The Rest of the Boston Pictures

Most of these are from scenes you've already seen, but Rachel had some really cute ones and I found some I didn't put up before, so here you go...
This is from the flight back. Josiah doesn't put my glasses on his eyes, but on top of his head, like Mama does.

This awesome indoor playground was in the Boston airport near our gate. How great is that?

More from the duck statues.

He also tried to feed the metal ducks.

Uncle Parker showing him how to pet the ducks.

"Greetings ducks, my friends."

"I come in friendship..."

I love his laugh here.

I don't remember what we're doing here, but I'm pretty sure it epitomizes our relationship.

I do love that brother of mine.

Great beach picture I left out before.

I don't think I noticed how I caught him kissing his head before. I can never resist kissing that head.

Welcome Baby Mayotte!

I'm a week late, but our small group leaders, Steve and Daria, welcomed their precious little boy into the world last Saturday. His name is Ethan Alexander, and he weighed in at 5 lbs., 11 oz. and was 19.5 inches.

We stopped by the hospital after Josiah and I got back from Boston. It was fun being back in the hospital where Josiah was born. Good memories.

I had to include a few of these. Daria's sister is a professional photographer and took some sweet pictures (including the first one, that's not mine!).

Second Beach Attempt

Forgive my poor geography, but I was totally clueless about the fact that Boston was so close to the water, which made flying into Logan airport a frightening experience (water, water...where is the land, very close to landing, where is the land? Phew!).
When I think beach, I just don't think Massachusetts. It was surprisingly beautiful to see all the boats and beach towns. Oddly though, I do associate seafood, which we enjoyed Saturday night - fried clams and fried haddock. We headed to the ocean to see if Josiah would like the beach this time. He kept asking "bea? bea?" and seemed excited, so I thought it would work out this time.

Aunt Rachel brought the sand to him, trying to gradually warm him to the idea. He giggled, but was also slightly wary.

Uncle Parker attempted to put his feet on the beach. He'd just cling to whoever was holding him, saying "na, na. na, na."

He seemed to be OK with the general scenery, as long as his feet did not touch the sand. And he definitely didn't break down like last time.

My attempt to put his feet down. I was able to place them there for a minute, but he was climbing up on me.

Cutest aunt and uncle picture ever, right?

He really loved riding on Parker's shoulders.

By the way, we were blessed with two absolutely gorgeous days. Coming back to Birmingham was like walking into an oven.

Exploring Downtown Boston

Rachel explaining to Josiah that we're going to take take a train to the city: "Choo-choo." Well, it was the subway, but it sure looks like a train to him.

We packed a picnic and ate in the Public Garden, but Josiah was much more interested in feeding the ducks and geese. I just love when he comes up to an animal and tries to say hello.

He got so tickled when they'd eat the crackers he fed them.

Josiah also enjoyed chasing the pigeons.


The public garden is the setting for the children's book Make Way for Ducklings. Rachel and Parker also gave him the book as part of his birthday present. I think we've read it everyday since. These are the swan boats from the book.

With Aunt Rachel and Uncle Parker

And the whole gang. I kept wishing the whole time that Jonathan was there with us.

There is a sculpture in the park of the duck family from Make Way for Ducklings. Here he's riding Mrs. Mallard.

And petting them.

And saying hello

Quacking at the ducks

Extending the hand of friendship to the water fowl

We walked around the city to lull Josiah into a nap. It worked!

While he snoozed, we went by Mike's Pastries. I got a cannoli; Parker go the gelato. I was honestly still thinking about that pastry days later. It was very good.

We headed back to South Hamilton, the town that hosts Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where Parker attends and the reason they would leave the warm, sunny South. We went to their campus playground. Josiah made buddies with Jacks, who was very close to his age. I thought they were too cute pushing their trucks together. (I don't know why Blogger keeps turning my pictures the wrong way. grrr...)


Rachel just sent me a bunch of great pictures, but I'll have to post separately.

Our Trip to Boston

Josiah and I hopped on a plane to see Parker and Rachel in Boston. It was a much-needed trip, and I'm still cherishing some great memories were able to make in a short amount of time. Josiah grew quite fond of Pa-er and Z (I think it's his attempt at the "ch" sound in Rachel). He's still asking about them. I've got tons of pictures, so I'll have to break up my posts.

We arrived early Friday afternoon. Rachel and Parker got to see Josiah's love for sauce at lunch at Chick-fil-A. Then we drove around the North Shore, while Josiah dozed in the car. We hung out at their place that evening.

Parker entertained Josiah while Rachel made us a yummy dinner. He read him The Little Engine That Could, appropriate given it was one of our favorites as kids.

Aunt Rachel has his birthday present behind her back.

Here he is opening his birthday present early.

They gave him a cool train whistle.

And the cutest conductor hat and scarf. How cute is he? I think we know what he'll be for Halloween!

He couldn't figure out how to blow on it himself, but he was really tickled when everyone else did.

He liked twirling Aunt Rachel's hair too. It's his soothing thing: he twirls my hair, his own hair...most of the time when he's sleepy or upset.