Phantoms and Firelight

 

Sunday morning at breakfast we were talking about what a gorgeous weekend it was and how we really should have bought tickets to Phantoms and Firelight since it would be a perfect night to be there. For kicks, I checked the website, expecing to see that the event was sold out. Shockingly it wasn't and so we scooped up four tickets for that evening! The weather was beyond gorgeous, the crowds were not bad at all and the program was easily our most favoirte Halloween one yet! xo 

Back from the Village

 

and back with her hens! xo 

Return To Old Sturbridge Village

 Our first trip to Old Sturbridg Village since the world shut down due to the pandemic. OSV opened yesterday, today and tomorrow just for members, and will be open to the general public beginning on July 4th. It was lovely to be back, but strange, too. 

Some of the changes put in place: members must "purchase" tickets online prior to coming. Masks must be worn, social distancing must be done. This is the first year that the Field of Flags is not at The Village (it's across the street from it), so our usual picture of the girls looking at the flags was not possible. 

 Other changes, you cannot go into any of the buildings. The interpreters are inside, doing what they normally do, or outside (if the building is too small). 

 The River Ride is so closed that even the docks have been removed. 

 This was outside the parsonage (one of my most favorite buildings). She's working on a table cloth. 

 Since the tin shop is too tiny the tinsmith is just outside of it under a tent. 

All water fountains and the water pump have wooden boxes placed over them so they cannot be used. The Towne House is completely closed. We also learned that they are not able to sell and baked goods (or fudge) yet. Total bummer since I had been really looking forward to enjoying one of their oatmeal cranberry cookies today. 

It was lovely to be back and have it be so peaceful but it was strange too. Governor Baker announced today that museums can reopen starting Monday. It will be interesting to see when OSV decides to open their buildings for visitors to go in. xo

Camping At Old Sturbridge Village

Yesterday we dug out the tent and sleeping bags and drove to Old Sturbridge Village to attend The Great Scout Camp Out. It was the first time they were putting on this event and it seemed like the perfect way to re-enter the camping world after several summers of not camping. 

 After dinner, and before it was time to set up the tent, it was game time.

The girls were pretty good at this. We might have to get a couple of sets. 

 The girls vs. David in a game of French and English (tug of war's original name). 

 Setting up. 

 At 8:00pm we gathered for our first class. Grace chose to do hearth cooking. The instructor was absolutely fabulous! She gave each kid an ingredient to find and measure out. Here, Grace measures out the sugar for the cookies they made (which were super yummy, by the way)! 

 Emma chose to go to woodworking class. She was thrilled to get to use the tools to make a spaddle! It's like a wooden spoon/spatula. The kids in the hearth cooking class even used one to mix the batter they made! 

She did such a great job! We are so excited to have a spaddle to use when we bake! 

 6:00am. 

 A final picture in the tent before we pack it up. 

Nature: Cheaper than therapy. A fitting shirt for this adventure! 

 On our way to breakfast. 

 What a treat to see the Village before it opens. 

 A quick game of checkers while they finish preparing for breakfast. 

We had such a wonderful time! And while it might have been a bit chillier than we would have liked last night, it was indeed the perfect re-entry into the camping world. We were all sad that it went by so quickly and there is already much discussion about making more spaddles should that be a project offered at homeschool day soon. Thank you, Old Sturbridge Village, for another wonderful event. We hope that The Great Scout Camp Out becomes an annual event! xo

4th of July 1830s Style

Yesterday we met up with our friends from A Jar Full of Kitty Beans.  Jannine and I have been friends since High School and while we lost touch f a wee bit Facebook brought us back together and it was as if no time had past at all!  It has been great reconnecting with her and getting to share the journey of Motherhood with her has well!  Meeting up at Old Sturbridge Village yesterday was the perfect way to celebrate the 4th (on the 4th, as opposed the celebrating the 4th on the 3rd as we did the day before at the fabulous party my sister and Eric threw)!  Our girls had the best time hanging out and it was lovely to walk and talk and spend the day together!  Thanks, friends for sharing the 4th with us!