Evacuation Day?

March 17th, most people celebrate St. Patrick's Day. But in the greater Boston area, it's another holiday. Evacuation Day. Kids are even out of school today! (I think it's just an excuse to start drinking early.) The story behind it, The 11-month siege of Boston ended when the Continental Army, under the command of George Washington, fortified Dorchester Heights in early March 1776 with cannons captured at Ticonderoga. British General William Howe, whose garrison and navy were threatened by these positions, was forced to decide between attack and retreat. To prevent what could have been a repeat of the Battle of Bunker Hill, Howe decided to retreat, withdrawing from Boston to Nova Scotia on March 17.

The British evacuation was Washington's first victory of the war. It was also a huge morale boost for the Thirteen Colonies, as the city where the rebellion began was the first to be liberated.

How do the Arnetts celebrate this "new" holiday? First we put on our green clothes (it is St. Patrick's Day) and head to Natick, Massachusetts. There is this nice mall there called the Natick Collection. I'm meeting two friends (with their kids) for some shopping and lunch. We visit 2 stores.

Owen at the Lego Store. (Does he look happy?)

The newest American Girl Doll. (Guess what she wants now?)

After lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, the kids were invited to a play date at A.J.'s house. So I dropped them off and ran some errands, BY MYSELF!!! It was so beautiful outside when I picked them up from the play date, that we decided to stop at a play ground and run around for 30 minutes. We even ran into another one of Owen's classmates. Finally we returned home.

Home and HAPPY with their purchases.

My treat. Linda's Fudge Cake. (You can see where I got it from!)

I think everyone should have this day off. Unfortunately, next year we won't be in Boston. :( I guess it's just one more thing to make this year special.