Seems like that’s all we did last week – go to baseball games, go to Boston, go to more baseball games, then head to Boston again. It was a very full week, but lots of fun. Kory was up as pitcher once last week, and I always get so nervous for him when his coach puts him in this position. He’d much rather play second base, and doesn’t enjoy the pressure of the mound. But on this particular day, he did really well.

Then on Sunday evening after church and Kayla’s ice-skating lessons we headed to Boston, spent the night with a pastor friend there, and got up early to see the re-enactment of the Battle of Lexington and Concord which has become part of our annual Patriot’s Day routine. After the first year, we learned that we need to bring a ladder to see over the crowds that must have begun to congregate around 4 in the morning! The actual battle takes place around 6:30am.

Here the redcoats are arriving on the common, and the colonists are scrambling to gather on the opposite side. The battle lasts all of about 1 minute! Kayla turned to me as the gunfire subsided and asked, “Who won?” Hmmmmm…..the same team that won last year, and the year before, and the year before….and every year prior beginning in 1775! The good news is that the British then march to the Concord bridge, and in that battle they are defeated by the minutemen.

Next, after a warm and delicious breakfast,we headed to the annual parade in Concord brimming with drums, fifes, flags, horses, and colonial people – even Louisa May Alcott makes an appearance every year. I did not spot Thoreau though – probably too much fanfare for him. He can probably hear the music loud enough from his little cabin down the road on Walden Pond – just down the street from Louisa’s house.

Did you know that you can’t have a parade in New England without protesters. It’s just a given. I think it might even be a state law: No patriotic events may be held in Massachusetts unless there is at least one group of protesters (of any cause), or at least several individuals passing out “America is evil” propaganda.

After the parade, we headed into Boston to watch the runners about a half a mile out from the finish of the Boston Marathon. This is always so exciting and inspiring. These are incredible runners who have had to qualify under certain time (which is really fast if you ask me!) in another marathon in order to be approved to run this world-famous marathon.

For the second year in a row, we were privileged to see my friends from high school Brad and Mindy. Brad ran the marathon in an incredible 3hrs and 21 seconds. (He’s not too happy about those 21 seconds, which means that maybe we’ll see them next year, too!) They are just the sweetest couple and family. We have come away from our times with them so encouraged in our faith because of their example.

This year they brought the whole family, so our kids enjoyed all hanging out eating “Prudential Center Nachos.” (They were one of the things for which Cooper said he was most thankful at Thanksgiving!) Robert and I went for the Gourmet India Chicken Tikka Masala – so delicious! Brad and Mindy’s boys are adorable and lots of fun.

Then there was more high school baseball. This one ended up with a 30 minute rain delay in the first part of the game, and then a complete rain out. It was POURING! I couldn’t believe they could play any ball at all. (We watched from the warm, dry min-van!)

Friday was a MUCH anticipated day. My siblings and I draw names for gifts at Christmastime, and Robert’s gift from my brother in California was 3 tickets to a Red Sox game! Would you believe that in 10 1/2 years of living in Massachusetts we had NEVER been to Fenway Park or to a game?

Well, the tickets were meant for Robert, Kory, and Coooper, but Cooper had had enough of Boston, subways, long car trips, crowds, etc. after Monday’s Patriot’s Day excursion so he asked if he could stay home with Kayla and watch a movie with friends (and the friends’ mom!). While I did try and encourage him to go ahead and go – as it was such a special opportunity – I did not push too hard, because I secretly wanted to go! I have wanted to go to a game since we lived here. He was fairly adamant about his desire to skip another trip to Boston, so I sacrificially took his ticket and thoroughly enjoyed an evening at Fenway – so awesome!

We got to see David Ortiz hit his first home run of the season against the Baltimore Orioles. The game was a close one, and we stayed til the bitter end which was perfect, because then we got to sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and “Sweet Caroline” in the eighth inning. (Here’s the legend behind Neil Diamond’s song at Fenway.) And the Red Sox won – icing on the cake!

There were hot dogs, yes. Beer, of course. And there was kettle corn. And Fenway even recently added a few gluten free snacks to their list of offerings, which is wonderful. But I’m sure they do not sell THIS at Coors Stadium, Rangers Ballpark, or Disch-Falk field! I saw the Chowder Guy more than any other food vendor, and he was getting LOTS of business!

Only in New England….. patriots and protesters and crowds eating chowder.

(Or should I say “chowdah.”)