March Madness

Apparently this is the week when American Colleges battle it out on the basketball court. They have termed these playoffs "March Madness". We had our own March madness this week and it didn't have anything to do with basketball but everything to do with keeping active without going mad :)

It started off with going to the local pool on Monday to do some swimming. It was the just the girls and I, which made my work load lighter; Silas can't go in with his cast! I think my kids are part fish as it's been awhile since we've gone swimming and yet it was like 'old hat' to them. Bethany even went off the diving board by herself (with a life jacket on)!

Tuesday, Chandra came to visit and we did a kid swap for a sleepover. Melanie stayed here while Anna went to their house. It was nice to see them all again and to get to know each other better as visiting doesn't happen as often as it should.

Playing with Lincoln Logs before breakfast.

Wednesday, Chandra came up with a great idea to visit Westfield Heritage Village which was having a maple syrup festival. It's been a long time since I've been at a pioneer village and this place did not disappoint. They had lots of volunteers dressed in period costumes acting or displaying the talents of that day and age. We were able to go inside most buildings and watch them busy in their tasks. I think the best part for the kids was when they could go into the General Store and buy some traditional rock candy. The day ended with a yummy supper at Chandra's complete with homemade ice cream :)

Enjoying the horse drawn wagon ride.

Authentic looking bolts of fabric - the vest is the real deal though, around 100 years old.

Where it all started...

Paying good attention in the one room school house, no one wants to feel the switch :)

As we have done with most March Breaks, we visit my parents. We drove straight there from Pete and Chandra's house and had another sleepover. Thursday was then a more laid back and relaxed day. My Mom and I were able to do a little bit of shopping while Grandpa babysat. Actually it was the T.V. that babysat as it's a real treat to watch one of Grandma's movies when we visit. When I left there it was with a van full of very tired children and one exhausted Mom.

The last couple days of the break were spent at home doing a whole lot of nothing but still accomplishing something. There are always things to do around here and we enjoyed the time together knowing it was short lived. I can honestly say that another week of March Break would suit me just fine. The kids love having some unstructured days and it gives me time to give them lessons in domesticity. Anna baked her first real cake on Friday and was quite proud of her efforts.

Anna with her sour cream coffee cake.