vacation week

We're nearing the end of our vacation week, and it was a good one. We didn't travel, but did a few day trips, and it was perfect for the kids at this age. 

On Sunday afternoon, we went to a local state park with nice beaches. The kids had so much fun. We need to go back again soon, because it's a big park and there are a lot of places to explore. 

Monday was very humid, and not the nicest day to be outside. We went to a children's museum, and again had a lot of fun. Celia has a small piece of amethyst at home, and was very impressed to see this big one. The museum is divided into a building for a children's museum, and another for a science museum. 

Tuesday was supposed to be rainy, but it looked like the morning would be okay. So we went to Davis Farmland, and it was by far the favorite activity of the week. I think the weather forecast kept people away, because it was almost empty! We really enjoyed seeing the animals, going on a hay ride, and playing in the many play areas. There are several unique playground areas, a water play area, and a big splash pad. The farm is a working farm, caring for endangered animals. We learned that Davis is actually home to the largest populations of some of these species in North America. We were also very impressed with the staff there. They went out of their way to approach us and say hello, offer to show us the animals, and were genuinely very friendly. This all made me feel much happier about the hefty price tag for entry to the farm. They are doing good work there. This is a place for which we might get season passes, in another year or two. 

Henry holding a baby goat? What could be more adorable? Poor Celia was scared of all the animals (except the kittens). 

This bubble maker. Oh my goodness. It was the most fun they'd ever had. Our ticket prices were worth it just for the bubbles. 

We stayed until about 1:30, and it was just starting to rain as we left. Perfect timing, and it was so nice to have the place almost to ourselves. 

Wednesday was a rainy day, and we had a more low key day at home. We did take the kids out to get new shoes in the morning. They both needed new sizes. The feet just never stop growing... 

We were planning to go to Edaville Railroad on Thursday and we were all excited about it. But we were looking at the website on Wednesday night, and realized that Edaville is only open on weekends. The operating hours were not clear at all, but we finally figured it out. Thanks goodness we did, before we drove all the way there. So, since Davis Farmland had been such a hit, we went back there on Thursday. This time we spent more time in the play areas, rather than seeing the animals. There is a neat water play/gem mining area, a few different playground areas, some wooden play houses stocked with different things- a couple of homes, an animal hospital, a tool shed, etc. There is a maze made from wooden fencing, and there are areas with ball runs. So much to do. Then we had lunch and went to the splash pad. The kids had a great time yet again, and Henry had a nap on the ride home. 

On Friday, I did a couple hours of yard work in the morning, pulling weeds and mowing the lawn. Then my parents arrived for the day. The kids were very busy with them for most of the day. My parents took them out for lunch, and Chris and I took the opportunity to go out ourselves. We had lunch and went to the outlets to look for a watch. I lost my (very nice, purchased on our honeymoon) watch a couple of weeks ago. I think the clasp must have come open and the watch fell off somewhere. I checked everywhere I had been that day, but if the wrong person found it they might not turn it in. We didn't find a watch I liked, but it was a beautiful day to walk around outside. Then we stopped at Whole Foods so I could get some hippy natural healing stuff, and went back home. 

Readying ourselves for re-entry into normal life.