Connecticut, and then some

We had a great time in Hartford, even connecting with some AU/NLC kids, the Lewis family. They kindly offered to share their driveway with us as we passed through. And then proceeded to feed us, hang with us, entertain us with games and generally give us quality family time.

Scott, Ruth, Jeff and Risa Lewis

Then we moved on to visit the Mark Twain House and Harriet Beecher Stowe House.

Harriet's House

 

After that we took to the road to hit Mystic Seaport. 

The campground was wonderful and the town delightful.

Anyone who is familar with Owen should get a laugh out of this picture. 

In Hannah's words..."It never ends!"

Anyone familar with Mike should know why I took this picture. :-) Or can you guess?

The only whaling ship left, The Charles Morgan, is being restored and readied for saling again. We have been seeing signs of it as far up as Salem and New Bedford as they await its return.

And then.... Owen turned 10! Wow double digits. Who thought he would last that long? :-)

We lived large with pizza at Mystic Pizza,

though I dont know why I glorified a rated R movie with my sweet young things!

Later it was a movie, popcorn and soda. And the next day we trekked to the only Krispy Kreme donuts within a hundred miles. It was at the huge casino in the middle of nowhere, CT!

Mohegan Sun Casino. I am such a good mom to drag my kids 

through the middle of a casino for donuts! 

But it was worth it.

Highlights by Mom:

• Making new friends - the Lewis family.
• Loved the town of Mystic.
• Mystic campground was awesome.
• More on sailing, boatmaking and whaling to go along with history.
• Pizza and donuts, what's not to love.
• I dont like Mark Twain as much as I did, but I know Stowe better. 

Due to the shut-downs we didnt see....

1. Weir Farm NHP

Rhode Island

Debbi took us to Providence to see a "Fire-water", a community event where they light big piles of wood, which are floating on open pits. Its pretty cool and a great place to gather.

A few days later we were on our way again and stopped at Vanderbilt's Breakers in Newport, RI. 

It was true opulence, and this is one of his smaller homes.

Highlights by Mom:

• Going less than 30 min and arriving in another state!
• Boy is Rhode Island small.
• Fire-water with Debbi and dinner at the food court
• The lushness of Breakers - made me want to watch Downtown Abbey!
• Sleeping in a nice Walmart - for those who read this far... It had been a hectic few days, no break, no adult time, no me time. So I got up early, got a good cup of coffee and strolled the quiet aisles of this pretty nice Wal-mart (clean, neat, big) just to be alone and enjoy my own time. Sad that it gave me such joy to leisurely stroll Wal-mart, but a blessing to walk around for 30 min without hearing the word Mom.

Due to the shut-downs we didnt see...

1. Roger  Williams NP

Visiting The Mother Church and Longyear was a check in the box

As a Christian Scientist, going to Boston to attend church at the world headquarters is truly a treat. It is beautiful and a wonder to behold. And the kids got to go to SS with tons of other kids.

The extension side, where we attended Sunday church.

The Oringinal Edifice, where Owen and I attended a Wed eve service.

And we caught a ride home with Scott Shivers! Thanks, Scott.

Next we did the Mary Barker Eddy Library and the Mapparium

We also finished up our MBE home tours with Lynn House, Chestnut Hill and Longyear.

From poverty to plenty, all through the love and labors of MBE.

And we got to tour Chestnut Hill with the Shivers!

Highlights by Mom:

• Attending TMC with my kids!
• Going through the Mapparium.
• Going through MBE's history, struggles, inspiration and undertakings, from the bleak early years in NH to the joyous bliss in Boston,
• Doing these things with the Shivers - the more the merrier.