Vacation from the vacations

 The one local highlight of the summer was the U2 concert at the TD Garden. As expected, it was awesome.

The path from our parking spot at the Museum of Science took us right over the Zakim Bridge

Max, always a sweetheart, has been losing weight this year. A trip to the vet diagnosed another case of hyperthyroidism, and we'll likely treat him again with radioactive iodine. Poor guy.

More early American industrial history! The Saugus Iron Works shows how those resourceful Puritans figured out how to smelt iron in the 1600s. They traded sheep for ore, built settlements, and then bought development cards from the native people.

With charcoal bins and several waterwheels for the bellows, the site had all the working parts of a forge 

There was even a blacksmith on hand to demonstrate how nails were made

A smoketree at the Iron Works - hah!

Not sure what led up to these poses, but back off!

The hammock in the backyard continues to be more of an amusement park ride than a source of relaxation

With Tessie successfully transitioned to the toddler bed, it's time to say sayonara to the baby crib

One beautiful Sunday morning we took a trip out to the Boston Harbor Islands

Here's proof that Erin is over her fear of boats

We had last been out to St. George's island 15 years ago, when it had no amenities and one did feel stranded on a desert island. Now there's an air-conditioned visitor center, a snack shack, a climbing structure, and even lounge chairs - nice! 

Yes, that is an Elmo backpack on Tessie and yes, she does wear it all night

It's not as impressive on the small screen, but here's a look at the elevated catwalk at the U2 concert

Bono belting Song for Someone

Bow of the Ferry