In Which Grace And Emma Join The Militia

Yesterday was Patriots' Day here in Massachusetts. It is the day that we commemorate the Battles of Lexington and Concord and therefor the start of the Revolutionary War. My friend Erin invited us to come along on an adventure with her and her boys. They were headed to Minuteman National Park and wanted to know if we would like to join them. Without any hesitation I replied "yes", packed us a picnic lunch and off we went. How it is that we have been in Massachusetts for as long as we all have and have never been to Minuteman National Park is beyond me! Such a neat place, just oozing in history (as is the case in Massachusetts and all of New England, really), with lots to learn, lots of places to explore and acres of beautiful grounds to enjoy. We saw a presentation at the visitors center which was really well done. It was a nice refresher for those of us who had forgotten some Revolutionary War information learned many moons ago, as well as a good introduction for those that have not yet learned much about it (Grace and Emma). After the presentation we headed to Hartwell Tavern to see for ourselves a building that was present during that time. We had no idea when we arrived that our littles would start their militia training, but start it they did (and they did a great job too)! My brother, a Patriot through and through, as well as an accomplished marksman, upon seeing these pictures asked when they would be able to try their hands at firing the real thing. We'll leave that up to Grace and Emma but for now I think this mama will be fine if they stick with the wooden version for awhile longer! 

A Fun Filled, Science Filled Day!

What a fun filled, science filled day we had today! The last time we were at the Museum of Science Grace was three-and-a-half and Emma was two. So, when my friend Emily called last night asking if we'd be up for an adventure at the science museum today how could I possibly say no?! Especially after I realized exactly how long it had been since we were last there! So, this morning we packed up, swung by the town library to pick up a museum pass and headed to meet up with our sidekicks for the day. We arrived late morning and discovered that pretty much every Catholic school in the Boston area was at the Museum today (and here we thought us homeschoolers would be the only people there). Thankfully, it wasn't too crowded and as the morning turned into afternoon all the school groups started heading back to their schools. The girls had a blast checking out all sorts of things (though there is lots that we never did get to see today). The cherry on top of today's sundae though has to be the 3D movie that we saw (it was the first 3D movie for all of the girls). Emily and I thought it would be fun to take the girls to see The Flight of the Butterflies, and just as we expected they were totally in awe! They kept trying to touch each butterfly that flew toward them. It was simply magical and a moment that I shall carry with me forever. Finally, it was time to say our good-byes and head home. As we navigated our way out of Boston the girls chatted about all the fun that we had today. "Mama, I just loved that butterfly movie" said Grace and Emma chimed in with: "I loved it too. I wish we could see it again!" The three of us agreed that we must plan a day to head back soon to do all the things we didn't get a chance to do this time! 

Today's Adventure

Today we met up with some of our most favorite people at Davis' Farmland. We had only been there one other time (back in 2010). Lots has changed since we were last there, but the one thing that has remained the same is that they still have oodles of super cute baby goats!

The girls could have easily spent the entire day snuggling and grooming animals.

 And really, is there anything cuter than a baby goat? We think not. 

The giant slide, go karts, face paint, playgrounds and scooters were favorite activities too. Everything (with the exception of the face painting) has been added since the last time we were there. The new additions are fabulous and really helped make the somewhat pricey admission much more worth it. We ended up staying later than we had planned and surely could have stayed even longer! We were barely in the car when the girls started asking about when we could go back again! 

Thanks friends for inviting us along! It was a truly stellar day! xo

A Day At Six Flags

Yesterday we ventured to Six Flags New England to use the Read to Succeed tickets the girls had earned. The weather could not have been any more perfect and the park was not nearly as crowded as it would have been had we gone after the schools were on summer break. 

Emma was bound and determined to "ride a super fast roller coaster" (her first) while we were there. After a wee bit of investigating we finally found one she was tall enough to go on! Grace and I aren't roller coaster people so we got a snack and explored while our thrill seeking family members checked this item off Emma's bucket list. 

"Mama, it was awesome! Thanks Daddy for taking me!" 

Next stop: The Cyclone for Dave. It's an old, wooden roller coaster and apparently there is nothing like it.  

The girls were super excited to see this ride and then bummed when it turned out it wasn't nearly as cool as the one at the zoo. 

This (as I expected) became an instant fave. 

I was thrilled to see that the old time cars still remained from the days when the park was Riverside Park (which is how I remember it from my childhood). 

I wish this wasn't so blurry! It's hard to take pictures when in an old car!

Emma and Dave (in the front seat) on yet another coaster. 

There was actually much more that we did but my phone ended up running out of power and we had foolishly left Dave's in the car. I have to admit that while there are some pictures I wish I had been able to capture it was nice to just be in the moment instead of behind the lens (or iPhone as it were)! We left tired and super happy and looking forward to going back again next year (courtesy of the Read to Succeed program)!

Mercy

Sleep was hard to come by last night.  Thoughts kept drifting to Boston and the events of the day. This morning I felt (once again) like an empty shell of a human being. Walking around the house aimlessly. Constantly checking Facebook for updates only to find that nothing was any different from 30 seconds before when I last checked. It was then that a message arrived from my dearest friend.  "What are you and the girls up to today? She asked. "I need to get out of the house and enjoy life." Instantly I knew that she was struggling with the same emotions and compulsive Facebook checking that I was. We hatched a plan. Packed lunches. Got the kids ready and out in search of adventure we went...  

On our drive out to meet our friends at the chosen destination the girls and I had iTunes cranked up and on came "Mercy" by Dave Matthews Band. The lyrics are fabulous and very appropriate given the state of the world and the recent events that have transpired here in New England. Between those lyrics and spending the day watching these five littles live as joyfully as ever I started to feel better.  Still sad. Still heartbroken. But a wee bit better too. We need to do better. We need to find peaceful solutions instead of shooting each other or blowing each other up. Enough is enough. We need to be able to peacefully co-exist regardless of how upset or how different we may be. We need to play better in the sandbox with each other if for no other reason than so that these five littles (and the countless other children inhabiting our planet) can have the future they so richly deserve.  

Saturday

Waffles (made by Dave) to start our day followed by a butterfly adventure this afternoon.  Sounds like a good way to spend a Saturday to me!



A Busy Weekend And A Marvelous Monday

This weekend was a wee bit different than normal. I spent an amazing three days in Boston attending a training (through toLabor) to become a doula (or birth assistant for those who may not be familiar with the term).  It was truly the most incredible experience and one that I wish I had had many years sooner!  The women that I had a chance to meet and get to know are just outstanding! It was such a treat to get to spend so much time with so many like minded people! 

Needless to say, for as full of "aha moments" as this weekend was I am also super tired today.  And so, since I knew that if we did not stay busy it would be a looooooong day for all involved we decided to have a lovely adventure on a grey, gloomy, tired day such as this.  Our day began with a meeting of the girl's fabulous new pediatrician.  We decided to search out a new practice when we got a letter a couple of weeks ago saying that the their doctor was leaving. This is the third letter like this that we have recieved in four and a half years of being parents.  So, immediately we posted on Facebook to see who people would recommened and almost immediately we had some leads. We are so grateful to have been suggested the practice where we are now! Oh, if only we had been with them from the very beginning! It is a very small practice and a much better fit for our family.  After our meeting we headed into Boston (after all we were half way there), first stopping at Flour Bakery before heading over to the children's museum.

Grace chose a delicious pop tart.

Emma chose the mint oreo but ended up stealing some of my banana bread!

It was just the kind of day we three girls needed after a weekend apart!  I am truly looking forward to a night full of vegging.  I think crashing on the couch is just what this doula needs!