Various Things

I have almost finished catching up from Rick's parent's visit. Of course I still need to wash sheets and collapse the trundle bed but that's another matter.

I saw I had a few pictures that I haven't shared yet. This first one if from trying to wake up Joanna for school. She really is not a morning person.



I also have a nice picture of Joanna modeling a new dress before church.



In other news, Rick has created his own blog. Just click the link on the side bar to read his ramblings. I have also made a separate blog for knitting stuff. You can go there to see Joanna's new sweater.

Chocolate and Farm Animals

No, I did not feed any chocolate to farm animals. We did however watch chocolate being made and then go feed farm animals.

We started the day at the Hebert Candy Mansion for a tour.

We were very fashionable. I had my Ben & Jerry's cow shirt on for the trip to the farm and we all got attractive head wear for the tour.


We got to see chocolate being made and got some free samples at the end. Yummy!





After the chocolate tour we went to Davis Farmland.

This is a fabulous place for kids. If you don't have any children of your own and you would like to go there, you will need to borrow some. Adults must be accompanied by a child.

Joanna enjoyed feeding the animals and playing in the play areas. She is always good at finding friends.




There were also pony rides!



We went on the safari hay ride to see the different animals.

Like this one.

Looks like the llama version of king of the hill.

The hay ride stopped for a while at one point and this guy started to eat the hay bale Joanna was sitting on.



Joanna said "Hey!, He's eating my seat!" Then she decided to move to one of the center bales.

After the hay ride she chased/petted some cute spotted Jacob lambs.



There was also a place where you could paint your face. I think Joanna has watched mommy put on makeup too many times.



The green wristband in the pictures is part of the farm's security system. When leaving the farm they made sure my wristband matched Joanna's so they knew I was leaving with the same kid I came in with.

After painting her face Joanna spent the rest of the time in the play area. Great place, like a mini kid village. I think we will be going again.

Old Sturbridge Village

Another fun trip we took was to Old Sturbridge Village.

We had another beautiful day and Joanna played the part with her sunbonnet.






Joanna got to try on some clothes.



There was a brand new baby lamb.



We got to ride in a wagon.



We went to the carding mill to see how wool was turning into roving and batting.



Joanna tried hand carding. Hmm, I think I have a fleece at home that needs carding.



Ever wonder where plastic milk comes from?

Feasting Time

As part of the fun while Rick's parents were here, we went for a Fireside Feast at the Salem Cross Inn. This is an amazing event where they cook whole prime rib roasts on a spit in the fireplace.

It was a beautiful day there.


Joanna enjoyed exploring outside while the food was cooking.



It was a bit windy so we went inside for some warm cider and Joanna watched them make the apple pie.



The last part of the cooking done before the meal was the chowder. They cooked it in a big iron cauldron over the fire. Rick took a turn at stirring it.



Great fun, great meal! I highly recommend it.

Easter

Yes, I know Easter was a little over a week ago, but things have been quite busy. Rick went flying, but I will leave that for him to write about. Grandma and Grandpa Green came to visit during Joanna's school vacation so we did lots of fun things. I will try to get caught up over the next few days, but today we are talking about Easter.


Joanna didn't exactly jump out of bed on Easter morning, even though she had a very nice basket waiting for her.


She was very excited to see it and she dug right in.




She really liked all the "jewels" she found in her basket.




After the basket was empty, it was time for church.

Joanna put on the pretty dress and sweater Grandma Jeanette had sent her and topped it off with last years hat.

After that it was time to find some eggs!


There were eggs on the porch.



There were eggs in the house.



Where could that last egg be?



All eggs present and accounted for!

Anyone for candy and egg salad sandwiches?