remember when this was a blog? boston day three

This blog lives! I am so sorry for such an unexpected absence here. Let's hope that doesn't happen again... now, where were we? Yes, day three of our Boston trip. I'll re-cap rather quickly with mostly photos and then move on (after today) with more current news and adventures. Certainly life and learning have not slowed to a screeching halt the way this blog seems to have. There is much to share in the days to come. For now, please enjoy these photos and words from our last day in Boston.

Day three began with a thorough drying of our girl's shoes... remember the nor'easter on day two? And to think I felt silly packing my hair dryer when I know full well hotels always have them these days, but just in case...

 

We did indeed make it to the Freedom Trail on this day, which was an incredible day by the way. You know how perfectly crisp and clear everything is after a storm blows away. It was the best day for walking. We started a little backwards and visited the Bunker Hill Monument and Old Ironsides across the river first. Then made our way to Boston Common and finished the trail from there. We were happy to find a little wildlife in Boston Common, even if the site of watching predator/prey was somewhat disturbing. It wasn't quite as disturbing however as the guy behind me when this photo was taken screaming "Ted Kennedy is a f%#@*!g murderer!" Yikes!  Moving on...                                          

The Granary Burying Ground.               

Street performers at Quincy Market and the home of Paul Revere.                                                             

We ended the day back in the North End filling up on pasta and gelato. I know these last two pictures aren't great but I assure you, the food was incredible! The restaurant overlooked the oldest town square in the country, we thought that was pretty cool. Our trip was wonderful, our time studying the Revolutionary War leading up to this trip was equally fulfilling.

History is tricky to teach to children being written by the victors, the Revolutionary War is no exception. There is a great deal of false truth in text books, which seems to be more universally recognized today and evolving to a more truthful portrayal than when I was young. With useful resources such as Howard Zinn's A Young Peoples History, Volume 1 and 2 families can sift through the history we've been taught for many years so our children don't face a great deal of "unlearning" as they grow older. It's challenging though because much of our history is rather ugly, fueled by power, greed, and personal gain. Pretty heavy subjects for children, but by the time those tween and teen years roll around they are ready for age appropriate lessons in our nations true history. I don't want to get too into it right now, but sharing history with our daughter I think is one of the saddest yet most important things we can do as a family learning together. I realize this is my own personal edge as a homeschooling mom, and we each have our own. It is important for me to include the truth which is often harsh and to balance that truth with the beauty, simplicity and the deeply rooted family and personal values as well as traditions that were prevalent for so many, particularly in the lives of Native Americans. Qualities that can sometimes seem lacking and watered down in modern day according to my own daughter. I think it's important to observe what has worked beautifully and what has failed miserably in our past, and to take those lessons to heart as we move forward in our personal journey toward a more evolved future.

Comments

[Dawn]

Welcome back to blogging! The book you are talking about sounds interesting- I'll have to tale a look at that one. Boston looks like a fun place to visit.

[m]

Yay! You're back!

History *is* full of nastiness, on all sides. Good for you for treading thoughtfully through it. I always think that the 'whys' behind events are so much more interesting (and frightfully complex) than the whos, whats and whens.

[Dawna]

So as far behind as you may think you are in blogging, I'm even farther behind in reading - here it is the end of February and I'm just getting caught up!

It occurred to me as I looked at the photo of you and Adam drying Em's shoes (and doesn't Adam look thrilled) that there just may have been a more efficient way of doing this. Next time perhaps housekeeping could throw them in the dryer? Just a thought. LOL