A Visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum

 

Yesterday we took our first trip to the Norman Rockwell Museum (shocking, I know)! 

We had no idea Mr. Rockwell was a Disney fan! 
The Disney family gifted this painting to the museum back in 1999. 

Emma checks out "Main Street in Stockbridge". 
This is the kind of town I have always wanted to live in. 

As an educator, I have seen this painting of Ruby Bridges in many books and articles. 
To see it in person, though, is truly breathtaking. 

We have always loved Jan Brett's books and were thrilled to see that there was an exhibit of her work at the Rockwell. I only wish I had discovered this fact sooner so we could have gone sooner (this weekened was the final weekend of her exhibit). 

We are so glad that we went and were able to enjoy the work of two such gifted artists who we have always loved. We were surprised to see that The Mitten and The Hat were not on display as well, though maybe that was because there was video of Jan Brett reading some of her stories (of which, The Mitten was one). 

A classic. Another one that was incredible to see in person. 

While this may have been our first visit to The Normal Rockwell Museum, it surely won't be our last! It's a wonderful space in a beautiful town. I could absolutely see us settling in the Berkshires one day. xo 

Roadtrip!

Yesterday we got up bright and early (even waking the girls up- which is something we don't often do) and headed out for a roadtrip. Our family was gathering in New Jersey for a belated Father's Day celebration and we didn't want to miss out on the fun! We had planned to be down there for the whole weekend but do to some unforseen circumstances we decided it would be wiser to do this trip in one day.

It was on this trip that the van hit 100,000 miles. We were just outside Terrytown when this happened and I was impressed I was able to get this picture from over in the passenger seat. 

Emma was very intrigued with the chess set at Dave's parents place. She asked her papa to teach her to play. Dave says she's off to a great start! 

While Dave and Emma were playing chess Grace and I helped Grandma Joan in the kitchen. 

I absoltuely love this picture that Denise took of us! 

The sidewalk chalk that we brought along was a huge hit! 

These are three cool chicks that I wish we got to see way more often! 

Sparklers are always fun. 

All the kids hanging out. 

This fabulousness is a cake. And it is as delicious as it is gorgeous. 

And even though we were all sufficiently stuffed from a delicious lunch we still all managed to make room for dessert! 

What an absolutely glorious day! Our trip down was a breeze (the return trip left a wee bit to be desired as there was some serious road construction we encountered in Connecticut). Regardless, Dave and I agreed that going down and back in one day was not terrible at all! It was so lovely to spend a Sunday with the family! We were happy to get to see everyone and missed those who were not able to be there yesterday. Thanks everyone for such a lovely day! We can't wait to visit again soon! xo

Only In Connecticut

Last Friday the girls and I took a roadtrip to Connecticut.   I gave them three clues about our adventure.  The first clue was "gooble! gobble!"  The second clue was "special people" and the third clue was "far away".  As we were getting ready (the girls in their standard "fabulously colorful outfits" Grace said to me, "Mama, look I am a pink and orange turkey."  To which I said "Grace, do you think there are pink turkeys in the world?" She quickly replied "no". I asked her what she would do if she ever saw a pink turkey and she said "I would be really surprised, mama!"  Little did she know in a few short hours that's exactly what she would be seeing!

The last time I had been at Gozzi's I think I was Grace's age! It was so magical to watch the girls "ooh and ah" over these magnificently colored birds! And the look upon Grace's face when she saw these turkeys when we first arrived will be a memory that stays with me forever!  I could not have planned our morning conversation better if I tried!  They spent time naming each one.  The purple one (that took a liking to Grace) was named Violet, the orange one was named Orange Juice.  There was also Strawberry and Lime and Lemon.  Even though it was a whirlwind trip it was a day full of special memories that we will all carry with us forever.