Boston or Bust, Part 3

Friday morning was much the same as Saturday (except Doug had an early pastor's breakfast to attend).  But we all met up at the conference for the 9am start.  Jansen napped there until his 10am feeding and then after his second breakfast, he was quite interested in my friends and the speakers.  I believe he was the cutest in attendance.

At the lunch break we went to Boston Sail Loft, a quintessential New England seafood restaurant, right on the harbor.  Chris and Molly were set on having lobster.  Doug and I shared a salad and fresh fish, we all had to sample the restaurant's clam chowder as well of course.  Jansen was pretty chill and perfectly adorable.

After lunch it was time to head back to the conference.  Jansen didn't last long though as he was quite the little fuss budget, so he and I bailed and had a walk and then got to the hotel for the 4pm feeding.  We met up with our friends after the last session was complete.  Jansen was exhausted and slept through our last hangout with Nic, V, some new friends and Chris and Moll.  Here's my little trooper on our way back up the elevator for his bedtime.  How sweet!

Around this time I got an update from Pittsburgh where Koen was now at a friend's house.  He and his buddy Miles got their sleep area all set up well before bedtime.  They were so excited!

Apparently they did really well and both got a good night's sleep.  Phew!  Here they are at breakfast this morning.  Cute buddies!

Doug and I had our final session at 9am again, on parenting no less.  Never can stop learning on that topic!!  Jansen got some final snuggles and smiles with Molly before we had to make an early exit at 11am.  What a special time it's been having just Jansen with us and then sharing his with dear friends.  

We headed back to our hotel to check out and meet Grampa who was bringing Tavin down to Doug for their afternoon flight home.  It was so great to get a big hug from my Tavin.  I missed him so much and had heard so many sweet stories of Gramma and Grampa just soaking up his amazing and fun personality.  Doug was so looking forward to his afternoon with Tav.  And they had a blast.  They got lunch together and saw some historic sights (which our awesome Tav fully appreciated).  Here's the cute tourist duo.

Tav visited the hall where much of our conference took place, and also the location of a speech by Abraham Lincoln.  Tav was impressed.

Here he is with Benjamin Franklin (note the hat at his heart in honor of the great American founding father).

Enjoying some street entertainment (check out his classic, fluffy, everywhere hair).

And here he is waiting for the exciting T ride over to the airport after their adventures in Boston were complete.  

Tavin wasn't the only one having a fun day though.  Koen was given a wonderful day with our friends back in the Burgh.  Check out the fun make-your-own lunch they made...

And then they had a geological activity in the afternoon searching for gemstones.  

And what about me?  Well, I got to head home to be with my mom, dad and Penn (with Jansen along of course).  Here's Gramma getting re-acquainted with Janse.

Well, that's it for our time in Boston.  It was a lot (A LOT) of work to get there, but totally worth it.  I loved being a part of such interesting conversations.  I was encouraged by the Biblical truth presented uncompromisingly, but with grace and love.  I learned new things and was challenged to think through some ideas and issues in new ways.  It was a huge blessing to see old friends and engage in deep, honest and real conversations.  And it was great to be away with my LOVE and my littlest.  Thank you to all those that helped us pull this off: Gramma and Grampa, Dan and Stella, Deborah, Grant and family and Kylie.  We are so blessed to be so well supported and able to take advantage of opportunities like these.