Adventures in New England

Since Brenson is 13 now, he had the wonderful opportunity to go on vacation with his Aunt Shawna and Uncle Jeremy. This trip - known as the "13 Year Old Trip" - is something he has been planning with his aunt and uncle for close to a year. Brianna had a blast on her 13 Year Old Trip two years ago, so we were looking forward to Brenson's turn this year. 

One of the primary goals of Brenson's 13 Year Old Trip was for Jeremy, Shawna, and Brenson to explore some states in New England that none of them have visited before. Jeremy made sure that Bren participated heavily in the planning, and I think that helped Bren get really excited for everything. 

On Monday, July 21st, Brianna, Brecklyn, and I drove Brenson to Conway, Arkansas to meet up with Jeremy and Shawna.

Of course, we had to stop and take a pic with the Arkansas state sign!

We ate an early dinner together at David's Burgers, then Brianna, Brecklyn, and I headed back home to Oklahoma. Jeremy, Shawna, and Brenson went the opposite way to Little Rock where they were staying for the night. Before going to their hotel, however, they did some sightseeing at the Presidential Library in Little Rock. 

Bren and Jeremy at the Presidential Library

The grounds are unique because there are several interesting globes painted as various things. 

Bren sitting in the earth

Before turning in for the night, they grabbed ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery.

The next morning (Tuesday, July 22nd), they had an early flight from Little Rock to Reagan International Airport in Washington DC. 

Bren, Jeremy, and Shawna during their short layover in DC

From DC, they flew to Boston Logan International Airport.

Bren on the airport shuttle in Boston Logan . . . taking it all in!

Once they landed in Boston, they had lunch at local BBQ place. Bren said it was the best fish sandwich he's ever had!

After lunch, they decided to visit the Boston Tea Party museum. On the way to the museum, they got a great view of some of the Boston skyline!

Jeremy and Bren at the Boston Tea Party museum

Shawna and Bren on the Boston Tea Party boat replica during their tour.

They spent that night in Rhode Island, and the trip from Boston to their hotel was more than Bren could handle. The early morning caught up with him!

Their adventures on Wednesday, July 23rd began with a morning treadmill workout for Bren. He missed several days of run practice during this trip, but he was good to try and make up for some of it. 

Jeremy was great to take and send me photos throughout their trip, but Bren didn't always want to be photographed. Especially not while eating breakfast!

Once they finished breakfast, they left Rhode Island and drove to Connecticut where Bren was able to see the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. 

Shawna and Bren 

Bren's feet in the Atlantic Ocean

Jeremy, Bren, and Shawna's feet in the Atlantic Ocean

Jeremy and Bren in the Atlantic Ocean

They spent just under an hour at the beach, then drove several hours until they reached Vermont. 

They were able to eat at an Italian restaurant in Vermont.

Once they finished lunch, they drove to New Hampshire where they stayed for the night. The next morning (Thursday, July 24th), they went to a disc golf course Jeremy had located in New Hampshire. He and Bren played a round of disc golf on the most wooded course Bren had ever played on, and Bren won :-). Shawna walked the course with them. 

They played the first 9 of 18 holes. 

A snack at Dunkin' Donuts was in order after disc golf!

That afternoon, they drove to Maine where they visited Nubble Lighthouse. 

So beautiful and scenic!

It was definitely windy by the water, but the temperature was perfect.

After their visit to the lighthouse, they went back to Portsmouth, New Hampshire and ate lunch by the sea. Jeremy sent Chris and me this photo, and had us wishing we were there, too!

Watching boats as they dined

Apparently, Bren was pictured out for the day!

Following another night spent in New Hampshire, Bren started the next morning (Friday, July 25th) on the treadmill and once again not wanting his picture taken! Stinker!

They decided to spend their final day sightseeing in Boston, so they drove back to Massachusetts and visited the USS Constitution Museum and Ship.

Bren trying to sneak a nap at the museum

Jeremy, Shawna, and Bren in front of the USS Constitution

Bren exploring on the USS Constitution

They grabbed a quick lunch after the USS Constitution tour where Jeremy had some amazing loaded fries.

As their final excursion of the trip, they decided to Ride the Ducks in Boston. Of course, this was right up Jeremy-the-duck-man's alley!

Ready to Ride the Ducks!

They were able to see some beautiful views of Boston while on the Duck.

Then, of course, it launched into the water!

And Jeremy got to drive the Duck Boat! Bren wasn't interested in driving, but he did take this photo of Jeremy driving.

Lovely views from the Duck Boat

They spent the night in Boston that night to be close to the airport since they had a very early morning flight. I think Bren wasn't feeling too perky when leaving the hotel for the airport at 5:00am. 

Grabbing breakfast in the airport before their flight

Taking off from Boston and heading toward Chicago O'Hare

Bren taking in the view as they landed in Little Rock from O'Hare

On Saturday, July 25th, we left our house and drove to Little Rock to meet Jeremy, Shawna, and Bren. We planned to meet at Arby's, but their lobby was closed so we went to Chick-Fil-A instead. We were all happy to see the travelers!

Brecklyn, a very tired Bren, and Jeremy

After a fairly quick lunch, we parted ways. Jeremy and Shawna headed east toward Tennessee, and we headed west toward Oklahoma. Since this was my fourth trip to central Arkansas and back during the month of July, I asked Chris if he was interested in taking a slightly different route home. We decided to go north on Scenic Route 71 from Alma, Arkansas and go through Fayetteville. While in Fayetteville, we stopped at Rymolene's Pies and had a little treat. 

Brecklyn and Brooke with their pie

Bri and Bren (still looking so tired) enjoying their pie

Chelle and Chris with their yummy pie

It was about 8:00pm when we arrived home that evening, and Bren was ready to take a shower and sleep in his bed. But first, he had to show me all the new state patches he can now put on his state patch quilt. He's visited 8 new states since May!

Bren wasn't too talkative on the way home (he slept a lot), but has since told us lots of stories of his travels and adventures. We are so grateful he was able to take such a special trip with his aunt and uncle!