BYU NAC Boston Conference 2011

     Early in the week, I took tour of the new Orinda Wilder development. Some of the roads are in plus new ball fields, swim club, park and model homes. Hopefully some will start selling despite the current recession.The views are breathtaking and miles of hiking trails should make for lovely neighborhood.

Segway Tour Boston

     We departed Wednesday morning for Boston to attend the BYU National Advisory Council spring conference. After long flight, our adventure began with water taxi ride (small boat) from airport to Marriott Long Wharf hotel where we stayed and conference took place. Mornings were filled with business meetings or chosen lectures; afternoons more fun. Thursday afternoon, we opted in for the Segway Tour of Freedom Trail historic Boston. I was a bit anxious at the beginning but zipped around like a pro by the end of the three hour tour. We passed several all terrain Duck Tours but did not do one as would be repeat from earlier trip with Kellyn. Friday evening highlight was tour of Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Socks baseball team. They were on the road of course. Even your dad had not done behind the scenes guided tour before, down onto the field, sitting on top of the "green monster", and into the press box. All received special gift of Red Sox sweat shirt and hat. Tagg Romney, son of Mitt Romney, helped arrange the evening and participated in the conference. While on the field, we were treated to Mormon Tabernacle Choir on the big screen singing Take me out to the Ball Game. Elder L. Tom Perry was part of our group. It was pointed out that he threw out the first pitch in 2004 for Mormon Night and the Red Sox eventually won the World Series that year. Always a blessing to have the Lord on your side.  

Red Sox Stadium Tour

     Friday afternoon, we opted for the guided history tour by bus around Boston and out to Lexington and Concord where the first shots of the Revolutionary War were "heard around the world." Other more hardy souls met us there who rode bikes 25 miles along the Paul Revere Ride to Freedom. Also passed up the opportunity to sail in a harbor regatta. Another treat was impromptu choir directed by Craig Jessop, formerly of Tabernacle Choir. Your dad was asked to accompany the group, only problem was no piano was available so he had to make do on an electronic organ. I was the honorary page turner. All were amazed how wonderful the performance turned out. We took yacht from hotel to JFK Presidential Museum for private tour, dinner, choir performance and Brother Jessop fascinating choir stories. He began career as head of the Air Force choir and band. The final speakers on Saturday morning were question and answer with Elder Perry and insightful presentation by Clayton Christensen, Harvard business school professor who told how innovation theories can be applied to growing the LDS Church. They announced the next NAC tour for mid May 2012 to Adriatic Sea cruise from Venice, Italy to Croatia, Montenegro, Sicily and Rome.

Minute Man Statue, Concord, MA

     Long flight back home in time for our ward conference today. Cameron Bell gave mission farewell talk as he departs for Russia. We received wedding invitations from Brett Candland to Victoria McCloskey of San Diego. Also Daniel Coates engaged to Olesya Gol of New York. Kellyn just finishing up BYU Asia tour in Nagoya, Japan departing for Seoul, South Korea mid week.
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