Hidden Hollow

Scout and I rode our bike (20 miles round trip) to Heritage Museums and Gardens here in Sandwich. Last week was the opening of the new Hidden Hollow play area for children. Each week is a different educational theme, this week was insects. There is a water area, sand area, blocks, music, gardens, climbing, building, story/gathering area, stage and amphitheatre complete with costumes. Everything is made with natural materials. It is fabulous and we highly recommend it! There are also organized activities and events and classes held there. Scout spent some time in each area, exploring and then moving on to another area. We had a great time and can't wait to go back with Daddy. We used a pass from the library to get in for half price.

Compost tumbler

Scout saw this waterfall from the trail above..."OOOOHH" and wanted to go down to see it.

Swallowtail butterfly

Scout got these great hiking boots for her birthday and finally fits into them!

Stopping for a drink before heading down into Hidden Hollow

Beautiful carved toad"stools"

As always she is attracted to the water area. Carved wooden bowl.

Watering the strawberries.

Why not just lie down in the pool of water?!

Cool block area!

Checking out the bugs.

Scout climbed the steep hill to the play with the BIG kid. Scarves hanging in the trees allow the kids to make hammocks and forts and what ever their imagination can dream up,

Naturally a sand box.

This dragonfly was very friendly.

This wooden walkway connected each of the play areas.

Scout spots the dragonfly.

Stopping for a snack.

Getting ready to head back home.

Taking time

Take time to let her do it herself. The pride she feels is priceless.

Getting big again

Scout has been riding bareback, which I have all the kids do when they first start. Today we tried the saddle. She rode for 15 minutes, through the woods and then out to the neighborhood next door and back. he sits up that straight the whole time.

As soon as she finished her ride on Tonto we went for a ride together on Tink. She has been riding a couple times a week. She helps with everything, leading Tonto, brushing, putting pad and helmet and brush away.

This cute tiny tush doesn't wear diapers anymore!! This was the only pair of pants that fit her, I had to unpack her baby clothes to find some that will stay up. Yesterday she wore a 2T shirt and size 3-6 months capri's (that fit perfectly!).

Anniversary at Roger Williams Zoo

We had a wonderful day celebrating our 2nd anniversary. The only thing that could have made it better would be if Zach could have joined us. We visited Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence RI, visited Murphs good friend at the Providence Police Mounted Unit, we stopped in Mystic Ct for dinner outside at Seaswirl (Scout and I did some yoga on the grass, by the water, while we waited for fish and chips and clam fritters). It was a nice relaxing day. Tonight we are having a date! Our first one since Scout was born. Zach and Scout will hang out together tonight so we can have an anniversary celebration together.

African Wild dog

Our big girl used the rest rooms all day.

One month only baby giraffe and mommy

A snake neck turtle...coooool

What's this?

I will say that I was disappointed in the quality of the zoo. The habitat's were too small and mostly just a dirt plot with very little natural landscaping or enrichment. Many animals were napping in the open because there were not sufficient private places for them. The grounds had more weeds growing all over then plants and I don't remember seeing any flowers. I expected that zoo to be much more progressive for the animals. I do believe it is important to have zoo's so people can be educated and made aware of the animals. To fall in love with them and be concerned with protecting them. So children can develop a love of them. However, I don't support a zoo that doesn't provide a natural and enriching life for the animals in it's care. There was a lot of construction, I hope this zoo will be improving.

GLORIOUS DAY!!!!!

Greetings and Good Morning to all of our family and friends . It's MURPH, by the way!

What a great day it is today, not just because we are healthy, happy, and together, but mostly because it is our 2nd Anniversary. Just think 2 years ago today I became the luckiest man in the world, because I got to marry my best friend, how lucky am I?

I wanted to say "Thank-you!" to all of you that shared that special day with us and also to all of you that have become an important part of our life together.

On Friday Night, Zach, Scout, and I went to Grammy's house to spend a fun filled evening with all of the "Murphy Girls". We had a blast! (I will post some pics when we get them back!)

I have to go get ready, I'm actually am taking today off from ALL work so that Michelle, Scout, and I can go on another "big" adventure. 

Once again, "Thank- you to all!" and I feel very blessed to have Michelle, Scout, and Zach in my LIFE, but also our great friends!

Have an AWESOME DAY, I know we will!    MURPH

Fresh stawberries and new chickens

Scout started off the season by eating a belly full of peas everyday (this I especially loved because I remember eating peas out of grammies garden when I was little). Now she says "stawber" because the berries are ripening each day. We found this old fire pit at the dump, filled it with compost from the horses and then added stawberry plants that we bought last year at a church yard sale. They love their new home and are blooming like crazy! What is better then eating fresh, organic food right from your own garden!

This week we have been planting our fall crops. Scout likes to help, of course, and takes her seeds and tosses them into the beds.

These are our new chickens. They are Sussex lights. We wanted to add a few new ones before winter since we have lost several since last year. They aren't expected to lay for about anonther 6 weeks. They are making themselves right at home and the others have excepted them without incedent. All the books say that you can't add new chickens because they will fight. I think it is because ours are freeranging, lots of space, lots to forage and they are very happy.

Taking time

Everyone is always in such a rush. We have really learned to slow down and take time for the really important things in life...each other. I want to try to post a regular weekly "taking time" post. We do, however, try to make sure to take time everyday, whenever the opportunity arises. Yesterday I took time to blow bubbles with Scout and throw toys with Seamus and Ace.

These images pass by too quickly. We feel so lucky to have Zach with us now. It is getting some precious extra time together after he has grown.

How have you taken time for someone else or yourself?