Boston in the Rain

I wanted to share with you our trip to Boston this past weekend. I learned that children are much more tolerant than adults of most anything. We went down to visit a friend and decided (I will be honest, I decided and coerced Matt) to make a weekend trip out of it. It was pouring rain as we entered Boston and headed for the Boston Aquarium. Needless to say, we waited in the rain for the tickets and did get in. Ella really liked the big tank of fish, and it had been quite some time since I had been there myself. After two hours of the crowded aquarium, we headed out to go to our friend's apartment to figure out some dinner plans. At this point it was pouring rain, and of course we had to walk to the Prudential Building where there were no restaurants available for over an hour. Needless to say, kids were amazingly good. I fed them crackers, and Ella loved going up and down the escalator while Matt and Patrick went back to get the car. We finally were seated for dinner by 7 PM. Matt was soaked, the diapers in the diaper bag were drenched, and my white shirt under my pink sweater was now pink as well! The highlight of the trip for Ella was the hotel (she got to stay in a big bed) and the escalator. We also visited the Children's Museum on Sunday. I really enjoyed this part of the trip, but people were all getting pretty beat. I learned a lot from my children this weekend. Children appreciate the small and simple things in life. Ella was content drinking a juice box and going up and down the escalator. She really didn't need the museum, but I guess I feel like I want to provide them with these opportunities. I reflected on this experience with Matt on our drive home and commented that I think I handled this trip much better now that I am a parent than before the time of children. Ella and Colin have taught me how to be more patient as well as the importance of really slowing down and enjoying all the beauty in our world.