The Challenge:

How many different types of transportation can Mommy, Ty, and Jennie use in a single morning? What adventures can we have along the way?

Our journey started out in our car (ride #1)- Tyler wanted to hug Jennie as a kickoff, Jennie wanted to run away.We drove to the Fore River Shipyard where we hopped into the stroller (ride #2), and boarded the boat (ride #3), bound for Logan Airport. Tyler had hopes of squeezing a quick plane ride in, but no luck.At Logan, we hopped on the airport shuttle bus (ride #4) , and took a spin through all of the terminals. The bus dropped us off at the Subway (the blue line- a CRITICALLY important detail to Tyler).We got on the blue line (ride #5) and made our way downtown.At this point, the team took a break for an early lunch treat at McDonald's, where Tyler performed a trick with his chicken nugget that caused both kids to belly laugh hysterically for about 5 minutes straight.After lunch, we took a walk down the Rose Kennedy Greenway to see what "cool things" (Ty's words) we might find.Luckily, we found a bathroom. One of those city street, self cleaning ones. Ty was a little unsure, but with the promise of a surprise (aka bribe), he used it.We stopped to visit the seals outside of the aquarium,and then checked out some random sculptures and flowers on the Greenway.Ty thought this was a great spot for a photo:Finally, we arrived at South Station, hopped on the red line (ride #6), and headed home. We had ambitions of taking the train to Quincy Center and catching the 222 bus back to the shipyard (where our car is parked), but the stop near our house looked way to inviting, so we got off to walk home. One problem- we forgot the station doesn't have an elevator. So Ty showed off his independence while I hauled Jennie down 3 flights of stairs. We arrived home happy and tired- but without our car. Oops. I still have to figure out how it get it back from the Shipyard... we might need Daddy's help with that one!

Why not?

Why not make an afternoon out of riding the Ashmont-Mattapan trolley line? We parked our car on a street in Dorchester, paid our $1.70, and hopped on board. The conductor wondered why we didn't get off at any stops, but was happy to let us just ride the loop, and even gave us some historical facts along the ride.
Tyler was THRILLED.
Jennie, pointing out the yellow line that Mom told her not to go past.
Jennie, keeping her eye on the outbound track, and Ty, closely watching the inbound.
Jennie was the first to spot the trolley! You go girl!

Trick or Treat

90 trick-or-treaters later, and we can consider this Halloween a success. Ty and Jennie had fun collecting Mommy's treat supply with Daddy, Nana and Curley, their friend Henry and his parents Kerry and Jim, and our friend Michelle.

Mommy hung out at home with Uncle John giving our candy. Next year, I am so hitting the neighborhood with the kids. I missed some good stuff!

Almost enough hair...

for real pigtails! Jennie is starting to show a girly side. She likes pigtails, but LOVES admiring them in the mirror. Ayiyiyi.

One of these kids is not like the others...

Ty's preschool had their annual pumpkin parade today. One child decided to not wear his pumpkin. Can you guess who it was?

Things Mommy is grateful for today-

Time to do something just for myself.
The support of Rob, my parents, and the kids.
The hospitality of the Marines.
Second Chances.

Where is your heart?

"In my family."

That's what Tyler told us without a moment of hesitation when we were talking about body parts.

(He said he's "pretty sure he doesn't have any" bones though, so clearly, we're still working on anatomy.)