Boston

If you happen to follow me on Instagram then you saw the Mr surprised me with a trip to Boston for our fourteenth anniversary. To be honest at first I was apprehensive. It was the first time I left little Kellen for more than a few hours since he got sick this past January. Although I know we are on the upswing it was like cutting the umbilical all over again. I am so grateful the Mr made the executive decision to head out of town so we could simply reconnect. We needed it. We know marriage is so important and it can only sustain so long if you don't take the time to nurture it so that is exactly what we did. We took the time to talk and really listen to each others dreams, goals, and hardships. We held hands and walked the streets of Boston for hours on end. We ate well and ended each night watching a movie that took place in Boston. We laughed and I cried once I realized I need to breath again. It was just what our souls needed. 

We walked from our loft  in Seaport along the harbor everyday. It was quite and the breeze was oh so glorious on a hot summers day. This view from the loft was perfection. Caffe Nero supplied me with my morning cup of cold brew and the Mr a late night snack. 

Beacon Hill we could stroll for hours. The architecture, the cobblestone and brick walk ways, coupled with the beautiful greenery was a sight to behold. 

We bought city 3 day Go Boston passes. They were so worth the money. The Cityview trolley drivers were all locals who loved their city and each guide shared something a little different. We could get on and off and tour different historical areas. Little Italy was one of my favorites. We ate at La Famiglia Giorgio’s. They had the most amazing gluten free pasta. The line at night was out the door, but for lunch we got right in. It was close to Paul Revere's home. He bought it when it was almost 100 years old. Can you imagine? The Go Boston pass also gave us ample amount of passes for different sight's that was good for adults and kids. The way it worked for the Cityview trolley was brilliant. It didn't feel touristy and felt more like hanging with your Uncle who had all the best recommendations. 

One of the Boston Go passes was for the Skywalk and it was jaw dropping. Getting to see the layout of the city and all the different architecture made it one of my favorite stops. The skywalk is part of a beautiful shopping center with plenty of places to eat and shop. It also now houses a smaller version of my New York favorite, Eatly. See the river in the photo above? We took a little tour boat, the Charles River Cruise, and got to see the city from yet another angle. It took us through Cambridge and down to Harvard. It was a nice way to be off your feet yet still take in all the site's. 

The passes also included one premium event and we choose going to a Red Sox's game. I was beyond myself giddy to be in Fenway Park. I actually grew up just outside of Boston and never been to a game. If I had a bucket list then this experience would have been right at the top. 

Tatte Bakery was throughout Boston. It was recommend to me by an old blog friend and she was spot on. Every shop was little different and they had the best iced tea, not to be mistaken for sweet tea for my southern friends. They had gluten free options too, but I did not partake. 

Have a sneaker lover? This hidden gem it just the place to stop, Bodega. The store front is a market and then you go through a hidden door that leads into sneaker lovers dream. I was in awe. 

Overall we saw so much yet I don't think we even broke the surface on what this city has to offer. We are already planning another trip with the kiddos. Nothing like learning history while walking the streets. 

stay: airbnb

eat & drink: Caffe Nero , La Famiglia Giorgio’s, Tatte Bakery, Pastoral {best gluten free pizza I have ever had. We took it to go and ate it in our loft while we watched a movie}, seaport area in general has so many wonderful places to eat

travel and sight seeing: walk, lyft car service & 3 day Go Boston {not paid to endorse just sharing my experience}

We Travel - Watersound

Last week I shared one of my favorite places to travel to, 30-A florida. For our family it's a time to disconnect and be present. I know that is something that can be done from home, but why is it so hard sometimes? Something about escaping the daily routines of home life can really awaken our spirit, be more intentional with each other, and let us simply just be. These are some of my favorite moments from this past winter.

Things To Do:

• Grab a meal and watch a movie or a game at the Hub. It's a perfect place for little's and adults to have a good time. 
• Bring or rent a bike and ride for hours on the bike friendly sidewalks
• the taco place in seaside is one of our favorites. Don't forget a donut from five daughters food truck, they have gluten free too, but beware once they sell out for the day they close shop. 
• Exploring the architecture of Aly's, Watersound and Rosemary Beach always leaves me inspired. Everything from the landscape to building is done oh so well. Also tons of little hidden play parks for those with little's. 
• we can never get enough of reading on the beach
• George's is a favorite place to dine. It is a bit of a splurge for us, but so worth it.  
• For the rainy days we may head to the movie's at pier park they have an arcade that is fun for all too. 

GUATEMALA

If you happen to follow me on instagram then you may have seen that our family took a team down to Guatemala for the week to serve with a local church. This was the first trip we have done with the kiddos of this sort. The sort where they see things that make your heart ache, where toilet paper can not go in the toilet, and water must not be used unless it comes from a bottle. They both made me proud in so many ways. They played through language barriers, worked hard daily doing things that even the adults struggled with, and most importantly they loved well and smiled throughout the days even when most of our team became ill. They traveled how I like to. Soaking in the sites, colors, and smells. They even picked up a little spanish along the way. My heart swells. 

We served with Inn Ministries for the week. They are a group of people that love deeply and made us all feel like family. It was a mix of locals and people who came from the US to serve for an extended period of time. We helped with building projects, we did activities, spoke about Jesus, and played with kids that had next to nothing yet had a joy that surpassed all.

Although we remain picture-less when it came to our visit to a local children's hospital and a remote village I pray that the images remain within me forever. The hospital only had two children at the time as they ran out of supplies. Without medicines, diapers, and even a simple Tylenol for fever makes treating the beautiful children next to impossible. They are then turned away in hopes that the next hospital has what they need. One nurse that we got to spoke with works 12 hour shifts and rides a bus an hour and half each way. She is dedicated and wore the most beautiful smile. The surgery room has been closed for some time as they need the supplies to fight infection and anesthesia even though they have willing dr's. My heart ached in this place. I pretty much lost it once I was able to get in a quiet place once we were back at the inn. Even now I can't help but have tears run down my face. Could not imagine not being able to get Ellie or KJ help because the hospitals are without the supplies they so desperately need. You can see one story of a toddler we got to pray over here.

In the village they lived in huts with dirt floors and bathrooms that were behind a plastic sheeting outside. The community is tight and they all help raise the children. Even the children that no longer have mothers or fathers. We were able to bring food and a water catcher so they would not have to walk 30 minutes each way for a bucket of water. I was able to speak with the woman who has become a sort of president for their group. The one who let the inn ministries know that a way to get water could change their lives. Some of the children get to go to school, but normally by the age of 13 they must drop out to help sustain their village. This was not a place of sadness though. It was a place where children's laughter ran true. One where they did not even have a ball to play with, but found a game of tag the most exhilarating. I am grateful they were willing to share with us a bit of themselves.

The last couple of days we had tourist type days where we got to learn more about their culture and see some of the most beautiful cities. The days were long yet felt so full. On our final day we got to go to Antigua. The Mr and I are already talking about heading back so we can explore more. The stone streets, architecture, and the volcano need at least three days to truly soak it all in.

Our team above is a group of people that will forever be etched into my heart. They worked through sickness, exhaustion and forever with a smile on their faces. I can't wait to see what God has in store for them as they grow for most were still within the college years. We all now share a bond of going above and beyond what seems possible and experienced things that are hard to swallow within our cushy lives. They treated Ellie and Kj like sisters and brothers and for that I will forever be indebted to them. The trip would not have been the same without every single one of them.

SIDE NOTE: on sunday KJ got a little fussy after we asked him to get off the wii-u for a second to help with something. A few minutes later he came back in all distraught and informed us that he was grounded for two days. Of course we told him he could not ground himself, as we know he was exhausted and oh so sick, but I am grateful that he took a minute to realize all the things he had in comparison. He realized that he had so many things and they had nothing yet were so happy. I pray that sticks with all of us. Especially since I realize this computer that I blog from costs more that most people will ever have in their entire lives. Now that humbles me like no other.

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. - Galatians 5:15