Make Way For Ducklings/ Return of the Swans

Apparently this is a Boston tradition.  In preparation for winter, the Boston Common swans, Romeo and Juliet, are removed from the lake and taken to the Franklin Park Zoo for safe-keeping.  In the spring, the swans are welcomed back to Swan Lake with all sorts of hoopla.  Since next year, both of my children will be in school, I decided to go with the last duckling in my home. 

We rode the Red Line train into Boston, and Daphne was HYPER on the train

We arrived as a policeman read the book "Make Way For Ducklings" to a large crowd of children and mommies.  Then a band played while we all grew anxious for the swans' arrival. 

 Daphne posed on the brass duck statues

 

Squashing a baby duck

  

Posing by the lake

 The swans came in fancy carriages and we followed the parade around the lake until Romeo and Juliet made it home

 

 Party favors: a swan cookie and lemonade

We came with our friends the Parkes and the Whitings, so we all took a ride on the antique Swan Boats in the lake.  Apparently the Swan Boats have been a part of the Boston experience for over 130 years. 

Michelle and Daphne on the Swan Boat

 Daphne and Susie with their pre-lunch lollipops

 The pretty Swan Boat

 

The weather was perfect.  We spent a while walking around, and also enjoyed a playground before we got back on the train to head home.  Thank you friends for making our adventures so special!