This past weekend, my parents came to visit us!
Truly, I may have the best parents in the world. Their love for Jesus Christ pours into everything they do. They love adventure and trying new things, as well as meeting the locals and learning about their life. They're active, love biking and exploring nature, and are always down for grabbing a glass of wine or a beer to reflect on the day. I pray that someday I'll be like my parents! They raised four kids with different interests and personalities extremely well, and Jesus was always in the center of our lives as a family. Seeing them this weekend reminded me of how much I've learned and grown under their love and protection.
Now that I am a wife, it's neat to see how the parental dynamic has shifted to believer-to-believer and sinner-to-sinner rather than parent-to-child. I'll always be their daughter and for that I am thankful!
Enough of this sappy stuff, right?
My parents flew in on Friday night and rode the trains out to the North Beverly station a couple miles from our home. We picked them up and drove them to our little place on the Gordon-Conwell campus. I cooked dinner and made Balsamic Caprese Chicken. It was lovely catching up on life's latest adventures, curveballs and happenings around our table in the kitchen.
Saturday morning, we woke up and hopped on the 9:15am train into the city!
Our first stop was the Freedom Trail starting at the Boston Commons. We visited the grave sights of Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere and John Hancock. To think that this much history is right in the middle of the city is mind-blowing!
Benjamin Franklin's grave
We also explored the Old South Meeting House, the first public school, Paul Revere's house and saw many beautiful statues along the way. My mom loves history, so this was a really neat thing for her to see and experience!
Afterward, we ate at the Cheers restaurant and bar in Quincy Market! David, Jimmy's younger brother, and his girlfriend, Jeanine, was visiting Harvard University the same weekend and met us for lunch! It was the first time my parents met David so it was nice for us to all be together.
We proceeded to explore a little bit of Quincy Market, then headed up to the North End to see the beautiful harbor and park.
In front of the harbor
Walking around the north end area, we peeked into some shops and walked the beautiful streets. We then proceeded to head back to the Boston Commons area to see Newbury Street and explore the sights and designer stores!
Warby Parker in Boston. James currently works at the NYC store!
Newbury Street
While mom and I walked around Newbury and Boylston Streets Jimmy and dad watched college football at M.J. O'Conners, a local Irish pub. I'm so thankful that Jimmy and my dad get along so well!
For dinner, we decided to try a delicious Italian restaurant in the North End called La Galleria 33. I ordered seafood ravioli (the best I've ever had!) with vodka cream sauce and we all (except for Jimmy) split a bottle of wine. We laughed about the day and had wonderful conversation. Going out to eat is my favorite things to do!
There's nothing better than conversation around a table with family you love!
Overall, Saturday was an incredible day of exploring the city. Needless to say, my parents loved Boston and how walkable the city is, the beautiful the colonial architecture, quaint cobblestone streets, historical buildings and sights, sprawling parks, wide streets and the many trees throughout the city!
Sunday started with sleeping in, homemade blueberry pancakes, and long chats over cups of coffee. Church didn't start until 11:00am, so we had plenty of time to get ready! We met David and Jeanine at First Congregational Church of Hamilton and worshiped together. The sermon was on Deuteronomy 8 and it was a really sweet service. My parents loved the history attached to the 300-year-old church; did you know the first wagon headed west left from there? That is mind-blowing!
David, Jeanine, me and Jimmy in front of First Congregational Church of Hamilton.
After church, we went to Nick's Famous Roast Beef for a quick lunch. This place is affordable and renowned on the North Shore for having the best roast beef in the city. It is a staple place for a quick bite to eat. David and Jeanine headed back to DC after lunch, and it was so great seeing them for a bit and catching up. So thankful we live close enough to take a day-trip to see them!
On Sunday afternoon, me and mom went to Crane Beach and walked the trails for some exercise. It is so beautiful and was a great workout in the sand!
While mom and I explored, Jimmy and dad played racquetball. Sunday night, we went to the Black Cow to watch the Cowboys take on the Chargers. Unfortunately, we know how that game ended...BUT, we had a great time watching the boys lose!
On Monday, my parents and I explored Crane Beach and Ipswich together. Jimmy wasn't able to come with us because he had to read for class, but we had fun playing Frisbee and seeing the Crane Estate on Castle Hill! Here are some pictures from Monday morning.
Russell Orchards farm store
The Grand Allee on the Crane Estate leads all the way to the beach
After we explored the area, we snacked for lunch and then slowly made our way to the airport. On the ride to Logan International, my heart sunk a little when the reality of them leaving for Texas hit me. I have been gone from my parents' home for more than seven years, yet it never gets easier saying goodbye. Thankfully, I will see them for Thanksgiving in Texas with the entire family!
They blessed us with this fun trip, and I am thankful to have shown them a piece of my world in New England. I couldn't have asked for a better time.
This verse has been my comfort since they've left:
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
- Psalm 121 -
I find out tomorrow if I get a job at a private school in Lynn. Please be in prayer that God would provide financially for us as we wait to hear back from jobs for me. It is a very hard, vulnerable position to be in yet we trust the Lord will provide for us.
We love you all!
In Him,
The Millers
WOW! What a great weekend you had with your parents! And for desert they got to meet David and Jeanine. The Lord really had a hand in that. I read a post that you got a job!!!!! This is a triple praise the Lord. Things are really happening fast for you guys. I can tell there is never a dull moment. Of course with you two, I should have expected that. Son Bruce has gone to China today. He is totally ga, ga, over his grandchild. We will go to Austin this month to see OUR great grandchild! We can't wait. I hope we can make it up for a visit sometimes. I have a package to send to you guys. I keep adding things to it....be patient. I love you both dearly. Granddad.
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