Back to Beantown

It seems like forever ago now, but really just a few short weeks ago, the hubs and I made one last stop on our holiday travel circuit, Boston.  We had such a great time.  It was the perfect mix of family, good food, long brisk walks around the city, and more good food.

It is so much fun having family to visit in Boston, but also since we both went to school there (and fell in love there), the city holds a lot of sentimental value for us as well.

We started with some major fun with our nieces at Skyzone, a trampoline park just outside of Boston.  This was a first for all of us, and it was a blast!  We had so much fun jumping and running around – Skyzone gives everyone the chance to feel like a kid again.

 

the cutest little sticky-bottomed socks – our nieces couldn’t get enough of these!

  

jump pit and dodge-ball courts

We all had so much fun jumping, it was the perfect way for us all to use a little extra energy (and to work up a hunger).  On our way home from Skyzone, we made a quick stop for empanadas (that were crazy good btw), and then got home in time for some crafting and baking with the girls before it was time for dinner.

olaf sugar cookies that we enjoyed with pink hot chocolate

To be honest, we were all eagerly awaiting dinner that night, Frank Pepe’s.  Frank Pepe’s is a famous pizzeria in Connecticut that had just opened a location outside of Boston a few weeks before our arrival.  Lucky us!  Even one of my nieces claims that this is the best pizza she has ever had.  Stomachs-a-rumbling, we arrived ready to eat…

     

  

  

  

The pizzas are insanely large, and insanely good.  We have seriously been dreaming about that clam pizza…yum (insert stomach grumble).  If you are in the Boston area, this is a must stop’n’eat treat.  If there’s a line, just wait, it is so completely worth it.

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Since we had so much fun jumping away the day before, we decided to give another local trampoline park a jump as well.  Our nieces were so excited, they could’ve jumped literally everyday we were there.  For us, Launch was nice and convenient, and another great way to spend the morning.

  

The fun thing about this jumping park is that the whole family can jump together.  This might not matter for everyone, but since our nieces are younger, it was nice to all jump together.

  

They also had really fun jumping basketball hoops, so that you could “slam dunk”.  The girls weren’t so interested, but Zio and Zia decided to give it a whirl.  I didn’t slam dunk, but it was a lot of fun.  Up next, my hubby, trying to be all cool and manly and show his woman how it’s done….sadly (actually it was pretty hilarious), he didn’t slam dunk, he totally fell.  Slam dunk or not, we all had a great time jumping away.

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After some fun family time, we headed downtown for a few nights to wander the city a little bit, and also visit with my sister’s family.  Luckily we made it into the city just in time to grab a quick glass of wine and then head to one of our most highly anticipated meals at Giacamo’s.  It was our go-to restaurant in college for dates, family visits, or just because; and it still hits the spot just like it used to.

  

  

  

mozzarella marinara

  

garlic bread / mussels giacamo

  

Just as we left dinner, it started snowing.  For us it felt like the perfect ending to a great movie.  With snowflakes lightly falling upon our happy faces, we walked back to our hotel with the warmth of a good meal in our tummies and the warmth in our hearts of sharing the time together at such a special spot.

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This post was written in collaboration with both Skyzone and Launch.  Although the experiences were complimentary, no financial compensation was received.  All opinions expressed and written here are my own, and are an honest account of our experiences.