PHX to BOS

Dear Familia,

We have officially started our summer trip. First stop: Boston! Kiki, Abbi, Madi and I left to the airport at 3:30 am AZ time. Not fun. We had a layover in Houston before arriving at Logan Airport around 4 pm. This was Abbi and Madi's first flight (Madi flew when she was three, but obviously doesn't remember) and they were a little nervous in the air. But it all worked out and we arrived safely.

From the iPad: At Sky Harbor waiting to board

We had to make a quick pitstop at Harvard Health Services when we arrived because I had a major allergic reaction. We were in and out within 30 minutes prescription in hand and itching relieved. By the time we got to my apartment and had dinner the girls were exhausted. They ended up falling asleep by 8:30 pm and not waking up until after 9 am the next day.

These lovely hives were all over my body!

The girls especially loved riding the train. AZ is not known for their public transportation so the T was a grand adventure for everyone. It was probably good for them to have exposure to a system a little less hectic than DC's before we get there in a couple of weeks.

Alewife Station

Next stop: DC! We are all very excited.

Love,
Jem

DC Zoo Part 2

Dear Madi, Rudy, and Johnny,

Here are some more shots, but seriously...we need to come!

We only saw one of the pandas b/c the lady panda was in isolation on "pregnancy watch"...there might be a new baby panda soon :)

Zane's favorite zoo animal...

This was a very awesome part of the zoo...there are cables and platforms all over the zoo where the orangutans can swing around above the crowds.

Love,

Jem

DC Zoo Part 1

Dear Madi, Rudy, and Johnny,

We absolutely HAVE to go to the DC zoo at some point. There are so many cool animals AND it's FREE. Here are some highlights:

It's a little strange to see the gorillas doing things like humans...

The gorillas had a baby girl...she was so adorable!

I still have no idea if this thing was alive or not...it did not move at all the 5 minutes I sat there watching it...

There were also lion cubs, but they were huge and not that cute. However, the dad, Luke, was HUGE and very cool to see.

Anteater...a crazy looking animal for sure.

Love,

Jem

E.L.P.

Dear Rudy and Madi,

I am SO proud of you for testing into the Extended Learning Program with Mesa Public Schools. I literally had to test twice a year for 3 years before i finally got into the program. Trust me when I say that it will be the one of the best things to happen to you in school :) Forget what all those crazy movies say, it's Nerds that rule the school!! I love you.

Paz,

Jem