boston common

After a quick lunch at a nearby Italian restaurant, we continued our day in Boston at the Boston Common.  Dating from 1634, it is the oldest city park in the United States.  The Common's purpose has changed over many years from cow pasture to camp for the British during the American Revolution to a site for public hangings from a large oak to a site for riots to today as a public park for all to use for formal or informal gatherings.

Events such as concerts, protests, softball games, and ice skating (on Frog Pond) often take place in the park.  Famous individuals such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Pope John Paul II have made speeches there.   Judy Garland gave her largest concert ever (100,000+) on the Common, on August 31, 1967.  On October 21, 2006, the Common became the site of a new world record, when 30,128 Jack-o'-lanterns were lit simultaneously around the park at the Life is good Pumpkin Festival.  The previous record, held by Keene, New Hampshire since 2003, was 28,952.

The kids enjoyed a visit with Mrs. Mallard and her 8 ducklings.  "Make Way for Ducklings" sculpture was inspired by Robert McCloskey's 1941 beloved children's classic book about the duck family that takes up residence in Boston's Public Garden.

The kids also enjoyed playing by the nearby lagoon where you can take a ride on a Swan Boat.  They have been delighting passengers with 15 minute rides here since 1877.  

We were all enjoying the gorgeous weather and beautiful scenery.  

The boys took full advantage of the spacious grassy lawn perfect for running around and letting go.

A quick walk away is Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market where we spent the rest of the afternoon.  Our last stop for a drink and a snack was at The Bell in Hand, America's oldest pub (first pour in 1795).

We headed home exhausted.  I hope the Seymours enjoyed their tour of the city as much as we enjoyed bringing them here.