New Hamster

The alarm buzzed at 3:30 am at our house.  Wow, was that a short night.  The kids got up no problem at 4:00 and we were out the door to the airport at 4:20.  I couldn't believe how absolutely busy the Austin airport was at 5:00am!!  I was worried we weren't going to make it. We got through We were one of the last passengers on the plane. We ended up in the very back row of the plane.  
Our plane arrived on time in Manchester, New Hamster this afternoon.  Alex has affectionally decided to call it Hamster rather than Hampshire. Very cute.
The weather is very pleasant. I think the locals are hot, but we are lovin' the breezes.
There are so many Dunkin' Donuts here.  So, of course,we have already patronized one and consumed nothing but Boston Kreme donuts.   
We found our way to Salem, Mass, after a mis-step to Salem, NH.  What a quaint town. It is exactly like I imagined towns of the northeast.  We visited the Witches Dungeon Museum, and saw a play about the witch trials and heard a lot of history. Then we took a tour of the dungeon. It was a little much for Alex and Campbell. Conleigh seemed to 'get it' and learned a  bit.

The Lobster Shanty for dinner.

For dinner, Peter wanted to try a Diners, Drive-ins and Dives restaurant, so we went to the Lobster Shanty.  Peter and I shared Boston Clam Chowder, and a Lobster pie.  The kids ate the most boston-ish meal ever: grilled cheese and mac and cheese.

Salem Maritime Historical Site. This is the ship named Friendship.

Salem was a great first day of vacation. Tomorrow we'll venture by train to Boston.
For now, the hotel pool awaits...

On the steps of the old Town Hall in Salem, MA.