Today was excellent! He woke up a little on the cranky side, which made me a bit nervous as we had a big day ahead of us. But never fear, happy Joel came out and a fun time was had by all. Boy, did we do a lot. J was wisked away to Concord, Mass during his morning nap. He woke up to a beautiful pastoral scene of a historic house that was formerly home of Hawthorne (the Old Manse), and a very historic spot, home of the start of the Revolutionary War, Old North Bridge. What a big day for the little guy, but it does not end there.
So, we walked around Minute Man National Park. Not so much walking, really 1/2 a mile covers the main parts, which is really only the Old North Bridge, site of the "shot heard round the world." They have excellent pottys, and parking. I have to say even the stone/gravel paths are great because you can easily push strollers on them (not like our experience at Strawbery Banke last week). There was a costumed guide around, but I think it was just for the school group that was there. Either way, lots of fun! Right next door is the Old Manse. Owned by my former employer, The Trustees of Reservations, this is a great spot to bring kids of all ages. A marriage made in heaven if you ask me. You have the facilities of the National Park, the popularity of that site. And then feet away you have the tranquility of a historic site, well maintained, brimming with history. Did you know Hawthorne lived at the Old Manse? Thoreau gave Hawthorne and his bride a garden as a present for their wedding. The garden is recreated there today, how cool is that? Tangible history, I tell you.
Anyway, besides being super-cool, the Old Manse is a great place to picnic. If I had a canoe, it is also a great place to brush off into the river. We met with friends Amy and Milly. Amy and I worked together at Historic New England so we both had a special appreciation for the history. We both left work to be Moms, so we also had a special appreciation for picnicking on a Friday afternoon. Our kids are 8 days apart! And, to top off more coincidences, they both have identical bruises on their foreheads! (unrelated incidents)
After a great picnic, we went to the Discovery Museum in Acton, Mass. Just 15 minutes away, this is a great place to stop by with your kiddos. Of course it is not as grand as the Boston Children's Museum, but it does the job. It is sort of Children's Museum meets historic house. Lots of quirkiness going on here. Each room of the house teaches a different topic: colors, animals, water play, trains, even a "boating" area in the attic. It was a great plus, but also a great minus as more than two children and parents in one room quickly gets cramped. Especially if the other children are grabby toddlers who do not get that Milly and J are just babies... But that was really not so bad.
The kids loved the "baby" room which had steps (big bonus for J), musical toys, and something they were both fascinated with- velcro. Milly loves mirrors, but don't you agree, she is too cute? The Museum was easy to find off the highway, good parking, and a reasonable price ($10 per adult, no charge for under 1 year). But don't think about bringing your strollers in, and I am guessing on a weekend it is a mob scene. My only rec. for them, put a gate on the "Baby" room, right at the top of some precarious steps. We found that to be a bit dicey. Great day for all! Can't wait to hang out again!
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