Independence Day

Since being in Boston, the birthplace of America's Independence, we decided to make sure that we took part in some of the celebration going on. There was so much going on between June 29th and July 4th, that there is actually a 40 page booklet detailing all of the information with locations and times of the events. The event called Harborfest is centered as Boston Harbor and all of the history surrounding the Harbor. One of the best things about Harborfest - most of the events are free!

On Monday, Independence Day, we decided that we were going to take part in something truly American! We wanted to hear the reading of the Declaration of Independence. There are a couple reasons I wanted to go - for one, I love history (any era) and I also think that since we live in Canada, it is important for Arabella to learn about the history of her "home country" (Not that she is going to remember hearing the Declaration of Independence read when she was 3, but still). I think the last time I actually read or listened to the words of the Declaration of Independence was in my American History class in my junior year of high school, circa 1992 (YIKES, that is a long time ago). I remember one of our tests involved memorizing the preamble to it and I studies for God knows how long because I wanted to know every word - I can't recall how well I did on that test, but I would like to think that I knew all the words. Just in case, you need a refresher yourself, you can check it out here: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration.html

Instead of driving into the city, we decided to drive to Logan airport and park there. Once we parked, we had to check out a few places before we hoped on a shuttle bus and ended up at the train. We figured it would be easier to take the train since we could get off right where we needed to be. And it was fun to take the train for a change and it was quick!

On the bus with Grammie & Uncle Mike.

Waiting for the T!


Before we knew it, we were at our stop! We walked a quick 2 blocks and we were right in the action and where we needed to be. The Declaration of Independence was read from the balcony of the Old State House. It is the same place it was read on July 18, 1776. I was surprised at how may people were there and it was pretty moving to hear the words that our forefathers penned being read out loud. It sure made be proud to be an American.


After the reading, the Patriots fired their guns and marched out. We were lucky to be able to get a front row seat to the "parade" and it gave me goose bumps...what can I say, I am sentimental. Arabella loved to hear the fife and drum players and we watched them play for a little while.


Since we were so close, we again made a trip to the North End. This time we tried another bakery...Mike's Pastry...we figured it had to be good...everyone was walking around with their boxes. We found it easily and walked into a very crowded but delicious smelling bakery. They had at least 25 different flavors of cannoli, but once again, settled on my favorite, ricotta filled! Arabella also had some chocolate gelato and we also bought some cookies. I have to say, these cookies, were amazing!! Totally, blew the last pastry shop's cookies out of the water! We will definitely be going back to Mike's Pastry again.




Aren't these window boxes pretty?? The picture really doesn't do it justice.
I love this tree lined street.

Another gelato cafe...I want to try this one next time...and it reminds me of Cynthia and GiGi...can you guess why?!?!