Springtime in Rhode Island

Spring has finally sprung here in Rhode Island. Although, I am hoping that the saying April showers bring May flowers is actually true. We have sure gotten a lot of rain! We enjoyed a quick visit from Grandma and Grandpa W earlier this month. They are troopers to ride the Amtrak train all the ways out here. This time while they were here we toured Boston and explored Beavertail State Park. The boys enjoyed showing them around and taking Grandma for many space walks to explore "Mars." We also started our garden with peas and carrots and the boys have been diligently watering them on the days it doesn't rain. We did something new for Easter this year. We did something each day of Holy week to get us prepared for Easter. It really helped us focus on the miracle of Christ's resurrection and all that He has done for us.

The boys did an excellent job listening to General Conference in their teepee. They loved listening for key words and grabbing a treat every time they heard that word.

Checking out Paul Revere's house along the Freedom trail with grandma and grandpa.

Brig in front of the Paul Revere statue

Our photographer didn't quite understand how to get Paul Revere in the picture with us.

gardening gloves, check!

Making resurrection rolls for Easter

Ward Easter egg hunt

We Want to Keep You Grandma!

We had a wonderful 10-day visit with Grandma Haynes. We made a sign and waited for her in the Boston airport. When the boys saw her they ran to her and hugged her and giggled and giggled. The boys talked a mile a minute and kept her busy from sun-up to sun-down. We played in the snow, went to the zoo, hiked the cliff walk in Newport, and checked out a lighthouse and tide pools in Jamestown. When it was time for Grandma to head home, Benson cried and exclaimed, "But, I want to keep her!" We all do, Benson!

Brig climbed in his suitcase so he could go to Grandma's house.

Outside of the Breakers mansion, formerly owned by the Vanderbilts. 

Grandma and I toured the Breakers mansion, something I'd been wanting to do for a long time. This was her favorite room, the library.

On the balcony of the Great Hall.

Brigham doing his thing on the cliff walk. He happily splashed through all of the mud and puddles.

The kitchen in the mansion. Check out all of those copper pots!

We weren't very successful in keeping the boys dry. But they had a great time. We found lots of sea glass, a sponge, and cool rocks.

We had some great weather to see the animals at the zoo. The peacocks were showing off their feathers and the buffalo were running in the paddock.

Checking out the red pandas. They look so fluffy!

Checking out the peacocks.

The elephants did tricks for their food.

The tide pools by Beavertail lighthouse were fun to explore. We had to be careful because the tide was starting to come in and some of the rocks were extra slippery. We all slipped at least once.

It was 60 degrees and sunny at our house, but at the beach it was cold and foggy. It was cool to see the light in the lighthouse and hear the fog horn.

I had to take a picture of the Jamestown windmill, built in 1787.

During our travels Grandma entertained the boys with songs and stories.

We love you Grandma! Come back soon!

After we dropped Grandma off at the airport, we walked part of the Freedom Trail. It takes you to some of the more notable historical places in Boston. It's an actural trail marked with red bricks. Brigham would not stray from that red line for anything, even if someone was in his way. He would stop and wait for them to move. He is one determined kid. This is the King's chapel burying ground, a really old cemetery.

You can see the red bricks behind Brig, the cowboy, and the other tourist.