July 4th in Boston.

Off to an early start today- 4AM early- but Gracie did sleep 13 hours yesterday. So we were up and out to breakfast early and we decided to finally go up to the Old State House for the reading of the Declaration! 

Then Chris decided to head to Boston Common because I always wanted  to see the Make Way for Ducklings statue. It was breezy but Hot and by the time we got to the Common we were all sweating. They had a little sprinkler park by a shallow pool that was posted No Kids or Dogs. Grace wanted to get out so I let her go to the sprinklers with Joy-- as I was looking for a spot to take pictures- Grace takes off for the No Wading pool- and I am the only one who sees her! I am not a runner, ( not even a walker, really)but when she goes I can move pretty fast but not as fast as her. So I snagged her and put her in the stroller because she ran off .

Gracie and the No WADING POOL.

Then 10 minutes later , they take away the signs and EVERYBODY is in the water. You should have seen her face. So I made her ask to go in and made sure she held onto Chris. He said she was Soooo happy! 

Then Commander Chris made up push on the the Public Garden. This was better. But for a park area there weren't a  whole lot if trees! But I did get to see the ducks!

During this whole time Grace didn't fuss at all! She was super!

After the park Commander Chris got us a   can to the Boston Children's Museum. ( Fluttershy yay!) and  , wonder of wonders, Grace was having fun!

She climbed,

She spun...

She laughed!!!!!

And laughed! It was so nice to have us ALL enjoy something!!!

Then we went upstairs and after the gears, something set her off. Or maybe it was being up at 4 AM ! But she got cranky

But came back when we went back to the first floor.

I can't explain how great it felt to have everyone be - how else can I say but normal. 

Gracie took some huge steps these past couple of days. We didn't really think we'd make it till today . But she was so good- more than we could have expected. She even made

It through dinner! We are learning to adjust 

On an odd note, Joy actually ended the night on a sour note. Poor kid ended up with a sour tummy from too much heat and too much calamari. Oh well. Happy Independence Day!