On a Whim and in the Mud

On a whim, Cameron, Olivia and I drove down to Epping to visit my parents. And then, on another whim, we decided it would be a great day to walk around Newburyport, MA. I had never been, and have always wanted to go, as my Mom raves about the shopping there. But first, the kids did a little yard work. That Grampa never cuts them a break...haha!



And a pause to pose for this adorable photo with Grampa. It's a keeper!


This must have been a strange sight for passersby. The two year old pushing the four year old in the stroller. She's a tough little cookie!



She's also a crazy little monkey. This is her new talent and she loves showing it off!

There was a park in the center of town with ducks. Cameron's new favorite book is "Make Way for Ducklings" (one of my childhood favorites). I think he thought this was Mr. and Mrs. Mallard!

There were some really nice granite stairs that led down to the pond, but my kids decided climbing the monstrous hill would be more fun. My children sure do love a challenge!


I kept yelling at my Dad to get closer to Olivia, because if she stood up straight she was going to tumble right down the hill!


We did more window shopping, and a lot less shopping. But I fell in love with Newburyport. I can't wait to visit again this summer!

The day had a great ending! My Dad has decided that our front walkway needs to be redone, and I wholeheartedly agree. When we were walking in Newburyport I had decided that brick would be the best way to go. So, when we got home my Dad drove my van into the woods behind his house to where a pile of bricks lay just waiting for someone to pick them up. Well, the van got stuck in the mud. My Dad and I spent a good 45 minutes trying to get it out with no luck. So here is a photo of Cameron watching the tow truck tow our car out of the woods. Thank goodness for AAA!


And here is where Olivia probably picked up the tick that I found crawling in her hair when we were walking around Target. Yes Cammie, this was after I saw you, otherwise you know I would have mentioned it :) As Olivia now says, "I had a Tiger in my hair." On the way home I told the kids that they would need to get naked so I could do a Tick Check when we got home. So they sang the happy tick check song the whole way home! I have no idea what they thought a tick check was, but boy, were they excited!!