Boston Emerald Necklace - Kevin and Meredith Baby Shower, and Biking the Emerald Necklace - Jun 2025

We went to Boston for Meredith and Kevin’s baby shower and I brought my bike. The Emerald Necklace is a long chain of parks and paths that runs through the city. You can ride it all day and see a mix of city, water, and green parks.

Kevin is Serge’s nephew and godson. We’ve known him forever. Meredith came later and fit easily. Before we left, we sent a bassinet. Solid. Well made. Something they would use right away.

We drove out on Friday and reached Brookline in the afternoon. The hotel was quiet. We unpacked, then stayed close. Dinner downstairs. Nothing heavy. We were tired and glad for it.

Saturday morning I went out on the bike.

Boston opens up when you ride it. Streets fold into parks. Neighborhoods change without warning. I rode through residential blocks and onto the Emerald Necklace. Long paths. Water running beside them. Shade that held. People walking dogs. Runners passing without looking up.

I stayed out longer than planned. I didn’t feel lost. I didn’t hurry.

That night we met the family at Faneuil Hall. A busy room. A long table. People talking at once. Stories repeating themselves and getting better each time. Meredith moved from group to group, stopping often. Kevin stayed nearby.

On Sunday we gathered again in Brookline. The room filled early. Chairs scraped. Gifts were opened and set aside. People watched closely. Kevin stood behind her.

When it was over, we hugged everyone and left. The drive home took most of the evening.

We got in late.