Along one of the paths in Boston’s Public Garden, there is a Make Way for Ducklings Statue in honor of the children’s classic by the same name. When Robert McCloskey was studying in Boston in the 1930’s he would often sit in the Public Garden. That inspired him to write and illustrate the book about 10 years later. It won awards at the time and has been popular ever since.
 
 
The statue was installed in the 1987 in honor of the book. Families and kids love visiting it so much that the 9 bronze statues never have to be polished from kids petting and sitting on the ducks. Throughout the year the ducks are decorated with things like scarves in the winter, jerseys for champion sports teams, and hats for Mother’s Day!
In 1978 the first Duckling Parade was held on Mother’s Day. Since then large crowds gather to take part, and to watch, adorable little kids march through Boston Common and along part of the route that the ducks took into Boston Public Garden.
As we were unable to attend the parade last year, I was really looking forward to going this year for Mother’s Day. I was so excited to get a little outfit for Autumn as well. We didn’t want to get her a duck costume in case she hated it, or it was too hot, so I stuck with something she loves… tutus!! Loved it.
It was such a fun day together.
Even if Autumn rubbed her sunblock in her eyes and looked like she was crying for most of the day. Awww poor babe!
After we took photos at the statues we headed over to the area around the bandstand on The Common to check into registration, get a goodie bag, and play.
Awww, my loves.
There was one thing after another for her to explore and play with from balls to bouncy horses. She enjoyed how these were so many other kids around and so many things to play with. Even random picnic blankets to crawl on. ha!
However, Autumn did not enjoy getting to meet the big duck. She was okay in line and quite excited watching him meet the kids in front of us but when it was our turn she quickly decided he was scary and not to be trusted. ha!
Thankfully, the kind members of the Harvard Marching Band were a quick distraction to the horror of the big duck.
Right before the parade started we even got to meet Mayor Marty Walsh!
 
The parade was so much fun for those walking and those watching.
After the parade we headed out to lunch at Parish Cafe, one of our favorite spots in Boston. Autumn was on her best behavior allowing Price and I to enjoy our awesome Zuni Rolls (I swear the best sandwiches in Boston). Plus, I had delicious blood orange mimosas. Win!!
We enjoyed our walk back to the car through the Public Garden and Boston Common as well.
Mother’s Day was really wonderful this year.
It was so much fun for us all. We enjoyed the time doing the activities and participating in the parade together. So much to do, so much to tire you out!
I am thankful to be Autumn’s Mom. She has brought so much joy to my life. I am constantly in awe of her intelligence, charm, sweet personality, and fierce stance on things she wants. The last 17 months have been amazing. I’ve enjoyed watching her grow so much and I know that the best is yet to come.
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