Summer vacation: BOS-NHM

Our voyage continued with a trip west to Northampton to visit Abuela Sarah, Tio Fidel, Tia Karen and Sylvia's prima Amanita. Upon arriving we were quick to continue our whirlwind tour of "Playgrounds of the Northeast." By an incredible coincidence the cousin both owned very similar purple bathing frocks. (Some say coincidence, I say DESTINY).

However, a their uniform did differ by a single barrette, a condition Sylvia was quick to attempt a remedy.

After playing in the water our merry band hit the play structure. It was quickly apparent that we had entered a new realm of play experience. Hatches, windows and ramps abound.

And swings have safety bars to prevent the pinching of fingers.

One of Northampton's little treasures is a walking path built upon a former railroad embankment.

This path has the added benefit of passing near Sarah's home.
We stopped by for a romp in the backyard.

(And some homemade chocolates).

Now it is a bit difficult to explain how much time we actually did spend in playgrounds but suffice it so say here's a few more pics from a different one.

All that play makes small ones grubby. A bath was clearly in order.

And a snack.

And some abuela lap time.

Our visit to Northampton concluded with the arrival of Torcasa from Ecuador and Gary and Susana (Sarah brother and his wife) from Vermont. A group picture and a hug from her aunt prepared Sylvia for the next voyage: Cape Cod.

Summer vacation: CLT-BOS

One two hour, non-air conditioned, airplane ride and we landed in Boston.

Nana was quick to sweep up Sylvia and show her that life in the big city includes new fangled high chairs,

curvy mirrors (normally used for checking one's golf swing),

and snappy kimonos for puzzle playing.

After a bit of decompression, i.e. bagels and lox, Sylvia, Linda, Ted, Aurelia, and I motored on down to the Boston Childrens' Museum for some fun n the worlds best living room. Sylvia entered the fray and was quick to install herself at the train diorama and car area.

Our arrival in Boston did not go unnoticed. G-pop Jim and g-mom Louise made them selves available mid-week for some fun at the Aquarium. (For more pics of the visit see Louise's blog).

After swimming with the fish we spent some time walking along the port.
Sylvia broke with tradition and actually took a nap in her stroller.

This was followed by tasty food at Wagamama and the first installment in Sylvia's new series:
Great Playgrounds of the Northeast.

Sylvia walking abilities are improving day by day.
She still hesitates but the climbing structure is too great a temptation.

The movie has a happy ending. Baby and play structure are reunited.

The day concluded with dinner at a child friendly restaurant in Cambridge.
While Sylvia waited for her meal to arrive she engaged in a rousing game of peek-a-boo.