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!