crane beach

We got out of the house early today so we could get to the beach ahead of the crowds.  We were going to Crane Beach in Ipswich, MA.  Although we have never been, we heard very good things from friends and online reviews.  Right away I was impressed by the huge parking lot and the size of the beach.  It is a gorgeous day out too!

We wasted no time.  As soon as we parked we got to the beach, set our things down and headed to the water.

Bennett actually cried a little when he first went in because the water was really cold at about 65 degrees.  He ran out and a few seconds later ran right back in.  

Gearing up for the cold water.

It was nice to be some of the first people to arrive at the beach.  There were very few people in the water.

Bennett liked running but he also liked playing with his bucket.  He would fill it with water then dump it all over himself.

We did some digging as well.

It's amazing how quickly an hour flew by and it was time for a snack.  We played in the sand a little after snacking.  Bennett found a dried seaweed which amused him a lot.  He said "WOW" many many times.

There happened to be a big circular hole in the ground near our things.  So we spent some time digging in the sand.  

Bennett loved climbing in and out of the hole.

This kid is not afraid of getting dirty.

We figured we would take him to the water one more time before heading back home.  He was getting a little tired.  I think he is trying to lay down for nap.

Bennett dug in the sand as we gathered out things.

He was covered in sand by the time we left.  I hope my little beach bumb enjoyed his time in the sun.

We stopped for lunch before leaving the area at a restaurant called Salt.

It had an interesting appetizer called Fried Milk.  The waitress said they boil down milk until it's custard like consistency and then add lobster cover it with flour and fry it.  We decided that was worth a try.

It was pretty tasty.  Different but good.  The inside was doughy and sweet.  I loved the crispy outer shell.  We really enjoyed our lunch here.  I got fried chicken with bacon waffles which was amazing.  Nick loved his bison meatball sub and my Mom her lobster reuben.  Wish we lived closer to this place.  

Bennett slept for 20 minutes of the ride home.  We were all happy for the DVD player in the Pathfinder.  It took us an hour or two to come out of the food coma after lunch.  Our night was very low key.  We spent the majority playing outside.  Bennett stayed awake the entire time.  He must be too excited to sleep while Grandma is visiting.  He is going to be one tired nugget tomorrow.  

grandma is here!

Finally, Grandma made it to the house.  Bennett was asleep but boy was he excited to see her when he woke up.

The two of them had so much fun together playing for the rest of the afternoon.  He took her outside and showed her all his toys and around the yard.  His favorite thing to do was climb into her car and explore.  He actually figured out how to put the key into the ignition!

Bennett was pretty tired by the time dinner rolled around.  We went out to eat and he behaved really well. Tomorrow we go to the beach!

playground time

This morning we were busy getting ready for Grandma's visit.  We stayed inside for the most part so after we were finished with our chores we decided to take Bennett for a walk to the nearby playground.  He loves his stroller so he climbed right in and we walked around the block before heading to the playground.  He was reluctant to get out at first.  It's too funny how much he loves being in the stroller.  He ran for the slide first.

But, he only climbed up to the top and then turned around and climbed back down the steps without sliding down.

He ran over to the other slide and did the same thing but this time at the bottom.  Just sat there hanging out for a while.

He got a little more excited when he saw the baby swing.  He was having fun for a while just swinging.

But, then he wanted to get out and try the big kid swing all by himself.

Daddy tried to help.

Though Bennett insisted.

Clearly this kid was not into the playground today.  So we decided to head to Giovanni's Bakery to get some dessert for after dinner tonight.  Bennett loved this idea since it meant getting back into his stroller.

And, a cookie.

On the way home we enjoyed the waterfall on Oxford St.  It was a nice way to kill an hour before Grandma arrived.

Because, we are anxious for Grandma to get here. We cannot wait to see her.

ice cream truck

This morning Bennett and his friends got to eat ice cream from an ice cream truck!

Flying Swings arranged for the truck to come by so the kids could buy and enjoy an ice cream treat outdoors.  

It was good thinking on their part because I heard it got messy.  Bennett's Spongebob melted all over him.  They actually washed his clothe so they wouldn't stain.  What a cool (get it?) way to spend the morning.  I love Flying Swings!

picnic and BBQ crafts

This week Bennett brought home picnic and BBQ themed crafts.

The watermelon looks good enough to eat.

His little ant farm makes me smile.

His kite is so colorful.  We need a real one for the house.  I think he would really like it.  I haven't flown a kite in 10 years.  Funny how many things you do over once you have kids.

His ice cream cone is about to lose a scoop.  

My favorite is the picnic lunch plate.  He sure packed it with some good eats like Smartwater, Ben&Jerry's and bacon.  

Bennett was hoping he could eat some of his picnic lunch.

sunday funday at the Taylor's

Daddy was golfing with his friends today so Bennett and I took a trip to Nolan's house for the afternoon.  The boys spent the morning playing on the porch with the bubble machine.  Bennett loved turning it on and off.  He would point at all the bubbles and say: "Bubble" over and over.

Nolan was having fun opening and shutting the gate.

Right before lunch we headed to the nearby playground.  Bennett loves stroller rides so when we first got there he did not want to get out of his stroller.

After a few minutes of watching Nolan, whom took off for the slide, he changed his mind.  Thank goodness because I did not know what to do if he stayed in it.

The boys really took advantage of all the playground attractions starting with the slide.  We were the only ones on the playground which made it easier.

Playing tic tac toe and spinning the blocks together.

Bennett climbed up the slide on his own!  I was so impressed.  He is so strong.

They enjoyed the seasaw. 

Mommies got to have some fun on the seasaw too. 

Nolan was so cute.  He wanted a seat closer to Bennett.

We hit up Bennett's second favorite, the swings, before heading home.  B got to try a fancy green chair swing.

Nolan wasn't really into the swings but humored us for a little while.  He then declared: "B no swing go home."  Considering that Bennett was falling asleep in his swing anyway, we took his advice.

The boys had lunch when we got back before nap time.  They shared Pirate Booty mac and cheese, which tasted just like regular mac and cheese, and apples for lunch.

Nap time did not last long for me as Bennett only slept for about 45 minutes.  So while we were waiting for Nolan to wake up we played with his toys outside.

B helped "fill" the pool with water. 

We followed Hayley around for a while.

Tried climbing a tree.

And, other shenanigans until Nolan woke up.  Nolan took a three hour nap! We left shortly after dinner which was soon after Nolan woke up.  The boys spent it playing indoors while watching "Curious George" and playing with the a George jack in a box.

Bennett thought it was scary and awesome at the same time.

Bennett fell asleep on the ride home and napped for an hour and a half on the couch.  What a fun and exhausting day!