Harbor Islands

Steve's schedule is mostly heinous.  But, we have been trying to make the most of his weekends off so we hit the Harbor Islands a week ago.  They are a group of islands in - you guessed it - Boston Harbor that are part of a state park. (Incidentally, I overheard a woman in line make a comment about the Department of Conservation and Recreation and say something like "No taxation without recreation."  And aside from wanting to ask her to by my friend, I think that would make a great DCR slogan. I would totally buy a tote with that on it.)

We took the ferry from Long Wharf to Spectacle Island on Saturday morning (Henry's first boat ride as far as we can remember).

We spent the morning hiking the trails, watching planes take off from Logan since the island is right in the flight path, examining butterflies, and eventually having a picnic at the "top" of the island's highest hill.  We had great views of the islands, harbor and back to downtown Boston.

We couldn't get over how grown-up Grace looked, carrying her own backpack and the map (in fact, later in the day a boy we were chatting with guessed that she was six! too soon!).

Picnic time.

Waiting for the ferry to Georges.

We spent the afternoon on Georges Island because the Berklee College of Music holds a summer concert series there.  We sat outside and enjoyed the music for a while, then explored the old fort.  It's so funny how kids can surprise you... sometimes Grace is very hesitant in new places (and often requests company walking from the living room down the hall to her bedroom), but at the fort she was fearless.  She headed into dark doorways and tunnels and up ladders by herself - it was hard to keep up!  It was so fun to explore with her and take in the views on such a beautiful day.  

We were all exhausted by the time we got home, but the day was such a nice way to get out of the city heat and change up our weekend routine.  It kind of amazes me that these quiet islands are right in the middle of the bustling harbor.