Christmas Time with Family

I have been in New England since October 2002, but was able to fly home for Christmas. That Christmas was the last Christmas that I spent with family, and the last time we were all together as a family. We went to Disneyland in Southern California. I have great memories of that Christmas like this photo. We were all standing around Santa's sled trying to take a family photo, but had to change locations because Santa was on his way back to his sled. So we grouped together for the photo when Mickey Mouse appeared out of nowhere. I remember Breilly being so "star-struck." Watching Breilly stare at Mickey, in awe, was one of the most adorable things I have ever seen. I love being with my family and miss seeing them more. In 2002, I moved to New England for potential job opportunities. I don't regret moving here, but I wish travel to home was easier than a 6 hour plane ride. This year was different, though. As many may know, my brother Aaron, and his family, Alita (wife), Malia (daugher), and Eli (son) moved to the Boston area for advanced education in law and taxes. I hope they know how much I love having them here in New England even though it will only be for a short time (there is still a chance that they will stay if Aaron finds a great job). This year, we were able to spend Christmas eve with them. Watching Malia and Eli was pure joy. Unfortunately, I don't have the pictures downloaded, yet, but I will post them soon. I hope everyone's Christmas was as joyful as ours. Merry Christmas.

Who can argue with getting "pitted...so pitted?"

Some things stay funny regardless of how many times you watch it. One of our favorite shows to watch is American Funniest Home Videos. It is the only show that I can count on for a big belly laugh (I hear a fat joke being said in a land down under). It is silly and simple. Even before the guy gets hit in the crotch you know that he is going to get hit in the crotch. And yet, it is still funny. And when another guy is hit in the crotch, which I know he will before it happens, I laugh just as hard. It never stops being funny. Well, someone showed this video to me and I have watched it 50x at least. I laugh harder each time I listen to this guy describe his experience of surfing during a storm. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-5F_7DwPpo

The Old State House

Boston refers to this historic building as the "Old State House since it is the older of 2 buildings. The "New State House" was built in 1797 (only in Boston would a building over 200 years old be referred as "New").

This is one of my favorite spots in Boston. The Declaration of Independence was read to the the public on July 18, 1776. Each 4th of July, the tradition of reading the Declaration of Independence is renewed.

Directly infront of the balcony is the site of the Boston Massacre where 5 colonists were killed by British soldiers. The term "massacre" was used by Paul Revere and Sam Adams to fan the flames toward independence from Mother England.

Although my favorite story is that this great building began to decay over the years, and plans were made to demolish the building (ca. 1870). A Historical society in Chicago learned of Bostons plans to demolish this historic building and made an offer to purchase the building and ship it "brick-by-brick" to Chicago where it can stand as a symbol of the American Revolution. It wasn't until the offer was made that Boston realized that they "loved" this building, and there was no way they could part with it.

So the building was saved for another 130+ years and counting.

Missed Opportunities not to be missed, again!

I (Ward) remember living in Southern California in my early 20's. I lived less that 10 miles from Disneyland which has always been one of my favorite places. Despite my affinity for Disneyland, the only time that I went to the amusement park was when family or friends came in from out of town to visit the park (1-2 times per year). Today, Disneyland is too expensive to go more than once a year, but back then it was only $15-$20 for entry which would have been a great date or group activity. As I look back, I realize that I missed the advantage of living so close to a place that so many travel thousands of miles to be. New England has one of the richest histories in the US that date back to the 17th century (Plymouth rock and the Salem witch trials) up to the present day (Whitey Bulger and gay marriage, "not that there is anything wrong with it"). There is so much to explore with great stories that accompany these historic sites, and we don't want to regret the missed opportunities to explore this area. So we will continue to explore this area (we have been New England Explorers for over 5 years) We hope to use this blog to keep you updated on our travels and our lives in New England.