"Take me out to the Ball Game"... But, WAIT! It's the Yankees!

Yes, that's right. I have yet to be to a RED SOX game this summer, but I was at a Yankees game last week (mostly because I didn't pay for the ticket!)

If you're read my previous post you know that I was on the Cape with Papa Bob, Milly and the kids. Well, the family LOVES baseball and Charlotte and Lila live in NYC. Papa Bob is more of a Red Sox fan, but he wanted to take his grandkids to Yankee Stadium once before it was torn down.

So, we loaded up the two cars and traveled from Chatham, MA to NYC, NY all for ONE baseball game. My family and some friends thought I was crazy because I had the three kids with me on this five ours trip... but you know what? It was worth it!

Their family car is equipped with a DVD player, so that HELPED a LOT! We didn't hit any traffic until we got close to the GW bridge, but by that pt the kids were just excited to get to the game so they held out.

The kids had made "Go Yankee" signs our last night in Chatham and we were all set for the game.


Our car dropped us off right at our gate, so it was perfect. We arrived just as the first pitch was being thrown. I don't know where good seats are in a stadium... we were pretty high up, but I was just glad to be there!!

I just had to get a picture of THE most HATED sign in ALL of RED SOX Nation!

It was a beautiful night and I got my fill of a hot dog, pretzel and then some dippn' dots ice cream! YUM! The kids were very excited. And, honestly. I was too. There's just a thrill that comes from sitting in a baseball stadium with people you have fun with and laugh/joke around. Baseball is America's pastime and I just felt so peaceful and calm chillin' at the game.

In order to not betray the Red Sox even more I cheered for both the Yankees and the Angels. Not as loud as some of the folks around us... but I was definitely happy when the Angels won by quite a few!

We got these cool baseball hat cup things with out ice cream. And, Jeremiah was such a trooper. This had been a VERY long and napless day for him. We didn't get home until 11 PM and he was awake the entire time!

We just ahd to stay until the 7th inning when they sing "Take me out to the Ball Game". This is Jeremiah's favorite song and he sings it OVER and OVER. Seriously, all week long, he would sing it not even realizing he was going to a ball game later in the week. His parents and others have sung it to him and he gets a reaction from people when he sings it... so he loves signing it. He knows ALL the words too. It's so DANG cute!

Seeing the look on his eyes when the entire stadium was singing his song was PRICELESS.

I was beyond exhausted when we got back to the room. I had laid out the kids pajamas and toothbrush. They were in bed within five minutes of arriving home and I was in bed within ten minutes. Sleep.... ahhhhh.

But, I was determined to wake up and run in Central Park in the morning. I didn't realize at that time how wonderful this run would be and it was a struggle to get up at 7 AM, but I forced myself because I wanted to say I DID it!! And, IT WAS THE BEST RUN EVER!!!

We were right in Lincoln Center so I was two blocks from the parks entrance on 67th street. It was a beautiful morning and there were lots of runners, bikers, walkers, what-ever's everywhere. I couldn't believe I was in NYC. Central Park is gorgeous... and beside the occassional smells every now and then, I wouldn't have believed it myself. I ran the 6 miles and felt like I could have run it again (which NEVER happens to me). It was so peaceful and calm... I'd go back and run it again any chance I got.

Well, I am also glad I went running that morning because the drive back was pretty much the next thing to DEATH by TORTURE that I could imagine. Traffic. Terrible traffic and the kids had had it. Done. They were short on sleep and patience. And, so was I. And, I don't do well sitting in traffic that's not moving either!

So, after a lovely morning, we packed up and left. It took us 3 (count that) THREE hours to get to New Haven. I think I could have walked faster! (And, told the kids they should test it and see. I challenged Leo to get out of the car and walk and see if he could make more progress... but he declined)

So, it was a rough ride back... but there was ONE cool part! I had told the kids about the carousel I used to ride when I was young (the one with the golden ring... see previous post) and since we were driving right by the exit, we got off.

My dad was so nice to drop us off in the little town b/c parking is a BEAST in the summer (and it was great to see my dad, even for only ten minutes!). We had lunch at my favorite ice cream place, rode the carousel a few times, and walked over to the Watch Hill Yacht Club to see the boats.

I love sharing a part of my childhood with them. And, they loved seeing and experiencing it as well. They kept asking me questions about what I loved most and what I would do during my summers there and I loved telling them! No one got the gold ring, but we all felt like we had memories to treasure as we headed back to Boston.

A week spent in my dreams

This past week was incredible. Magical, almost. I was given the opportunity to spend a week at the luxurious Chatham Bars Inn with the kids, their two cousins (Lila & Charlotte, ages 8 & 10) and their two grandparents (known as Noni and Papa Bob... so that's what I called them as well!

Because I have known this family for a few years now, I have gotten to know the grandparents fairly well. They are two of the most generous people I know and just genuinely nice. This is their 2nd year taking the grandkids on this trip for a week, but last year Jeremiah only got to go down with me for an overnight because he was so little. This year they had all the kids stay all week (but had me come as well!). I'll call is a "working vacation" because it was A LOT of work managing and caring for five active children, but it was more fun than I could ever have dreamed of!

Here are a few pictures of the resort.



They had these beautiful flowers everywhere. I don't know what they're called, but they were in full bloom and just gorgeous! I love sunsets and sunrises as well and because we had the best weather (it never rained during the day or evening!!) we were not limited in any activities. (although, I had packed the kids for rain everyday... so I had brought many indoor games, crafts, DVD, etc., just in case! Needless to say, the car had every inch of space packed!)

I was also VERY fortunate to have my own room in the main lodge. The grandparents stayed with all five kids in one of the glorious cottages, and I would arrive in the morning before the kids woke up and leave for my room after they were in bed at night. My room was also the "nap" location in the afternoons for Leo and Jeremiah. It was a treat to be able to nap with them and then go out on my deck to soak up some sun and read while they finished their naps! They came and turned down my bed EVERY night!

One a side note: The way I got the boys to nap (because who wants to nap when it's sunny and you know there's a pool just outside the building!) I would try and make it fun to lie down. We would start with eating the chocolate the hotel left on our beds each day after they made it. Then, we would have these running games where we would start in the hall and take a flying leap onto the bed. I would lift Jeremiah up and throw him on the VERY soft bed and Leo would run and jump with me. Literally, after one or two minutes each day the boys were "out for the count" and I was too! I just didn't sleep as long as they did. These boys RUN everywhere. Walking is unknown to them. So, they were TIRED!

Jeremiah - EXHAUSTED

On a side note about the inn: They had the nicest staff. From the door holders to waiters to the maids. No matter what you asked for there was never a "no". Always a "YES". And an enthusiastic one as well. No matter what the request... even as bizarre as it may be. And, sometimes, they would jump in an help me with the kids or do something without being asked. I was in awe of being treated in such a way but very grateful and appreciative. Very family friendly. They would come and clean your room two or three times a day and always ask if there was anything you needed. We got to know some of the staff pretty well and it was a pleasure. They would share information about their lives, or recommendations about what to do, etc. I would give each staff person a 5 star rating if I had the chance.

Okay, so about the week and what we did.

The pool was the number one hot spot. It was located right on the beach. There was a restaurant to one side and a grassy playing field to the left of it. We spent most mornings in the pool till lunch. Occasionally, we would take a break and play some of the organized games they had like "Family Kickball" or soccer or whatever. They had different activities every hour all day long for the kids! The pool was heated and that was nice because the ocean water was about 60 degrees!


As I mentioned, the resort has activities all day long for the kids. One was a pirate adventure on a boat! I went with Papa Bob, Leo and Jeremiah and they loved it. I loved it! We all got out faces painted and these pirate bandanas when we got there (and Noni had bought the boys these pirate shirts as well.) We practiced our pirate language... like Arrrr! or "Booty" or "Avast" which was a new one to me. It means " 'stop', but it is also a piratey exclamation of surprise. Then we set off to find our treasure on the boat using the clues we were given.
One the way we sang some pirate songs, practiced our new pirate language and saw some beautiful beaches. :)

Jeremiah - The Pirate.... Arrrrrr!!!!!!!

Well, I loved the pirate adventure, but along the way we saw an extra special treat! Hundreds of seals live in the water there and they came so close to our boat. They're friendly and beautiful!


I could have watched them for hours... but my fellow pirates wanted to find the treasure! Soon enough we found all the clues and ran into the treasure! We loaded our water guns and fired away!! We fought hard, but this "landlubber" surrendered and we took the booty!!
Leo LOVES sports. Anything that involves a ball and/or running. The cottage was next to a golf course and Papa Bob promised Leo he could play his first nine holes one afternoon. He was exstatic! Fortunately, the club house had golf clubs his size. So, Papa Bob, Leo and I played. Honestly, it was my first time as well playing nine holes, and we definitely fudged the rules of golf a little (with a ten stroke limit... or just carry your ball after you tee off to the green) so we didn't hold up EVERYONE behind us! Leo was SOOO happy and it made me so happy seeing him play!

The Kayyem's on our way to dinner...

The girls and Jeremiah

Well, not only was the resort incredible, but the food was AMAZING. Everything tasted good... even if I usually don't like it. Lobster rolls, fish and meat of all kinds, beautiful salads, etc... and then they had all the mac and cheese/pizza/fries for the kids! (and for me!) Dessert was a buffet and all I can say is "YUM!" One night we went into town for pizza and ice cream, but the other nights we went down to the beach-side restaurant for their themed dinners. One night was Pirate night! They gave the kids pirate stuff and were able to take a picture with a pirate!

Jeremiah was Terrified with a capital "T!" so, Noni told him to cover his eyes when the pirate would start walking over towards us. The pirate quickly learned (b/c of Jeremiah's screams) that he needed to stay away, but Jeremiah didn't stop looking for him the ENTIRE evening! It was so cute to see him cover his eyes, but peak through!

Everytime we ate here Jeremiah loved looking at this ship!

The dinner set-up was great because the kids would walk to the back and play in the sand with the counselors while the parents enjoyed some time eating more slowly and relaxing as the sun set. They had games like tag, tug of war, etc. At the end of the day, to have someone entertain the kids for an hour and then build a bonfire for smores was more than I could dream of and I was so appreciative!

Jeremiah was the judge in the middle and the boys kept loosing!

My top ten of the week:

10. Morning runs at 5:30 am while the sun was just rising
9. Eating. Food. Good FOOD. ANYTIME I wanted it :)
8. Swimming with the kids and playing water games
7. Sitting in the cabanas with the group, talking and laughing
6. Having my own room with a balcony!
5. Naps with Leo and Jeremiah. Cuddle time.
4. Seeing the looks on the kids faces all week. Happiness
3. Being treated like I was someone important. (Well, I am important... but just don't deserve to be treated as such!) :)
2. Jeremiah saying: "Cawa... come with me" as we would run through the water spouts holding hands or his continuous hugs and kisses... or just his smile lights up my face!
1. Knowing and feeling that my help made it possible for the grandparents to enjoy special and quality time with their grandchildren. Family is what it's all about :)

Sometimes your little bubble gets POPPED back into reality

Yep. That happened to me tonight and I am still a little shaky from it.

I'll be the first one to admit that I live in my own little bubble most of the time in thinking that no one would do me, or anyone else, harm. Or, that they won't steal or violate me or another in such a way. It's sad to say that I like my bubble and false sense of security. But, tonight was a true reminder that there is a difference between being do trusting and paranoid. There are ways to just be "safe" and you still might get harmed or violated, but at least you can do your best to prevent it.

Tonight I had to deliver something to a friend's house about ten blocks away. No big deal. I've walked there in the dark alone, but it was still light out when I left my house. I was three houses into my journey when I notice a young man about a block away smash a car window. I am not sure if I was in shock, or even thinking "Oh, he's locked out of his car and just trying to get in" but I was trying to give him the benefit of the doubt (silly me). I started to walk over to him as he ran back to his other car (I don't know what he went back for) and then he ran up to the other one, looked around and reached in and grabbed their GPS system. Somewhere in these five seconds I had decided that he was breaking and entering (and not locked out of his car) and I had run up to the get away car in time to say to the guys "Hey, what are you doing" and reach out and touch his arm in attempt to get the GPS back. (OKAY - STUPID ME. But, reflecting back, I think I only did this because it was still daylight out on a fairly busy street and I saw a man on the other side of the street about two houses away. So, I felt ok. Granted, he could have hurt me, but I didn't think that at the time!!) I yelled to the guy on the other side of the street to call the Police. As I touched his sweaty arm he jerked around and jumped in his car. I then ran behind it on the road as he turned the corner and backed up (again, STUPID ME but I did know I had the energy to jump over the bushes in time to clear his car if he backed up on me) and sped off. I got his license plate and make/model of car. But, was just in shock and felt like I had personally been violated. I had only briefly touched his sweaty arm... but I felt gross!

Meanwhile, two neighbors had come out of their house when they heard me yell about the police and saw me standing there still in shock. It was then that one of them saw I had my cell phone in my hand and said for ME to call the police. ***Ha, ha... here's where you all can have a good laugh at me!! I said back to them "I don't know their number" (me thinking that I didn't have the Somerville Police number.) One of the guys said... "Uh... just call 911". Oh YES. That would be a brilliant idea, wouldn't it! For some reason I was thinking that was only for people emergencies... like someone was hurt. Personally, I think my brain shut off sometime earlier today because it definitely wasn't on for this experience.

So, I called 911 and reported everything. It was great that I got the license plate and I am happy the kid doesn't know which house I live in :) But, I really wish I knew who owned the nice Toyota Camry that now has a broken window. I talked stood around for a few minutes afterwards... kind of in a fog... while their neighbors talked. I answered some of their questions, but then just backed away. ... reflecting on what I had just seen and trying to get back to my house as quickly as possible to wash my hand.

It's such a shame. It really is. I feel bad for the person who's car was broken into, but for that young man as well. There's a much happier and more peaceful way of life... if he only knew.

And, this experience has burst my bubble. .... but, oh, I really liked my bubble. :(

Say it. Just say what you need to say.

I was at the gym earlier this week and saw that they were playing "The Bucket List". I am avid morning news fan, so I decided to watch the news as usual, but the summary posted for the movie caught my eye. (Of course, having a young and very good-looking news anchor helped in my decision!!)

Movie Summary: "Corporate billionaire Edward Cole and working class mechanic Carter Chambers have nothing in common except for their terminal illnesses. While sharing a hospital room together, they decide to leave it and do all the things they have ever wanted to do before they die according to their bucket list. In the process, both of them heal each other, become unlikely friends, and ultimately find the joy in life.So, last night I decided to rent it."

So, last night I decided to rent it. Not the happiest movie I've ever seen, but it had a powerful message.

It's a movie with a message about life. A message about living intentionally and with purpose. The viewer is left with a challenge... a challenge to prepare his own "bucket list". What would you do if you only had six months to live? But, the questions that stuck out most in my mind was "Would you change anything about you?" and "What would you change about some of the relationships in your life?" To me, the relationships in my life are some of the most important things in my life.

Additionally, I've heard the song "Say" by John Mayer on the radio a lot, but never knew it was associated with this movie. At the end of the film, this song plays with the credits. As I was thinking about the questions listed above I heard these lyrics... (I hope this isn't illegal to post them on my blog!)

"Take all of your wasted honor
Every little past frustration
Take all your so called problems
Better put 'em in quotations

Say what you need to say (x7)
Say what you need to saaaay...

Walking like a one man army
Fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment
Knowing you'd be better off instead

If you could only
Say what you need to say (x7)
Say what you need to saaay...

Have no fear
For giving in
Have no fear
For giving over
You better know that in the end
It's better to say too much
Then never to say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open... wide...

Say what you need to say (x7)
Say what you need to
Say what you need to
Say what you need to say..."

Needless to say, "Say what you need to say" is repeated MANY, many times. And, it wasn't until last night that I actually thought about this message.

Yes, I really do think there are times when you just need to hold your tongue and keep quiet. These are times when you're going to criticize someone or hurt their feelings. BUT, there are also many times I've held my tongue and now regret it. Most of these times were in telling people how much they meant/mean to me... or that I love them... or to express my true feelings.

And, why? Why am I afraid to express my true feelings? A few times I've literally had my "hands shaking", but only good has come from it and I am grateful to have had the courage to "Say what I need to say". Maybe things haven't always turned out how I would have thought... but I've definitely felt peace afterwards... and I LIVE for that feeling. PEACE!

Specifically, I have been thinking a lot about an experience earlier this year. It had taken me about 3.5 years to "Say What I need to say"... and, finally, I did it. I DID IT! Yep, my hands were shaking (!), but... the following is so true

"You better know that in the end
It's better to say too much
Then never to say what you need to say..."

I needed to say what I needed to say, and the words needed to be heard. And, yep, the outcome to this point has not been what I would have wanted, but watching this movie and hearing this song confirmed, yet again, in my mind that I am grateful I said what I needed to say... and hope that I do it more often!

If only I could see life through the eyes of a child...

This week I took the kids on some new adventures and I loved watching their reaction. I started to wish I could see life through their eyes and get as excited out of the "little things" like they did.

Our first adventure was to DAVIS Farmland. I actually found out about it from one of my gym friends (meaning... we only see each other at the gym and talk as we're both getting ready in the morning. They're all moms or grandmom's and so I get to hear lots of stories and we all share new and fun places to try).

This "farm" is MUCH more than a farm! It's got the animals, but it's a 'please touch, feed and pet' type of place. This is a picture of Leo feeding one of the goat's. It was his first time feeding anything besides his dog... and he was a little apprehensive at first, but the smile on his face and the wideness of his eyes after the goat ate everything out of his hand said more than words could express.

So, besides the animals, the "farm" also had hay rides, pony rides, and a "stream" for fishing. There were kid size fishing polls, but the "fish" in the "stream" were all plastic. However, this activity alone provided 45 minutes of pure bliss for the boys! They were SOOO excited when they caught one!

After the farm, we moved onto our next adventure. The "farm" also had bicycle go-carts and a race track to go around. And, they even had moveable seats so that even Jeremiah (who is much shorter and younger than Leo) could use it.

This is Leo on probably lap 100!
P.S. Please note the green lawn chairs for the "moms" in the background. This place was so mom friendly... it was incredible.

After the go-carts we moved onto the three different playground and sand area (again with nice green lawn chairs for moms to sit back, watch and talk or read. Finally, we made our way to the last main attraction which was the sprinkler park area with a water table and lots of structures for the kids to climb on and get sprayed. They LOVED IT!

This is Leo and Jeremiah on the car that sprayed water
at you as you turned the wheel. It was such a fun day!!

On Friday my mom came into town and I was had fun spending the day with her. My older brother, Justin, flew into Boston on a red-eye Friday night for a very quick visit with my grandfather. On Saturday morning, my mom, brother and I took the kids mini-golfing at one of the other famous "farms" in the area. Kimball Farms is well-known for it's fabulous ice cream, fresh produce... and it's driving range, bumper boats, and mini-golf course :)

Jeremiah has a mini-golf et at home that we are constantly playing with in his backyard. He never puts the golf club down! So, I knew he would love this, but I just didn't realize how excited he would be. From the moment we started at hole one he didn't stop cheering, smiling, or looking in awe at each new hole. The course is unlike any other (and should be for the price you pay to play on it!) and again, I was in awe of his reaction.

Three very excited kids as they wait patiently for their turn!

Why can't I get that excited about simple things like a new hole on a mini-golf course... or experiencing a new sensation from an animal eating out of my hand. (maybe it's knowing how many germs are spreading from the animal to my hand that prevents me from even thinking about doing so!... ahhhh... to be innocent and naive again. Life was a lot less complicated then.... but am I missing out on the "fun" in life because of my wisdom and knowledge?

I'd give almost anything to live life through the eyes of a child for one more day...

Fireworks, BBQ's, tissue grafts, park fun... what a week!

This week has been... awesome, overwhelming, packed with fun and a blur all at the same time! Last Sunday started with a trip down to my dad's in RI where I got to take an evening stroll along the beach and eat some of my favorite BBQ corn and grilled salmon on his new deck! We walked by one of my favorite places as a child... The Flying Horse Carousel... which I recently learned is: one of two in the state designated as National Historic Landmarks and most likely the oldest carousel in the nation. It's certainly the oldest of its type in which the horses are suspended from a center frame.

If you're curious... here's more info..."The carousel is believed to have been built in 1876 by the Charles W. Dare company of NY. It was part of a traveling carnival until 1879 when the carnival was forced to abandon the carousel in Watch Hill. Unlike most carousels, there is no wooden platform to support the horses but rather, they are suspended from chains. As a result, the horses seem to "fly" as the ride increases speed, hence the carousel's name. Each horse has a tail and mane of real horsehair and a genuine leather saddle.

One of MY FAVORITE things about this carousel was the BRASS ring you would try to grab as you went around. In the middle of the ride, a device holding metal rings is lowered for riders to grab as they pass. The "winner" is given a free ride token. I did win it a few times :)

Do you see the child in the background looking back to see if someone behind her got the brass ring yet?

A better picture of the horse... there were too many people standing in front of the brass ring to get a picture.

This place also just brings back so many fun summer memories with the beach right behind the carousel, the sailboats and the Watch Hill Yacht Club where we would go sailing and watch movies at night, and the famous (but INCREDIBLY expensive) St. Claire's ice cream parlor. LOVE it though :) YUM!

Some of the shops along the entrance.

The Watch Hill Yacht Club where we would watch movies in the evening! I was never brave enough to take sailing lessons with my brothers!! I still don't like being in a sailboat when the wind is strong and the boat is tipping to one side. :) But, then I am told that without the wind... it's no fun. Well, they're wrong. I think that's the best kind of sailing.
Just chillin' in the bay sunbathing!

A wonderful, peaceful Sunday was followed by a painful and "UNFUN" Monday. I had to get a few tissue grafts on the left side of my mouth. I am so fortunate to have my dad as a periodontist and so he was able to do the procedure!

For those of you who don't know what this is, a tissue graft is when they take tissue from the inside of your mouth and put it on your gums on the outside of your mouth. Yes, painful. And, you also can't bite into anything, only chew on one side of your mouth, not eat any too hot/cold foods, and only eat soft foods for ONE WEEK! I have never craved a sandwich more than I did this week! It was a rough week in this regard... and sad to not have a hamburger at all the BBQ's I went to... (but I did cheat with the rules at times... I just had to! But don't tell my dad!)

After the surgery you have putty placed over the affected areas. So, all week it looked like I was keeping gum in the upper and lower left-side of my mouth. I even had people ask me why i was doing this when I was talking. Embarassing and Gross! I didn't take any pictures of this experience b/c I really don't want to remember it!

Onto the park fun. This week I got to spend a lot of time with Jeremiah during the day. I discovered that the spray park by their house also has fun craft and music days. So, not only can you get wet and stay cool in this heat, you can build castles in the sandbox, play on the slides and swings, make crafts, blow bubbles, and play musical instruments. It was a child's heaven! We spent many hours there... and each day Jeremiah didn't want to leave without his hat and sunglasses. Although he refused to keep the glasses on his eyes (he wanted them backwards on his head)... I thought he looked best with them on and with his hat sideways!Adorable!

BBQ's were in abundance this week. Not only b/c of the 4th, but my Canadian friend, Lauren, had one to celebrate Canada day which is July 1st. So much fun!!

Lauren!!

The 4th was fabulous as well. Rainy in the morning and a quiet day for the most part, but then I went to a BBQ on a rooftop in Cambridge. FUN! Then, I was so fortunate to have a friend who has a tenth floor apartment overlooking the Charles River. He also has a big screen tv. So, we all watched the Pops play and then the fireworks out of his living room windows (the entire room is windows!!) It was incredible! And, we saw the flyover on the tv... and then looked out the window and saw the planes to our left. AMAZING! The show/music that was played with it was fabulous and I can't wait till next year. I LOVE THE USA!!!Ok -This picture does not do his view or the fireworks we saw justice. I should have taken a picture of the view when it was light out... but it was truly INCREDIBLE!

Saturday came and I headed back to RI to help my dad paint his new deck and to get my stitches out... Wow. What a week!

A Day Out With Thomas!

Well… I have to say that the summer has started off pretty well. My first “official” day with the kids included swimming lessons and then a trip to “Edaville”. Now, I had never heard of Edaville until I started getting this weekly email about things for families to do in Boston.

Here's info on the railroad... in case you're curious.

"The Edaville Railroad is the oldest heritage railroad in the United States and is located in South Carver, MA. It is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge line that operates excursion trains for tourists. It was built by the late Ellis D. Atwood (initials E.D.A, for which EDAVILLE is named) on his cranberry plantation at the beginning of Cape Cod.

Edaville ceased operations in 1991 and the equipment was sold to a party in Portland, ME.
Several railroad enthusiasts fought to resurrect the railroad, and in 1999, the new Edaville Railroad opened for operation. Edaville USA, as it is now known, is a small theme park with cranberry harvesting and railroading as its two main themes. It is a well-known family attraction throughout New England."

For a little boy… this place is HEAVEN. And, I would have to say for a mom (or individual spending time with the kids), this place is pretty great. It’s a small-scale amusement park so you don’t have too much ground to cover, but there’s plenty to keep you busy all day! They also have nice picnic areas, a simple outdoor playground and an indoor one (if it rains), as well as the usual ferris wheel, merry go-round, scrambler, tilt-a-whirl, etc!

As soon as we arrived, we ate lunch and then headed into the park. We were lucky to run into Sir Topham Hatt, (less formally but more commonly referred to as the Fat Controller) right away… Jeremiah was too scared of him though! Leo wasn't. He was all smiles :)
Here are some pictures from our adventures…
Jeremiah holding on for dear life...

Jeremiah - not very happy... took a little warming up to the merry-go-round!

Actually, Jeremiah was scared of every ride as well! But, this place is great in that almost every ride he would go on, I could go on as well. He clung to me for his life (even on a ride as simple and slow as the merry go round!) and he refused to smile until the ride was over, but I thought it was adorable! This might sound a bit weird, but I valued being trusted and sought-after by him. He knew I would do anything to protect him, guide him and keep him safe even though he was experiencing some hard, uncertain, and scary things. I couldn't help but relate this to my life and my relationship with my Father in Heaven. I often feel like I am doing hard, scary or uncertain things... but am I always reaching out for, or trusting in, that protection and guidance I know in my mind and heart he will provide. Or, do I turn him away and try and do it on my own. I know if I had let go of Jeremiah while he was on the merry go round, he would most-likely have fallen off the horse and have been hurt. I know HF isn't pushing me away... but I know I've pushed him away at times seeking my own will and independence. And, yet again, how many times have I fallen and been hurt AND still continue to repeat the same pattern. Jeremiah's learned the lesson well. Why can't I as well?

Finally a small smile from Jeremiah!

He's still a little unsure in of this ride...

Obviously, there’s lots of trains everywhere… some to ride on and some to just climb on. But, the HIGHLIGHT of the day is a ride on the famous “Thomas” train. It’s a real train with GIGANTIC Thomas in the lead and the ride takes you all around the property and the lake. They have different scenes set up like you’re on a real train ride. The conductor comes around to punch your ticket and the kids get a “Jr. Conductor” certificate. Basically, they couldn’t imagine anything better than that.

Another bonus is that we went on a great day. Besides not having much sunshine, the place wasn’t crowded at all. It was a Monday and there were storms in the forecast. BUT, we were so lucky in that it didn’t DROP one single RAINDROP until I was putting Jeremiah into his car-seat at the end of the day. Then – IT POURED buckets as we drove away!! I was so grateful for the timing on that one. And, I won’t believe for a second that it was just a coincidence ☺

This truly was a GREAT day!