not just a pipe dream...

If I had a life list - (I do have dreams and ambitions...wishes and aspirations - just haven't formulated them into a physical, concrete, catalogued arrangement) - taking a trip to Boston would be somewhere near the top of that list. Ever since my brother, Aaron, and his wife, Dorothy, moved out there nearly four years ago (to pursue dental school at Boston University), I have been dying to make the trip. At this stage in life, and in our current financial position, I have considered this a hope that would be impossible to achieve...just another (of many) pipe dreams.
After this last week, however, I'm proud to announce that my life list (if - hypothetically speaking - it actually existed) now looks like this: Take a trip to Boston! That's right, we did it! We spent 10 days (minus 2 for travel) - walking, and running, and driving, and going...just about everywhere; and seeing, and doing, and eating, and enjoying...just about everything we could - in and around, beautiful Boston, Massachusetts. John had a few things lined up out there for work, so we decided to take the whole family and make a trip out of it; and, what sweetened the deal even more for us, was that we got to stay with Aaron and Dorothy, and be the first in the family to meet their baby (Asher's newest cousin)...little 2 1/2 week old, Cormac. I couldn't believe (but was completely thrilled) that Aaron and Dorothy were so laid back about us staying at their place, and so willing to be our hosts and tour guides...despite Cormac's newness and delicacy.
We have been home for almost a week now, and I still haven't been able to completely readjust to normal, everyday - life. In fact, my suitcase still lies on my bedroom floor, with it's contents spilling out and forming trails...trails which have now branched to every corner of the room. Luckily, I did all of our laundry at my brother's place before we left - making it fairly easy to put all the kids' stuff away upon our return home. I guess there's still a small part of me, though, in denial...a part of me that wishes we could have stayed forever...a part of me that resents the fact that - due to our empty pocketbooks - not to mention jobs, church callings, bills, and other responsibilities - we were forced to come back to the daily grind. So, until I can fully embrace the idea of being home, I imagine that my poor suitcase will remain in it's sad little corner of our cluttered little bedroom.
I do have to thank John for realizing this longtime dream of mine; and Aaron and Dorothy, for being so good to us...always so hospitable, and oh so much fun to be around. This trip far exceeded my expectations, and I have no doubt it's memories will remain etched in my heart and soul for years to come.

*pictures and outline of activities to follow...