R&R on the East Coast

A few weeks ago, Alex flew to Georgia for a conference and then continued with his father to Florida for Sun n' Fun (aviation gathering). What a tough life! Since he got to go on vacation, I figured Sadie and I should fly to Massachusetts for our own vacation. It started off as a surprise for Mimi and Kate, but we had to spill the beans to keep Mimi from going to FL with the guys. The guys met us in MA toward the end of the week.

We had a great time. On our first full day in MA, Mimi took Sadie and me to the Yankee Candle shop in South Deerfield, MA. This wasn't a little building full of just candles. No, there are lots of themed rooms, including Santa's workshop where Santa himself is there all year round. Sadie was a little scared of Santa, until he pulled out an Elmo figurine. How did he know she is obsessed with Elmo? Magic...

There's a pirate ship, huge stuffed animals, a Bavarian village, and much, much more. Check out there website here.

On our second day, Mimi took us to a Children's Museum. Basically it is a house that has been converted into a discovery museum for children. Each room has a theme. Some of the room themes were jungle, ship, kitchen, colors, puppets, magnets, and water. This is a picture from the water room.

Sadie and Kate are standing on a giant bubble maker. You dip the pipe ring in the solution around the platform and then slowly raise is by pulling on the handle. If you're successful, there will be a huge bubble all around you. So much fun! Sadie could have spent the entire day there. I know of several places like this in MA. Does anyone know of a place like this in UT? I would love to find one close by.

After the Museum, we went out to lunch at Friendly's. Sadie got to share my ice cream cone. She loves ice cream.


Sadie also discovered how fun it can be to smell flowers. Every flower she saw, Sadie wanted you to smell it. FYI, dandelions stain. Check your nose after smelling a freshly picked dandelion!


While in MA, I had my first pilot's lesson! Alex's dad, AKA Grampy, is a wondereful pilot. He taught Alex to fly like a pro. Grampy is also a great instructor. This is the only reason I wasn't freaking out to be sitting left seat; I knew he wouldn't let us die. Flying is blast! I wish I would have taken a picture of me sitting left seat.

All in all, we had a great time. It was good to see Grampy, Mimi, Aunt Kate, and Abby the Dog (who taught Sadie how to pant).