A Much Needed Bit of Relaxation and Exploration: RI style

I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Charlestown, RI for a few days with my little men to enjoy some sun, family, and find new places to play down there.  I know I will be spending a little bit of time down there again this summer, so it was time to scope it out and see what was around.

Our first day down there, my mother in law and I took the boys to Beavertail State Park in Jamestown, RI.  Dan and I had hiked this last summer, but a lot of the trails had changed after Hurricane Sandy destroyed much of the coast this past September.  Pierce was a bit uneasy about hiking down the cliffs and into the coves, but Carter loved it.  By the end, Pierce finally climbed one part, and then told us he was okay with not doing that again. There is also a lighthouse here, that is open for the summer months.  I did promise Pierce we would go back so he can see what the inside looks like.  We spent half of our day here, and it was the most peaceful, tranquil, calming place I had been in a long time.

The second half of the day we spent at Ninigret Park in Charlestown.  This is a fascinating park, offering something for everyone.  There are trails, a bike course, a little pond, a senior center, and of course a playground.  It was a bit chilly, since the winds had started coming in strong, but they still had fun.  There were two separate playgrounds; one for toddlers, and one for the big kids.  There was also a see-saw, and two excavator toys for kids to use.  Despite the wind, there were a lot of other children here which gave my guys a chance to run and play.  I had taken them here last summer, but it is nice having two that can play together now.  :)

On the second day, we started off bike riding at Ninigret.  However, 30 mph winds cut right to our bones, and I decided we were going to check out Providence Children's Museum (part of our bucket list).  The description I had surmised before based on their website, does not do this place justice.  One lesson learned; arrive early or there is NO parking.  Being in the heart of Providence, the lot is small and by 10:30, the place was full.  That did not stop other people, and even though there were a lot of people there (school vacation week), the museum never once felt crowded.  This was the first children's museum that literally had something for EVERY child.  They even had a separate play area for those who are not walking yet.  I also loved that there was staff everywhere enforcing the age restrictions and making sure that everybody followed the rules.

My guys fell in love with the spatial relations center.  There were various latches on the walls, with different patterns and textures hidden behind them.  Also included in this section was a play table to build 3-D geometric shapes, 3-D cutouts to fit in the holes, a shadow center, and huge building pieces to try to make a life size cube (think life size Tetris).  They also fell in love with the playground made for ages 4 and under.  Pierce was able to dress up as a beaver, a blue jay, and also mine for rocks in the tunnels.  Carter practiced his new climbing skills, and loved the boat that was in there.

This museum also had a huge outside center.  We ventured out there and found some tunnels, a playground, and musical instruments.  However, with the wind we did not stay out there too long, since I left their coats in the car.   We also had a blast playing with tubes that sucked up scarves and yarn balls that then plopped them on your heads...or you could try to catch them.  And lastly, the water ROOM was amazing.  There were pumps, levers, dam building, and a separate water table for the little guys.  This review really does not do this place justice, and is really one of those places you have to check out on your own.  It is completely worth it.

Spatial Relations Center

Pretending to work in the factory, just like the French Canadian immigrants did.

Tubes!

Construction Center

WATER!

Light Table

While we were leaving Providence, I ended up getting lost, but found a neat little park on the waterfront.  It was called India Point Park, and had bike trails with a little playground.  As I was turning around, Pierce begged for me to stop so he could ride his tricycle, so of course I did.  Why not?  We had a little bit of fun in our winter coats on the playground, but it really was designed for the much older crowd.  However, walking (or riding) along the river was gorgeous.  We found swans, boats, a drawbridge, and just had fun.  I want to go back in the summer to explore here a bit more.  My guys were tired, and only lasted about 30 minutes or so at the park.  However, I did purchase my first Del's lemonade of the season, since the truck was right there.  :)

The rest of our time in RI was spent going to various beaches that we normally travel to.  It was a bit shocking to drive through Misquamicut and see the devastation and loss of houses and businesses all of these months later.  I visited the fishing area that my father loved and found that most of it was washed out to sea (Camp Cronin in Point Judith).  If you climb over the massive rocks and dodge some of the left over debris, you can still make it over to the jetty to check out incoming boats.  And lastly, Pierce decided that he needed to go in the ocean at Salty Brine Beach, after he watched other kids his age do it.  I figured after the water reached his toes he would never go in again, but he kept touching the waves and running away.  He thought it was awesome.  Carter, did not like the sand.  At all.  Hopefully by summer he will be used to the feel on his bare feet.

To my boys:  thank you for being such amazing children.  I love that you have the traveling spirit and the love of nature that you do.  Please hold on tight to that and never become jaded.  The world is your classroom; use it.  Learn as much as you can from it.  There may be some evil in this world, but remember that there is always way more good.  Be the change you want to see, live the life you wish others would live.  You are our future.  I will love you boys always...and don't you ever forget that.

To those that were at the Boston Marathon:  I'm sorry you had to witness such an evil event.  I'm sorry to those of you that lost loved ones, lost limbs, and forever had your lives changed.  Don't be bitter for too long.  That just gives these "men" what they want.  Strive for change, embrace what you have, and love who you are.  May we all remember those that helped each other that day, and let that comfort us as we look for answers.  May love forever surround you and support you as you go through the next part of your life.