On Monday (yes nap) Bennett played outside with Daddy after school. He found a stick and pretended to go fishing.
On Tuesday (no nap) Bennett fell asleep on the way home. We did have to take a detour to extend our commute since we could tell that he was on the verge of falling asleep and we knew he needed the sleep. If we'd just gone home he wouldn't have been able to go to bed for an hour or two.
On Wednesday (no nap) Bennett must have been hungry. After eating a rather large dinner he asked for more food and ate a banana. He very seldom asks for additional food!
On Thursday (yes nap) he played outside briefly after school. I took the day off from work (I had extra vacation time) to work on his party.
Friday after school we went shoe shopping. He was very well behaved at the mall. When we got home he played in the backyard pretending to go to Kimball's. The swingset was the bumper boats and he also played mini golf and ate icecream.
In the morning I was being sluggish and didn't want to get out of bed.
Daddy: Telly Mummy to get up.
Bennett: Mummy, get up.
Mummy: mumble mumble
Bennett: She doesn't want to get up. She's still tired.
On Saturday at Sturbridge Dave and Rhys were cleaning out the cattle yard. Bennett didn't want to help at all! Daddy tried shoveling some manure, but nope, he still wouldn't try.
During lunch I showed Bennett how to use my camera. This means we now have pictures of the table, his fingers over the lens, and this one of Mummy and Daddy.
In the afternoon (after nap) we went to JoAnn's to get some items for the party, and when we got home Bennett watched Horton Hears a Who. He was just as emotional about it as last time, if not even more so. I think we may have to wait a long time before he tries watching that again.
On Sunday Daddy went in to work to work on the "set" for Bennett's party. Bennett started his morning by watching Fievel and then we went to Uncle Andrew and Aunt Gentry's to get some scrap wood for a project before heading off to do our grocery shopping. We attempted (and failed) a nap after lunch, and when Daddy came home we decided to go to Kimball's. We only did the bumper boats once, as well as one round of mini golf. We had bracelets that would have allowed us to do more, but we just weren't up for it. So after getting ice cream we headed home.
As I mentioned at the end of my last post, Chris' family is visiting. And they are all staying with us. It certainly made things a bit chaotic, but it also was nice to be able to spend so much time with them. Plus having extra people to entertain and watch Bennett was certainly helpful.
So how exactly did we fit 8 extra people in the house? Well 3 of them (Michael, Rebecca, and Elizabeth) were sleeping outside in a tent. Chris' parents were on an air mattress in the living room. Bennett was on his old crib mattress in our room so that Suzanne could have his bed. Rosaline and Dekota were on an air mattress on the floor in his room. Having Bennett in our room was a bit entertaining for us because we could see how much he moves around in his sleep, rolls off the bed (he doesn't normally do this), sleeps with his hands down his pants, gets up to use the potty, etc.
For meals we ate what we could outside so it wouldn't be quite so cramped. Adults were around either the porch table or the dining room table, and the kids were at a card table, either on the porch or in the kitchen, depending on where we were. Food was set up buffet style on a counter in the kitchen.
On Monday we headed off bright and early to Battleship Cove. For some reason we had to get there right when it opened. As much as I thought this was silly, after we had been there for a few hours and more people were around, I was glad that we had been there when it was a little more quiet.
Storming the beaches of Fall River
Getting 4 kids to look at the camera at the same time is challenging!
Getting Bennett to pretend to sleep is also challenging.
Hugs from Grandpa
We finished up around lunch time, but decided to head home for a late lunch rather than pay the inflated prices for food on the ship. Bennett took a nap in the car and woke up just as we were turning onto our street.
After lunch, we played the first (of what would be many) game of croquet for the week. Growing up when we played croquet we always set the wickets up wherever we wanted and I'm not sure we had well defined rules. This was NOT the case in the Tedford family! Given the space available in the yard we had some obstacles around the garden and the slide, but I think that just added to the fun.
On Tuesday we started off at home. Chris had a dentist appointment so the rest of us just hung out. After lunch we went bowling. You're probably wondering why bowling is so special, but Candlepin Bowling isn't something generally found outside of New England. Bennett was a bit antsy because he was overdue for a nap, but getting him to sit and relax with so much activity going on around him is next to impossible.
This next picture probably doesn't mean much of anything to most people who read this blog, but I was surprised to see it, and when I texted it to Andrew he was surprised as well. This character is Dennis the Menace, from the comic book, Beano. When we lived in England we read Beano. Not sure why he was on a gumball machine style game that distributed bouncy balls. None of the other graphics on the machine were related to the comic at all.
Bennett fell asleep on the way home and then he was successfully transferred to his bed so that he could continue his nap. In the afternoon there was more croquet and also some ladderball after dinner.
We had nothing planned for during the day on Wednesday, but there was a request for some shopping, so we headed off to Shopper's World to hit of AC Moore and Barnes & Noble. We also took the opportunity to go to the baby/kids resale shop to try to sell a couple of things. While we were there we picked up a birthday present for Bennett as well as a few bags of Legos.
In the evening we went to a Lowell Spinner's game. We had great seats- 2nd and 3rd row- right on the 1st base line.
Bennett did about as well as expected at sitting still and watching the game, which is to say, not great. However, we did go to SwampLand, the kids play area, and he had a blast on the inflatable slides and obstacle (octopus) course. He tried the bounce house but wasn't a fan of that.
Being forced to meet the mascot. He wasn't a fan.
We made it until the 7th inning when a thunderstorm came through. We got to our car right before the rain really started. The game was slow moving though, so it's probably a good thing that we had to leave early. I'm not sure how much longer Bennett would have lasted. Plus Thursday was going to be a long day so we were all happy to get home.
Like I said, Thursday was a long (but fun) day. Chris and I had to be at OSV at 7:30 for a secret activity that I alluded to back in March. I wish I could say more, but this was definitely special treatment that we were getting, and it's not an activity that they want to open up to the general public. As such, it was requested that I not broadcast what we were able to do. Anyway, it was really neat being in the Village before it opened and seeing some places that most people don't get to see. Plus it was a nice chance to chat in a more relaxed fashion with some of the interpreters. We asked what they thought of us coming every week and they quickly replied that they didn't think it was crazy. I wonder if they were just being nice, but based on the fact that they volunteered to do this activity with us, plus some other things, leads me to believe that maybe they were being truthful.
We met up with everyone else just before the Village opened. Between the pass that I got from the library (thanks Andrew!) plus a deal that OSV is offering for kids to get in free with a paying adult, we definitely were able to save some money. For the 8 extra people, they only paid the equivalent of 3 adults, rather than what would have been 5 adults and 3 children.
It was a rather disjointed visit due to wanting to see different things at specific times in opposite sides of the Village, so we started the day off walking back and forth a bit. When we got in we went to the Small House, Friends Meeting House, Fenno barn and house, and then quickly made our way to the Sawmill to watch that demo and also to try fishing.
Chatting with one of the interpreters. We don't know his name, but a month or so ago we saw him at BJ's and Wegmans.
Then it was up to the Craft Center so that people could forge iron hooks. Unfortunately the forge was broken, but Derek decided they could use the Blacksmith shop instead, so we all trudged back to where we had just been.
Michael was up first making his hook, followed by Dekota, Elizabeth, and Grandpa. What was nice was when the other blacksmith who was working saw me at the side door taking pictures, he told me I could come inside (on the opposite side of the chain). Knowing the interpreters definitely has its advantages, but I think he likely only did this because he trusted me enough to leave if other visitors came near. Later on I wanted more pictures so I let myself back in. :)
While the blacksmithing was going on, back at the Craft Canter Rosaline and Suzanne were working on some yarn sewing.
They came back and joined us at the farm and everyone showed off their completed hooks.
We hung out by the farm for a while, collecting eggs (Bennett and Dekota), helping to split rails (Dekota), feeding the pigs (Rosaline), learning about making raspberry shrub (which we will be able to sample on Friends' Day), and watching Victoria get ready to start some ironing. Rosaline and I were enjoying watching that, but everyone else was waiting for us to go get lunch, so we had to leave. This was definitely the downside of visiting with so many people- trying to appease everyone's interests.
At the Fitch House Rosaline and Dekota got dressed up. I think they need to get a few more costumes in a variety of sizes. Dekota's waistcoat is a bit too small.
We also rode the stagecoach. Not everyone wanted to ride, but we
did squeeze eight of us in. I also discovered that some of the design choices that I had been making on my Derby car weren't quite accurate. Oops.
Waiting for the stagecoach.
By this time we'd seen most of what we were going to see so we headed out, stopping on the way so that some people could dip candles, and of course hitting up the gift shop.
But remember how I said it was a long day? Yup, we weren't headed home. We headed off to Kimball Farm. My work was having its summer outing which meant that Chris, Bennett, and I got to go for free. We arrived a little before the party so sat in the car to let Bennett nap a little longer. Then we went to get food at the party while everyone else got dinner. After eating we coincidentally met up for mini golf. We lucked out and were able to play right behind everyone else.
Next up? Bumper boats! Bennett loved them. He rode with me, with Chris, with Grandpa, and then with me again. The other kids really liked them as well.
Then it was time for an ice cream break. Chris, Bennett, and I went back to the corporate area for sundaes and everyone else got the "small" ice cream that they could get with their bracelets. (Pay $35 for a bracelet which allows you 5 activities/ice cream.)
Yes, this is a "small".
Then Michael came over and joined us at the driving range. But Bennett and I didn't last that long as the mosquitoes were pretty bad and he was also getting antsy. So we headed back to the car. Chris and Michael finished up, Chris joined me to head home, and Michael joined everyone else at the arcade.
Friday was supposed to be a day for relaxing a little, but it didn't really turn out that way. I started off by going for a run and then mowing the lawn. Big mistake since I hadn't eaten breakfast yet. This set me back and I was exhausted for most of the day. After I ate and showered we went shopping to buy food for the Derby. While we were gone the remaining adults were in charge of lunch and putting Bennett down for a nap. He wasn't settling well, but after Uncle Michael threatened him with a time out if he didn't nap, Bennett quieted down and went to sleep. (Really? How exactly does a time out during nap work? :) )
After the grocery shoppers were back and had eaten lunch, Michael, Chris and Dad Tedford headed off to get the tents for the Derby from the Doucettes. I took a much needed nap. When they got back it was time to finish up our Derby cars (which we'd been working on all week in spare moments during the day and when others were going to bed). We also realized we needed to make Blast Cars still. Chris cut out wedges and they got some quick paint.
Saturday- It's Derby Day! After getting dressed we went into the basement to make final touches on our cars. Yup, this is pretty typical, but I was done with about 3 hours to spare. :)
By now we've fallen into a bit of a rhythm which makes Derby set up seem as if it went much more smoothly than usual. Plus having the extra helpers didn't hurt, especially since Chris' parents have been around for the past few Derbies so they are used to what needs to be done. Also I don't think we had as much food prep this year as we sometimes have had. So we got the tents set up, tables, etc. I made an ice run and picked up a few things we'd forgotten. And before I knew it everything was set up and there was time to spare. This never happens! Of course some people were late to arrive, but that's also to be expected.
Rather than add even more photos to this post, I will direct you here to see all of the Derby related photos.
After the races when things were starting to quiet down a bit we took some time to take a family photo. Getting 11 people to look at the camera, smile, etc can be a bit tricky. Not to mention finding a space to squeeze 11 people into is a challenge. I think we need wider stairs!
And then that brings us to Sunday. It was a pretty low-key day at home. Dekota had requested that I make him a costume for a birthday or Christmas gift. So the night before I ran out to JoAnn's to get fabric and I spent Sunday morning sewing. I'm glad I got it done because otherwise it would have been one of those projects that I would put off for a long time. Plus it was handy having Dekota there so that I could fit it on him.
It rained most of the day so we were cooped up inside, but by late afternoon the rain stopped and we were able to go outside for some croquet.
And that pretty much sums up the week. I did ask everyone what their favorite activity had been. It was interesting to hear what each person enjoyed.
Rosaline- bumper boats
Elizabeth- arcade
Dekota- OSV
Mom - OSV
Dad- OSV, specifically making a hook
Michael- Kimball's
Rebecca - Mini golf
Suzanne - OSV
Boy Chris - coming in 2nd at the Derby
Girl Chris - OSV, specifically the secret activity
Bennett - Kimball's/ Swampland
This past week Grandma and Grandpa Tedford were here and we had a staycation (stay at home vacation).
On Monday we went to Kimball's. We started off all taking a spin in he bumper boats. Bennett excitedly shrieked each time he got splashed. It was awesome.
We then moved on to mini golf. At the beginning Bennett would put his ball down at the start, hit it, and then carry it closer to the hole before putting it down again and pushing it in. But by the end he was just taking it down to the hole. Interesting method, for sure, but he was having fun.
After mini golf we did the bumper boats again. In the end Chris and I went on them three times with Bennett. Grandma and Grandpa only did the boats the first time. But that worked well, because then I was able to get this photo.
We had ice cream in lieu of lunch. Bennett helped me with a scoop of chocolate and a scoop of butterscotch.
And then we wrapped up the day at the arcade. We were having fun, but then Chris accidentally stepped on/kicked my foot. This exacerbated an old toenail injury. It hurt quite a bit, and when I looked at my foot a few minutes later I noticed there was a pool of blood. The teenage employee gave us a few meager first aid supplies to patch it up.
When we got home we took a closer look and I realized I needed medical attention. I called my doctor's office and they sent me to urgent care where the doctor removed my toenail and gave me this stylish shoe. If you want to see what it looked like on Thursday when we changed the bandage, click here. Now, a little over a week later, it's healing well and I don't really have any more pain. I'm still wearing my special shoe mostly to protect my foot from myself. (I have a tendency to stub my toes a bunch.) We were very thankful that Grandma and Grandpa were here because they were able to keep an eye on Bennett and make dinner while Chris took me to the doctor.
On Tuesday morning I started the day with some cuddles with Bennett. This is most unlike him! He'll sit still (mostly) for a story or to watch Curious George, but that's about it. Maybe he knew I wasn't 100%, because he snuggled in bed with me for at least 15 minutes or so.
For fun and excitement we went to the Ecotarium in Worcester.
I liked this tribute to Kenda who was a beloved polar bear of those in the area in the 80s.
After looking at the various exhibits in the museum and looking at the animals outside, we went on a train ride.
Then it was time for lunch before heading home. After nap we all went outside and did yard work. I trimmed the extremely overgrown forsythia bushes while others bagged up the branches. And Bennett ran around alternately trying to help and playing.
On Wednesday we went to the Higgins Armory Museum. Higgins is slated to close at the end of the year so I knew I wanted to take Bennett. He wasn't interested in most of the museum, but he did enjoy the interactive children's wing. In fact, I think we all enjoyed that wing!
Daddy tried jousting
Riding a horse
Threatening to knock down the arch.
Nope, it's harder from this side.
Crash!
And then Chris and I built a castle, which Bennett quickly knocked over.
After lunch and nap we all went out to weed my flower beds. They were overgrown with crabgrass, to the point that some of the other plants were hidden. They look so much better now! I'm extremely thankful for all of the help that I got with this project.
On Thursday we went to the Franklin Park Zoo. We should have learned our lesson from when we went a couple of years ago that it's not a great zoo, but with passes from the library it was the most economical choice. Bennett was a little bummed that they didn't have elephants.
Looking at the prairie dogs.
His new thing to do these days when you ask for a picture is to pause for a second and then say, "cheese, all done" before he quickly runs away.
Watching the gorillas with Grandma.
Feeding the birds
Before we left we rode the carousel. At least he enjoyed that.
Not sure what's going on in this next one. The cow seems to be scratching his back?
And then we asked him to milk the cow.
Oh, and then this happened. My baby turned 35 months old. It's actually kind of funny. Sometimes I say that he's 3 already, and then other times I say that he's two. It really all depends on if there's a benefit (such as a kid rate) to him being under 3.
On Friday we had our weekly trip to OSV. They were offering tickets for $5 (instead of the regular $24 admission)so it was pretty crowded.
Walking with Grandpa
Riding the stagecoach.
Lance and Henry were plowing the field again so we watched them for a while.
Good blacksmith (Derek) was working. We could tell this just by listening before we went in. Yup. It's bad. We can now start to identify their voices. Unfortunately it was extremely crowded and Bennett kept announcing, "I want to go now" so we didn't watch for too long.
Since there were so many people the lines for food were pretty long. So I entertain Bennett by taking selfies while waiting for others to buy the food. He actually did a remarkably good job of staying with me.
And then as we were finishing lunch we saw Doc and Blue! They were just finishing up their cart practice so we got to watch Head Animal Guy (Rhys) have them back their wagon up into the barn. That was a bit tricky.
We then headed home for nap. After nap we headed out to do some shopping for Saturday's Derby.
Which brings us to Saturday. We had the 10th Annual Pinewood Derby. Go here for the official photos, winners, etc. In typical fashion we were not only finishing up our cars the night before but also the morning of the race. Chris got the wheels on our Blast Cars about an hour before people started showing up.
Strawberry = Daddy, Regular = Bennett, Chocolate = me
Chris had the "dump dump truck" and I had Curious George
Curious George also could wear TMWTYH's hat.
Sunday we slept late and relaxed for a while but then we headed out to play some Candlepin Bowling. Bennett rolled his balls pretty slowly down the lane, but I think he had fun.
And that wraps up our week. It was busy, but I think if we didn't have activities planned we likely would have gotten bored just hanging around the house.
I know I didn't take it as easy as I likely should have, but I did take advantage of wheelchairs at the various museums. We quickly learned that not all wheelchairs are created equal though! Broken footrests, lack of footrests, difficulty pushing on uneven terrain... Ugh! But I guess I should be thankful that they at least had wheelchairs to borrow. Not sure I would have managed earlier in the week if I'd had to walk everywhere.
