"I LOVE Boston!"

Scout will happily tell you that she LOVES Boston, and I think that I can safely say that the residents of Boston LOVE Scout.  She was a big hit!  From the moment we hit the expo, Scout was high-fiving sales associates, charming people with her big blue eyes, and receiving "free" samples of every chocolate refueling confection.  

Outside the Expo

After the expo, we headed off to Wade & Ward's aunt and uncle's home, outside of Boston, which would serve as our "home" for the next couple of days.  The weather was gorgeous, so all of the kids spent time playing outside.

Coloring with chalk & sporting a Jet Blue sweatband from the expo

Scout, Ward & Izzy on the trampoline

Early the next morning, we were anxiously watching weather reports, packing bags, and getting four kids ready for the trek to mile 23 of the Boston Marathon.  We started our journey in Grafton and took the T to North Station.

Waiting for the T

Immediately upon arrival in Boston, we headed to Starbucks for an emergency caffeine fix.  And, although, people, who shall remain nameless, tease me about my LOVE of Starbucks, Starbucks did help us find our way home later that day.

Oooh, how I LOVE you!

Next, we began our "death march" to mile 23 of the marathon.  While the walk was not a problem for Jen and I, it did cause some problems for Tucker and Jackson.  Jackson tripped and fell in the middle of the street, and Tucker, depending on what version of the story you heard, twisted his ankle 3 to 9 times.  However, thanks to Jen, we had an awesome spot awaiting our arrival on Beacon street.  The kids were able to refuel and cool down while the adults watched elite runners pass by on the street below.  It was truly an amazing experience.

Scout & Izzy refueling and waiting for their dads 

Finally, Jen received the text that Wade and Ward had reached the 30k mark.  We anxiously gathered our belongings and headed to the street to cheer the guys on.   Unfortunately, my pictures are horrible.  Trying to find Wade and Ward in the crowd was nearly impossible, and when they arrived it happened so fast.

Mark hugging Wade

Ward (with Tucker) holding back the flood of tears

Now, it was a race to the finish for the guys and the families.  Learning our lesson from our 3 mile trek, we hopped on the T to reach the finish line.  Scout, once again, made fast friends.  She was extremely fascinated with the man standing in front of us, and I was extremely apprehensive about this stranger.  As it turns out, he couldn't have been nicer.  Scout's new friend, Angel, entertained her for at least 3 stops of the T.

As worried as I was about Scout in Boston, I must agree with her new saying, "I LOVE Boston!"

Now, if only Wade and Ward could qualify again for next year...