The Jones Clan Does Boston
This past week has been both fun and exhausting! All of Shawn’s family was in town for his White Coat Ceremony at school and we had a blast. The White Coat Ceremony marks Shawn’s halfway point in his dental school career. It signifies that he can now practice in the clinic and see patients…which he is SO excited about! It means less homework, fewer tests, and more hands on work.
Shawn’s oldest sister Marie and her husband Andy were the first to arrive on Saturday and we headed out to Six Flags for the day. We rode some rollercoasters, ate some greasy fatty food, and had fun just catching up with each other!
Later that night Shawn’s sister Sherissa and her husband Nate flew in. We picked them up, grabbed some Thai food and went back to our place to eat and hang out.
Sunday morning was an early one. Church was at 9:00am and when you live 30 minutes away you have to wake up even earlier. That definitely took some getting used to when we moved out here. We were used to Utah where there’s a church on almost every corner! So after three hours of church, we dragged ourselves back home, ate some lunch, and took naps….for almost three hours! We were planning on going up to Lexington & Concord that afternoon, but everyone was so exhausted and trying to adjust to the time zone that we felt a lazy game day sounded better. Plus, we had to rest up for our big 4th of July plans the next day!
The agenda for Monday included lighthouses, beaches, a BBQ and fireworks. That morning we headed up to Portland, Maine and saw the Portland Headlight in Fort Williams National Park. It’s a beautiful lighthouse with amazing views of the ocean and rocky coastline. Until Shawn and I moved out here, I didn’t think views like that actually existed. It blows my mind. We’ve loved exploring the East Coast and all of the beauty it has to offer!
After the Portland Headlight we went to a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant called Porthole Restaurant & Pub on the oceanfront of Portland. Shawn and I had been there before with his parents, but none of his siblings had been there. Safe to say they loved it! On the way to the restaurant we walked by the cutest ma and pa ice cream shop and the waffle cones smelled amazing. So of course we had to go back and get some after lunch. It did not disappoint!
We then headed down to York, Maine to play at the beach. The water was cold to say the least! But the guys were brave and skimboarded while the girls laid on the beach. At one point I walked down to the water to feel it and see what the guys were up to. Shawn made me try the skimboard once and I almost biffed it, but it was fun!
Once we got our fill of sand and sunshine, we headed back to Boston to get ready for our BBQ. Our friends John and Brittney joined us as well. We had some amazing homemade burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cobb, chips, and watermelon…and boy was it delish! We could see the fireworks from where we were eating and the sunset was so beautiful! It was such a great Independence Day!
Tuesday morning Shawn’s parents flew in. Sherissa and I went to pick them up while Shawn took his last test of the semester. We spent the day getting the rental house ready and stocking up on groceries. Then we went to Garlic N Lemons for dinner. I love this place! And so did Shawn’s family. I never knew what Shawarma was until we moved out here, I had only heard about it in Avengers when Tony Stark asks for it at the end of the movie. So glad I have been enlightened! After dinner we picked up Shawn’s brother Kyle, his wife Chelsi and their boys Asher and Lennox.
On Wednesday Shawn had school, but the rest of us got on a ferry and went to Spectacle Island, which is part of the Boston Harbor Islands. It was really hot that day (upwards of 97) so the cold ocean water felt great! After laying and playing on the beach for a couple hours, high tide started coming in fast and we had to keep moving our towels and bags back. By the time we left there was no beach and the water had almost reached the road. I think our nephew Asher enjoyed it the most…cold water and all!
We had originally planned to go to the temple on Thursday, but it was closed for cleaning and maintenance. So instead we went down to the Charles River and rented kayaks and canoes. This was one of my FAVORITE parts of the trip! My mother and father in law (Lenny and Mary Ann) went in a big canoe with Asher and Lennox. Then Andy & Marie, Kyle & Chelsi, Nate & Sherissa, and Shawn & I went in two person kayaks. It was mid 70s, a little cloudy, and the water was so warm…perfect day to paddle up the river. Everyone loved it and said it was the best way to see the city! On the way home from the river we stopped and got stuff to make sushi that night. After an Asian feast of fried rice, pot stickers, wontons, and sushi, we waited for Shawn’s last sister Tiffany to arrive with her husband Nate and their son Hudson.
Friday was the first day that we were all together so we figured it would be a good day to do the Freedom Trail. Our first stop was Bunker Hill. Some of my in laws wanted to hike to the top of the Monument to see the incredible view. I think they underestimated how tired and sore they would be after haha! But the view is definitely worth it. You can see the whole city of Boston in every direction from up there…I highly recommend it! Then we went on to see the USS Constitution…the oldest commissioned Navy warship afloat in the world. It was so neat to see all of the old cannons and read about the journey this ship has been on. Then we walked across the bridge that connects Charlestown to Boston. This is where the North End or “Little Italy” is located. I have to say, this is one of my favorite areas of Boston! There are so many good restaurants, bakeries, and historical sites. We headed over to an authentic Italian restaurant called Massimino’s for lunch. Between the calamari, fresh baked bread, chicken pesto pasta…let’s just say I wasn’t disappointed! After lunch we continued to walk the Freedom Trail and saw the Old North Church, the Paul Revere Statue and Cobb’s Burying Ground. Of course no one can go into the North End without stopping by Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry for some delicious cannolis, lobster tails, cupcakes, and crème brule!
At this point it was late afternoon so we headed back to our apartment to change and get everything we needed for the Red Sox game that night. Everyone loved the game and the atmosphere that Fenway Park provides. You don’t really have to be a baseball fan to enjoy going to a game at Fenway…it’s awesome! And of course we had to get some fried dough since the ballpark is known for that and their Fenway Franks!
Saturday morning we went to the New England Aquarium. Silly me didn’t think about the fact that Saturdays in July in Boston at the aquarium would be CHAOTIC! It was so packed with people and strollers that you could hardly walk around, let alone get close enough to any of the tank to see anything! So I volunteered to take Lennox, who was sleeping in the stroller at the time, and go find a quiet bench somewhere. I was totally ok not fighting the crowds. Even though it was crazy in there, I’m glad we went because Asher (the four year old) LOVED it!
After the aquarium we ate lunch and headed back to our apartment to change and get ready for Shawn’s White Coat Ceremony. It’s so crazy to me that he’s already halfway done! Our time here in Boston is going by so fast. We’ve loved it out here, but are excited to see what the next chapter in our life brings.
We tried to go to Legal Seafood for Shawn’s celebratory dinner, but we didn’t know we needed reservations so we ended up having Hawaiian Haystacks at home. I felt bad, but Shawn insisted that it was ok since we were going candlepin bowling later that night. For those who have never candlepin bowled before, you’re missing out! It’s pretty fun. Instead of the standard bowling pins they use tall, skinny, straight pins and instead of a big ball you use one that fits in your palm. It’s a completely different game and takes some getting used to! I’m proud to say that I won both games on our lane (Shawn, Sherissa, Nate). Apparently I’m better at candlepin bowling than I am at regular bowling!
Sunday morning Marie, Andy, Sherissa and Nate left (cue the sad goodbyes) and the rest of us went to church. After church we drove into the city to finish the Freedom Trail. We still had to see Faneuil Hall (there was a hilarious duo doing street theater out front), the Old Statehouse, the Old South Meetinghouse, the Boston Tea Party site, and the Holocaust Memorial (what a humbling experience). Once we finished the Freedom Trail we headed up to stop at the temple so everyone could at least see it and take some pictures. Then we went to see the Lexington & Concord Battle Sites. I love how much history there is in New England! It’s fascinating and intriguing to see what things were like for the people who founded this country. To learn about everything they went through. To realize the sacrifices they made so that we could have freedom and rights. It’s motivating, empowering, and humbling all at once!
Monday was everyone’s last day here and we went up to Maine again so those who missed it the first time could see it. We started in Portland at the Headlight and then had lunch at Porthole again. Lenny had been waiting a year and a half to get their clam chowder again. Good thing it didn’t disappoint! Shawn and Kyle got the twin lobster meals...it was pretty entertaining watching them have to crack open, clean, and eat the lobsters! After lunch we had to get back to Boston so they could all catch their flights. I felt bad that they didn’t get to see the Nubble Lighthouse or York Beach, but I guess that means they’ll just have to come out again. Oh darn!
Shawn’s oldest sister Marie and her husband Andy were the first to arrive on Saturday and we headed out to Six Flags for the day. We rode some rollercoasters, ate some greasy fatty food, and had fun just catching up with each other!
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| One of our FAVORITE roller coasters at Six Flags! |
Later that night Shawn’s sister Sherissa and her husband Nate flew in. We picked them up, grabbed some Thai food and went back to our place to eat and hang out.
Sunday morning was an early one. Church was at 9:00am and when you live 30 minutes away you have to wake up even earlier. That definitely took some getting used to when we moved out here. We were used to Utah where there’s a church on almost every corner! So after three hours of church, we dragged ourselves back home, ate some lunch, and took naps….for almost three hours! We were planning on going up to Lexington & Concord that afternoon, but everyone was so exhausted and trying to adjust to the time zone that we felt a lazy game day sounded better. Plus, we had to rest up for our big 4th of July plans the next day!
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| Church Selfie |
The agenda for Monday included lighthouses, beaches, a BBQ and fireworks. That morning we headed up to Portland, Maine and saw the Portland Headlight in Fort Williams National Park. It’s a beautiful lighthouse with amazing views of the ocean and rocky coastline. Until Shawn and I moved out here, I didn’t think views like that actually existed. It blows my mind. We’ve loved exploring the East Coast and all of the beauty it has to offer!
After the Portland Headlight we went to a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant called Porthole Restaurant & Pub on the oceanfront of Portland. Shawn and I had been there before with his parents, but none of his siblings had been there. Safe to say they loved it! On the way to the restaurant we walked by the cutest ma and pa ice cream shop and the waffle cones smelled amazing. So of course we had to go back and get some after lunch. It did not disappoint!
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| This place has THE BEST clam chowder! |
We then headed down to York, Maine to play at the beach. The water was cold to say the least! But the guys were brave and skimboarded while the girls laid on the beach. At one point I walked down to the water to feel it and see what the guys were up to. Shawn made me try the skimboard once and I almost biffed it, but it was fun!
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| As expected on the 4th of July...the beach was PACKED! |
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| Ready to do some skim boarding, soak up some sun, and play in the sand! |
Once we got our fill of sand and sunshine, we headed back to Boston to get ready for our BBQ. Our friends John and Brittney joined us as well. We had some amazing homemade burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cobb, chips, and watermelon…and boy was it delish! We could see the fireworks from where we were eating and the sunset was so beautiful! It was such a great Independence Day!
Tuesday morning Shawn’s parents flew in. Sherissa and I went to pick them up while Shawn took his last test of the semester. We spent the day getting the rental house ready and stocking up on groceries. Then we went to Garlic N Lemons for dinner. I love this place! And so did Shawn’s family. I never knew what Shawarma was until we moved out here, I had only heard about it in Avengers when Tony Stark asks for it at the end of the movie. So glad I have been enlightened! After dinner we picked up Shawn’s brother Kyle, his wife Chelsi and their boys Asher and Lennox.
On Wednesday Shawn had school, but the rest of us got on a ferry and went to Spectacle Island, which is part of the Boston Harbor Islands. It was really hot that day (upwards of 97) so the cold ocean water felt great! After laying and playing on the beach for a couple hours, high tide started coming in fast and we had to keep moving our towels and bags back. By the time we left there was no beach and the water had almost reached the road. I think our nephew Asher enjoyed it the most…cold water and all!
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| Could the view be any better?! |
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| Asher (left) loved it...Lennox (right) not so much! |
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| Nate + Sherissa |
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| Andy + Marie |
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| Kyle + Chelsi |
Friday was the first day that we were all together so we figured it would be a good day to do the Freedom Trail. Our first stop was Bunker Hill. Some of my in laws wanted to hike to the top of the Monument to see the incredible view. I think they underestimated how tired and sore they would be after haha! But the view is definitely worth it. You can see the whole city of Boston in every direction from up there…I highly recommend it! Then we went on to see the USS Constitution…the oldest commissioned Navy warship afloat in the world. It was so neat to see all of the old cannons and read about the journey this ship has been on. Then we walked across the bridge that connects Charlestown to Boston. This is where the North End or “Little Italy” is located. I have to say, this is one of my favorite areas of Boston! There are so many good restaurants, bakeries, and historical sites. We headed over to an authentic Italian restaurant called Massimino’s for lunch. Between the calamari, fresh baked bread, chicken pesto pasta…let’s just say I wasn’t disappointed! After lunch we continued to walk the Freedom Trail and saw the Old North Church, the Paul Revere Statue and Cobb’s Burying Ground. Of course no one can go into the North End without stopping by Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry for some delicious cannolis, lobster tails, cupcakes, and crème brule!
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| We took like 15 of these, but there wasn't a single one with everyone's eyes open haha! |
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| Hiking up to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument. What a view from up there! |
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| Sorry it's blurry, but we had to take a pic at this awesome restaurant in the North End (Little Italy). Massimino's! |
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| Enjoying the deliciousness that is Mike's Pastry and Modern Pastry! I LOVE cannolis! |
At this point it was late afternoon so we headed back to our apartment to change and get everything we needed for the Red Sox game that night. Everyone loved the game and the atmosphere that Fenway Park provides. You don’t really have to be a baseball fan to enjoy going to a game at Fenway…it’s awesome! And of course we had to get some fried dough since the ballpark is known for that and their Fenway Franks!
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| Man, I love this guy! |
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| Left - Lenny and Mary Ann : Right - Tiffany and Hudson |
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| Perfect night for a ball game! |
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| How cute is this kid?! |
Saturday morning we went to the New England Aquarium. Silly me didn’t think about the fact that Saturdays in July in Boston at the aquarium would be CHAOTIC! It was so packed with people and strollers that you could hardly walk around, let alone get close enough to any of the tank to see anything! So I volunteered to take Lennox, who was sleeping in the stroller at the time, and go find a quiet bench somewhere. I was totally ok not fighting the crowds. Even though it was crazy in there, I’m glad we went because Asher (the four year old) LOVED it!
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| Asher touching sharks and stingrays! |
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| Hudson loved seeing all the fish and sea creatures! |
After the aquarium we ate lunch and headed back to our apartment to change and get ready for Shawn’s White Coat Ceremony. It’s so crazy to me that he’s already halfway done! Our time here in Boston is going by so fast. We’ve loved it out here, but are excited to see what the next chapter in our life brings.
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Waiting for Shawn's White Coat Ceremony to start! |
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| There he is, second white coat from the right! |
We tried to go to Legal Seafood for Shawn’s celebratory dinner, but we didn’t know we needed reservations so we ended up having Hawaiian Haystacks at home. I felt bad, but Shawn insisted that it was ok since we were going candlepin bowling later that night. For those who have never candlepin bowled before, you’re missing out! It’s pretty fun. Instead of the standard bowling pins they use tall, skinny, straight pins and instead of a big ball you use one that fits in your palm. It’s a completely different game and takes some getting used to! I’m proud to say that I won both games on our lane (Shawn, Sherissa, Nate). Apparently I’m better at candlepin bowling than I am at regular bowling!
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| Grandpa + Asher |
Sunday morning Marie, Andy, Sherissa and Nate left (cue the sad goodbyes) and the rest of us went to church. After church we drove into the city to finish the Freedom Trail. We still had to see Faneuil Hall (there was a hilarious duo doing street theater out front), the Old Statehouse, the Old South Meetinghouse, the Boston Tea Party site, and the Holocaust Memorial (what a humbling experience). Once we finished the Freedom Trail we headed up to stop at the temple so everyone could at least see it and take some pictures. Then we went to see the Lexington & Concord Battle Sites. I love how much history there is in New England! It’s fascinating and intriguing to see what things were like for the people who founded this country. To learn about everything they went through. To realize the sacrifices they made so that we could have freedom and rights. It’s motivating, empowering, and humbling all at once!
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| Lenny + Mary Ann at the Portland Headlight in Portland, Maine |
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