Family Time
A Day On the Ice (literally) Since I was a child, I have always been a fan of the Olympics! Each time I saw an American athlete on the podium receiving a medal I dreamed of a time when that could be me. My dream never came true, but I did have some amazing experiences as a college athlete. I never thought about how young I was when it all began, but with all the Olympic hype on TV, I have discovered how young these dreams can begin. Last weekend, I was watching the Figure Skating Nationals. My 3 year old daughter, in awe of the twirls, jumps, and of course the outfits decided she was going to be an ice skater! Off we went to Newport, armed with snow pants and her bike helmet, the adventure began. After trying on a few pairs of skates we were finally geared up to go! I was a little anxious since she could not walk on the foam mats, how would she skate? I think she was anxious too! Well, after a few minutes of clinging to me she was able to stand and shuffle across the ice. She fell several times and laughed each one off, determined to stand back up alone. I think we made it around the ice four times with a lot of laughs and smiles and a workout for me. After about 25 minutes, my daughter said she was done. My husband and I laughed because it took longer for us to get her ready than we were actually on the ice! We had a great time while it lasted and for my three year old it was a huge success! In the car, before falling asleep, she said "when I am five I will be on TV with a dress and doing those twirls" - and thus her Olympic Dream has begun!!! Caddy Shack On Saturday afternoon we were looking for something different to do with the kids. We did not have a lot of time for a long drive so we headed to Dartmouth (yes off of the Island!) but not far from Portsmouth. My son has been taking golf lessons all summer so we started by hitting balls at the driving range. Even my 2 year old got a kick out of trying to hit the balls, although I think she liked putting the balls on the tee best. It was a hot day so after the driving range we decided to skip Putt Putt and head straight to the bumper boats. We had 3 boats because my little one needed a driver. I have not been in bumper boats in forever and we had a blast! They are bigger boats so adults can easily fit. They have water guns so you can shoot each other and even get people playing mini golf (kids love it, parents not so much) My son's favorite was the fountain you can ride under. He also enjoyed trying to bump my boat into it. Needless to say we were all soaked after... With smiles ear to ear we headed upstairs for an ice cream. Sitting at the table with my kids still laughing about the bumper boats was my favorite part! Because of my daughter only being 2 we skipped the batting cages and mini golf but still left satisfied and full of smiles. If you are looking for an idea for a mystery ride it is a great quick and easy trip - Make sure to wear a bathing suit or bring a change of clothes! Check it out! Caddy Shack 900 State Rd Dartmouth, MA 02747-1815 (508) 991-7976 (508) 991-7976 Sweet Berry Farm On Tuesday a friend asked us to meet them for a Free Concert at Sweet Berry Farm. Her husband said once you go you will not want to miss it. Well, he is right! After a stressful packing of the car with a 2 year old that had not napped. I almost called it a night and went to bed. I am really glad I didn't. We packed a picnic and a bottle of wine and headed off to Sweet Berry. Each week they have Free concerts with a matching food theme. This week was Los Sugar Kings (Latin Fusion) with Fajitas. We did not have any but they smelled delicious. Many "family" events are just really for the kids. This one was really fun for the entire family. The kids danced to the music, caught bubbles, and attempted to climb what seemed to be a favorite tree. The parents relaxed (and chased the kids a little too), had a glass of wine and some of the wonderful dips from Sweet Berry. All while listening to music that all ages really enjoyed. My kids were asleep before we left Mitchell's Lane. It really was a great night and I cannot wait to go back next Tuesday! Schedule oh...and of course the berry picking there is fabulous too...they said blueberries should be ready next week! RI Great Outdoors Pursuit On Sunday my 8 year old son and I headed off to Lincoln Woods for the 1st event of the Great Outdoors Pursuit. It was a beautiful sunny day and we had an amazing time. It was great to see so many families enjoying the park and the planned activities. We arrived and registered our "team" and were given a score card. (Which will be stamped at each event). Each family was given a care package with water bottles and bug wipes along with a quiz about Lincoln Woods and a tree identification quiz. We began with the tree identification mission which brought us throughout the area. My son had as much fun finding the next tree as he did identifying them. The RI DEM was present with a truck and crew prepared to stock the lake for the season. The crew stood on top of the truck passing buckets and nets of fish to the kids who were thrilled to release them into the water. (I am not sure how thrilled the fish were!) Kids of all ages worked together and all were filled with enthusiasm. Each time they would run back to the truck for more fish. Even the little girls loved holding the fish! The were several other activities including a rock wall, maple sugar demonstration, fishing for kids, volleyball, and horseback riding. They even brought out water balloons for the kids. It was great fun just to to sit on the grass with a snack and people watch. We may have been better off people watching however... we decided to rent a kayak on the lake. Since there was quite a wait we decided to try a canoe (that could have fit 8). We began on our adventure and I quickly realized there was wind and a current on the lake. We ended up on the other side of the lake and no matter how hard we paddled we kept going the wrong way. With encouragement from 3 kayakers we were directed toward shore and after a few blisters and an hour and a half we made it about 20 yards from the beach. At that moment a staff member in a kayak pulled up and asked us if we wanted a tow the rest if the way! NO WAY! We were so close and had to complete the mission. (although an hour before we would have taken it)! We made it to shore and laughed for the rest of the day and the entire way home. We laughed and are still laughing in a way no one else can understand. My son and I bonded in a way we never had - almost in a survival manner. Although it was a little stressful at times, we both smile and think of it as a happy moment, especially when we FINALLY got back on shore. I think we will both remember it forever! The day ended with a raffle for the kids and the boys were certainly happy with the footballs they were able to take home! The Outdoors Pursuit is a fantastic family event. It is not too late. You can begin at any stage. You just need to solve the clues for the next location! Take Me Out to the Ballgame Unless I am stuck in a boat! Yes, it is that time of year again! For many of the boys and girls on Aquidneck Island it is baseball and softball season. As many would say an American pastime. Whether Red Sox or Yankees Fans, tball or majors, all of the children are so excited to for that 1st hit of the season. Today I watched my son's coach pitch team play through the rain and fog. Even though they only got to run one base after a hit each of them was beaming the entire way down the 1st base line...and many of them felt the need to slide into home - get the stain sticks out mom! It is great to see the kids out there running around instead of home with the video games. Even the younger siblings are having a blast playing on the sidelines. As the weather continues to improve, head out to the yard and play a game of catch or practice hitting - they really do love it...during a game of catch is a great way for you to talk with your kids about their day without them thinking you are grilling them. Get out there and enjoy the spring! Aquidneck MomsTown For a fun inexpensive night out with your family go out and watch the Gulls play at Cardines Field. It is a blast! The kids even get to go out on the field! |
Looking for a fun day out with your family. There are so many great places to go in our own backyard. Have you ever spent the day....
Kite Flying at Brenton Point State Park
Ocean Drive, Newport
Pack a picnic and your favorite kite (if you don't have one you can usually buy one there on the weekends). The open space is perfect for flying or a game of catch. There is always great wind for flying and the ocean views are spectacular. The kids will be drawn by the colors and fanciful designs of the whirling and twirling kites. They will even enjoy just watching the kite pros who often fly stunt kites.
Pack a picnic and your favorite kite (if you don't have one you can usually buy one there on the weekends). The open space is perfect for flying or a game of catch. There is always great wind for flying and the ocean views are spectacular. The kids will be drawn by the colors and fanciful designs of the whirling and twirling kites. They will even enjoy just watching the kite pros who often fly stunt kites.
Feeding the Ducks at Prescott Farm
2009 West Main Rd, Middletown
Visit the grounds and see the historic 1812 windmill (which looks miniature compared to the wind turbine). Bring some bread or crackers and feed the ducks and geese at the pond.
Green Animals Topiary Gardens
380 Cory's Lane, Portsmouth
Looking for something different? How about a visit to one of the oldest topiary gardens in North America. There are more than 80 sculptured trees and shrubs in animal and geometric forms. There are also floral gardens, a rose arbor and fruit trees. The estate house has a display of vintage toys. You are sure to find something that appeals to all ages.Riding Bikes on the East Bay Bike Path
Bristol, RI
Grab your bikes a backpack and pack a picnic. There are many great stops along the way. Our family fave is Colt State Park for lunch or a game of catch. On a hot summer day stop off at Del's for a lemonade. You can gain access at Colt State Park.
Take a Walk at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
769 Sachuest Point Road, Middletown
There are over 2.5 miles of nature trails with viewing platforms. The terrain is level enough for even the little ones.
Visit the Norman Bird Sanctuary
583 Third Beach Rd, Middletown
Wildlife refuge with 7 miles of hiking trails and numerous educational programs for children of all ages. Take a stroll in the woods and for spectacular views hike to hanging rock. Visit the museum and grab a Nature To Go! bag that contains real naturalist tools that can be used to explore a variety of interests! Themes include Insects, Birds, Plants, Animal Signs, Ponding, and Orienteering. You can take the bag with you on your hike and use the materials for scavenger hunts, creature observation, and more. The kids will love it!
It is time to Pick Your Own Strawberries! Strawberry season runs from early June to early July. Kids of all ages love to go and pick their own. Maybe it will even encourage them to eat more fruit!  They're ready for picking at: Sweet Berry Farm, 915 Mitchell's Lane, Middletown Quonset View Farm, 895 Middle Rd, Portsmouth |