Okay, so maybe I'm a bit late on blogging about my family's trip back east a few weeks ago. I'm terribly sorry to all of my devoted readers who have been anxiously awaiting my pictures and stories. As I mentioned in my previous post, I've been beyond busy, and this is my first opportunity to tell you about the fabulous trip we had!
We all gathered in Boston, MA to start off our adventures together, for my sister's Masters Graduation from Boston University. We spent the weekend there, staying at the beautiful, and old, Buckminster Hotel. It is located right next to Fenway Park and BU, so it was perfect location for all kinds of activities, including the graduation. We had a great time exploring and walking around, taking in the views of the river and city, including to the famous Cheers location!
My sister graduated on Saturday. Brant and I stayed at the hotel where we babysat both Maddie and Ellie, which was a great deal for all involved; Sarah didn't have to worry about her daughter being restless and making noise during the ceremony, and Maddie had been running a high fever and needed to sleep peacefully. We met up with them after the ceremony to take some pictures and celebrate Sarah and her accomplishments!
That evening, we ventured to the "Little Italy" of Boston, better known as Hanover street, where we enjoyed a fabulous meal at a quaint little restaurant. The whole street was bustling with activity and excitement, the perfect way to end our day.
On Sunday, we drove home to Princeton. All 5 girls were in the car, while Brant and my Dad rode Amtrak home. They had several hours available in Boston prior to when their train left, so they took advantage of the opportunity and walked the Freedom Trail. It was a highlight of the trip for them both. Lucky them, because we were in a car for 6 1/2 hours with two babies, one of which was very sick with her fever. You can imagine what that must have been like...
Monday started off a bit slow. I had to take Maddie to the doctor, which meant everyone was on hold until we came back. The doctor put Maddie on antibiotics because she had a sinus infection. Poor little girl had a temperature of 101.9, for at least 3 days! :( We were happy to get her on some medicine, and the fever was gone within 2 days. We showed my family the town of Princeton, including the University and the Seminary. It was great to have out-of-town visitors and to show them what our life has been like for the past 9 months. I've grown fond of this little town...don't be mistaken...I said "town", not "state"... :)
Tuesday was a big day for me. My sister and I woke up at 5am, caught the 6:30 train to NYC and arrived in Rockefeller Plaza by 8:15 to see The TODAY Show!!!
The weather was dreadful, pouring down rain, but being a rainy, mid-week day, we did not have much of a crowd to deal with and stood right up front. Brant stayed home with Maddie so she could rest up and get better, and my parents and Ellie joined us in NYC by late morning. Sarah and I had a blast together! We made 4 different signs to hold up and help draw the attention of the TV cameras and the TODAY Show hosts. We were successful on both accounts! Ann Curry came over to talk to us when we shouted out her name! She was headed inside when we started yelling, and she turned to start walking over to us. Here she is saying, "What part of Oregon are you from?"
She is as delightfully sweet as she is on TV. She shook our hands, read our sign and talked with my sister about her newly acquired degree. She also gave us some pointers about things to do in NYC when it rains. Ann graduated from the University of Oregon, so we had an instant connection with the state.
I had wanted to talk to Matt Lauer, but he was a bit preoccupied with his job, I suppose. ;)
I have always dreamed about making it to the TODAY Show, and I was sooo happy to have made it right before we moved away from the area. It was perfect to go with Sarah, as she was just as enthusiastic about it. We will forever hold that memory as something we did special, just as sisters. Thank you for this, Sarah!!
The rest of the day in NYC was spent touring around Rockefeller Center, Times Square and staying semi-dry.
We did take the subway down to the World Trade Center, where we walked through the memorial museum and took a 1 1/2 hour tour around the sight. The tour was fascinating, with a lot of reflective and sad moments.
Our tour guide was a man who had lost his wife in the attacks. It made the tour that much more powerful as he told the story from his personal point of view. It was so, so very important for us to go to the WTC sight. I was feeling somber and angry all at the same time. I didn't know those feelings would arise in me so strongly, but they did. Amongst those feelings, however, I felt myself beaming with pride to live in this country and call myself an American.
We took it easy on Wednesday, but still managed to find things to do. We traveled to the sight where Washington crossed the Delaware River, during the Revolutionary War. It still blows me away at how many historical things have taken place and continue to take place in such close proximity to where we have been living! On Thursday, Sarah and Ellie flew home out of Philadelphia. Mom and Dad took them to the airport and spent several hours exploring the greater Philadelphia area, including Valley Forge (more history!). Brant and I took this opportunity to start packing up our house, which continued into Friday and the morning hours of Saturday. We accomplished a lot, far more than we had anticipated before leaving for vacation. Brant will return to New Jersey and will only have to pack a few boxes (besides packing the entire truck...what a guy)!
Overall, we had such a fantastic time with my family. We kept busy, but it was a good busy, balancing fun with rest and relaxation. I am saving the last bit of our east coast adventures for my next post, as this event deserves a post all by itself. :)
Brant graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary! He officially has his second Masters degree, a ThM, or rather, a Masters of Theology. I am SO proud of him!!
There he is as the class processes into the chapel!
Brant is getting his ThM and a real diploma!
Here he is leaving the stage, thinking, "Don't trip. Don't trip. Don't trip." It's true! He told me so!
There he is again, after getting his diploma. So happy to be graduated!
Brant and Kevin made it through the year! (Along with the loving support of their wives, me and Meredith). :)
I am so proud of my husband!
This is Faith, the girl I've been doing respite care for this year. I'm going to miss her so much.
Thank you, Mom and Dad, for coming all the way out here to celebrate with us!
We ate at Winberies, which was fitting. Brant ate here when he was visiting Princeton and checking the school out. We both ate here with his parents on the first night we came to Princeton. And we ended our time here, eating and celebrating all that has come about out here.
The graduate, standing outside the Seminary Chapel (this is not where the ceremony was held). Yay, Brant!! Congratulations, you did it!!
