Hill is an obelisk that rises 294 steps into the sky (about half as high as the Washington Monument). For those brave enough th climb to the top, they are rewarded with a beautiful view of Charlestown and of the shipyard where Old Ironsides is in dry dock. Many are trying. We shall see if all suceed.

We have been blessed with perfect touring weather today so the visibility should be great up top.

After this we will be on the bus with plenty of time to let our legs recover. We follow Paul Revere's path to Concord and then to Lexington.

Most Important Meal of the Day

Good Morning All,

After our late evening last night everyone went straight to their rooms. Not right to sleep but to their rooms!

Breakfast at the hotel has become routine already. It might as well be a full restaurant in the lobby. The staff putts out everything1 from a continental spread to oatmeal and waffles. I thought that the waffle iron would jamb up the process but it seems to be working fine. Katherine has proven that she is the master of the waffle iron.

Drew receives my award for the hungry man special.

While Bridget is keeping the Kellogg compay in business with her love of Fruit Loops. Keep 'em coming.

Emmet definitely is enjoying the chef inspired egg sandwiches.

The strategy seems to be fill up on the free breakfast and maybe the lunch won't cost so much.

We are heading to Bunker Hill now. I will write you when we 'see the whites of their eyes'!

Gerry

Blue, Blue and More Blue

We had to hustle to get to the Charles Playhouse for our 7:30 showing of the Blue Man Group.  This show never fails to impress.  The content is perfect for 8th graders (and all of us chaperones!).  Paint splashing everywhere, Twinkies goo and Captain Crunch squirting all over the place and a heavy bass beat makes it ideal.  Everyone was amazed.  I think just about everyone got a Blue Man selfie. Here are Kate, Moira and Emily mugging it up with one of them.

There were many droopy eyes on the bus ride back to the hotel.  We have a busy day tomorrow so I hope everyone sleeps well.

Type to you tomorrow.

Gerry

Fire and Nice

Fire & Ice is a restaurant that is designed as an interactive experience for the diner.  It is the perfect solution.for feeding 23 hungry 8th graders and a group of chaperones.  As soon you are seated you take your bowl to the 'market' fill it with whatever raw ingredients they have that you like, add a sauce and take it to the grill where a cook finishes it off while you watch.  The you sit and eat.  No time to shoot straw wrappers or spike someone's drink with Sweet & Low.  Just get your food and eat...genious!

The only extra time spent was that we rounded up Chris to stand with the grill chefs where the whole restaurant could sing him happy birthday!  It was a birthday he will remember!

We had to hustle out to make our show with the Blue Man Group!

Back in Town

Our trip back to downtown gave us a chance to dry off in the bus.  The only real casualty from the rain waqs Moira's shoes.  Fortunately the general store across from the Plymouth Rock had a beautiful pair of purple rhinestone bedazzled flip flops to hold her over.  She will have them as a momento forever.

Once we got back in town we hit Copley Square. Most of went in to use the Copley Square Hotel bathrooms.  Our most luxurious facilities so far! The real highlight of the hotel was the resident hotel dog Catie.  Apparently the hotel is pet friendly and Catie is the ambassador.  The kids enjoyed the time petting Catie while we were regaled with stories from the head bellman about Paul Newman and Taylor Swift enjoying the dog's company when they visited.

We walked over to to the Boston Common Gardens to see the "make way for ducklings" sculpture. Then we had a chance to.visit the Cheers bar.  I think our tour guide just wants to tease all.of us chaperones at any chance she can.  We are walking over to our dinner reservations Fire and Ice now.

I will let you know if it is good!

Plymouth Rock (sort of)

We left the Plantation and drove few miles to the actual Plymouth Rock. Unfortunately my reference for Plymouth Rock comes from Schoolhouse Rock where the cartoon Mayflower bangs into a gigantic cliff called Plymouth Rock. The actual Plymouth Rock is, to say it kindly, underwhelming.

More entertaining is the statue up on the hill that overlooks the harbor where Plymouth Rock resides. It is Masasoit (sp?). He was the Chief of the local tribe. The statue depicts him with his peace pipe. In true 8th grade fashion we filled his pipe with a pink bouncy ball.

A Rainy Wampanoag Village

I knew it would be too much to ask for to have 4 rain free days in a row. After leaving Peacefeids we rode the bus for 30 minutes to get to the Plimoth Plantation. This is another historically recreated experience. We first toured the Indian village that is set along the Eel River. Just as we entered the village the sprinkling started. It was not enough to send us back to the visitor's center but enough to danpen our spirits. We checked out the smoky huts and moved on to the 17th century village.

We had a long conversation with Miles Standish telling us how it is to live in Plimoth Plantation in the 17th century.  The drizzle gave it a particularly authentic feeling.  The stomachs started to growl while we were there so we ate lunch in the visitor's center.  We were joined today for the morning by Libby and Charlie's Aunt Kiki.  She followed us around the Plantation and had lunch with us. Charlie and Libby seemed happy to share their touch of northern family with friends.

We finished up at the Plantation with a trip to the barn.  The farm there has a program to husband indiginous breeds at the Plantation. There are sheep, goats, cows and chickens much like the ones described in the journals from the 1600s.  The only unusual addition was a llama that was mixed in with the goats.  Bianca, I'm unclear if we named the llama or that is what the owners named her, was an instant celebrity. Please check your son or daughter's phone and you are likely to see a Bianca selfish there!  Kate and Coley:

The Adams Family

No we are not staying at the hotel watching 70's tv.  I'm not talking about Morticia, this morning was all about John, Abigail and John Quincy Adams.  We started at the birthplace of John and John Quincy in Quincy.  We were split in two groups to tour the houses.  As has been the custom, the boys were one group and the girls the other. With one exception, Drew joined Mr. Curley and me with the girls.  Mad props to Drew!

After the birthplace tour we rode the bus to Peacefeilds, the Adams' retirement estate.  We toured the gardens and the library. Apparently John Quincy Adams was quite an over-acheiver.  He spoke several languages, received a law degree from Harvard and served as an ambassador in Europe when he was 14.  Sorry if your child now feels like he or she has some catching up to do.

We are heading to Plimouth Plantation now.  I will let you know what we see there.

Gerry

First Night is in the Books

So we made it over to Warren's Tavern and had a great dinner. The staff was prepared and it was quite uneventful.   Us chaperones even had our own end of the table and enjoyed some adult conversation (without the adult beverages!). Scott Thompson, Matt Hudren, Mr. Curley, Fr. Chip and Mrs. Eisel have been leading the troop so far.  Now we turn the reins over to Russ Hammill.  He joined us as reinforcement at dinner last night.

There was only a little drama at the hotel last night when the room assignments were revealed.  In the end it is just a bed, or part of, and a shower.  The lobby is open for the kids until 10 and breakfast is down there first thing in the morning.  I visited each room, reviewed the room policies and joined the adults in the lobby.  When I revisited the rooms I noticed that the girls are much better at sharing the sleeping furniture.   Unfortunately I think a couple of the boys might have slept in a bath tub last night.

We head out to the Plimouth Plantation (that's how they spell it) and end the day with Blue Man Group.  Could there be a wider spread of learning/entertainment in one day.  It will great to see how far American civilization has come in such a short time!

These Kids

Can I get serious for a second?   These kids are great! I know I am probably jinxing this trip but I can't get over how great everyone is behaving.

We have walked a lot today. I mean a lot! Not one complaint. We have been complimented by several people that everyone is so well behaved. Everyone is being nice to each other. Wow! You guys have done well!

When our guide, Elizabeth asks for a volunteer to reenact a scene
, several step forward. When we needed a leader for 'My Country Tis of Thee, Bridget raised her hand

And that was a great rendition by by the whole class in front of the Park Street Church.  When we needed an orator for the plaque at Rose Kennedy's birthplace, Dylan knocked it out.

I'm so happy to be along for this trip!

We are heading to the Boston Tea Party Next.  I will let you know how our Stamp Act rebellion goes.

Gerry

The Boston Tea Party

I have been to tons of historical exhibits but I can't remember one I enjoyed as much as this Boston Tea Party exhibit.  Sam Adams gave us a rousing speech declaring the the Tea Act a travesty and that as members of the Sons of Liberty we need to act treasonous (we were all given parts to play but Emmet was the only speaking part...he nailed it!).

At that we were ushered onto a ship moored in Griffin's Bay and we actually threw bushels of tea into the harbor.  Coley definitely was ready for his act of treason!

After that we were shown a couple of multimedia exhibits that were very informative and entertaining.  The exhibit finishes with a visit to a tea shop where you can sample the teas of that period.

The kids were laughing and participating so I think they liked it too!  It is a relatively new exhibit and it really is innovative with the multimedia and displays.

We are back to the Quincy Market for a little shopping before dinner at the Warren Tavern.  The bus is too big to get us up to Charlestown where our restaurant is, so Steve, our driver, is dropping us close and we will hoof it in.  Last bit of walking for the day!  Yay!!!

After dinner it's on to the hotel and we get to hear themuchanticipatrd room assignments.  We shall see how that works out.

I apologize for jamming these post here at the end of the day.  I was having a few technical issues when I was out today.

Touch base in the morning.

Gerry

Further Along the Freedom Trail

After our exciting reenactment of the Boston Massacre everyone was getting hungry. Thanks to good planning we ended up being right across from Quincy Market where there are plenty of choices and even some authentic New England fare. Charlie and a few others ate clam chowda in a bread bowl and everyone else found burgers, salads and sandwiches. It was perfect timing as many stomachs were grumbling since we hadn't eaten since our early departure from BWI.

From the Quincy Market we walked for a while til we fulfilled our pre-Mass fasting requirement.   Fr. Chip helped say Mass at Sacred Heart so we enjoyed Mass and chance to remember what this is all about.

After Mass Elizabeth guided us to the pastry shops where we could grab a treat and take it with us to the Paul Revere park.

The old tradition of reciting the Longfellow poem has expired but that doesn't mean that we didn't learn about old Mr. Revere. I can tell that as we sit outside the Old North Church were are about to get really deep into the Paul Revere story.    We have seen where he lived and where he is buried but now we get to hear about what he did!

I will tell you how it goes...

First Time on the Freedom Trail

Well, our bus dropped us off on the Beacon Hill side of the Boston Commons and we were shown the Massachusetts  State House. Fr. Chip organized a group photo. (The ornament on top of the State House is a pine cone, and you thought we were not listening).  

 Then we were treated to a walking tour of Beacon Hill. What beautiful homes!  We stopped by Sec. of State Kerry's house but he was not home.


After Beacon Hill we wound our way past the Grannery grave yard where Paul revere and the five victims of the Boston massacre are buried. Then further down the Freedom Trail past the old city hall and to the site of the Boston Massacre. Elizabeth coordinated our own reenactment and as you can see it was very authentic.

Touch Down

We made it onto the plane, in the air, through the Boston airport and to the baggage claim. We had a few reluctant travelers but once we all settled in on our flight it all went well!

Many napped and I think Emmet was praying.   Speaking of praying, Fr. Chip is along and started our journey at BWI with a prayer. I understand that Fr.Chip is also going to say Mass for us at the beautiful Cathedral of the Holy Cross later in the week.

Once we collected our luggage we met our tour guide for our stay, Elizabeth. She has briefed us on all of our itinerary as we travel in rush hour traffic to start our first trip on the Freedom Trail .

I will let you know what we see!

Gerry

Job #1 - Herding Cats

It appears that we all have managed to make it to the airport and we are in the process of checking in.  We have been given a special place for large groups and have become our own line.

We all lined up in number order and started the process. Lauren was disappointed that I have also been assigned #1. 9 years of being #1 and now she has to share.

Southwest is doing a great job of getting us going so far.

I will let you know how it goes.

Gerry

I Can't Believe We are Going Tomorrow!

Well, as always, events seem so far away and before you know it they are here.  Jane helped Greg and me pack our clothes this morning and we went about our regular Sunday rituals like any other Sunday.  Except that Greg and I could not stop talking about the trip.  Do we really need to get up at 2:45?  Should we bring this or that?  And of course...I wonder who I am rooming with?  (Although I hear my roommate will be Scott Thompson...who really knows?...I know...Greg's the one really asking).

Anyway, I plan to update this blog a few times a day while we are on the trip.  Please keep in mind that I will be typing much of it on my phone and I have pudgy fingers.  Please forgive any typos you may come across.  I will also try to incorporate pictures when I can.  I'm sure that every one of these kids can show me how to do it so I won't take credit, as I am quite technologically inept.

Please feel free to share this blog with anyone you might think would be interested in our goings on.  I know Greg's grandparents are excited to virtually tag along!

 I hope to type to you at a very early hour tomorrow.  Let me go get my 3 hours of sleep (thank Goodness for naps!)

Gerry (Greg's Dad)