Camping trip

We spent the holiday weekend camping with two other families (one with a child six months younger than Avonlea Jane, one with a child six months older) at White Lake State Park in New Hampshire. Our camping trip with Avonlea Jane was interesting. It was not as enjoyable as we would have hoped, but we came away learning a valuable lesson: no one should ever go camping with a toddler, let alone three of them. For some reason, we had all imagined the three of them would entertain one another and would be more than happy to be camping. This was not to be.

We had planned to spend a good portion of the weekend on the lake, either swimming or in the canoe. However, the weather turned out to be cold and damp, so we spent a lot more time around the campsite. Waiting for a fire to be started or waiting for food to cook was not high entertainment for the little one. She spent most of her time climbing up picnic tables to a chorus of, "Avonlea Jane!" "Avonlea Jane get down!" "Avonlea Jane, no climbing!" By the end of the weekend, we were sure that everyone in the state park knew our child's name and knew her parents had no control over her. With one parent tending a fire and one tending to dishes, there were times when no one was tending to Avonlea Jane enough. This led to her first truly bloody boo-boo of a bit lip. In the future, we know that two adults per child is not enough. Should we attempt to camp with a child under four again, more adults will need to be recruited to come along with us.

Avonlea Jane helping Daddy set up the tent on Friday

Avonlea Jane thought the tent was great fun when it was daylight, but she did not want to get in at night. We quickly learned that she was also terrified of flashlights; she would sob any time one of us turned on one. Here, Daddy is trying to calm her down with a story before bedtime. She was a little incredulous about the idea of actually sleeping in the tent.

Running to breakfast Saturday morning

Saturday afternoon the temperature was still warm, and we spent the morning out of the park. Before the other families joined us Saturday afternoon, we went to the Tamworth farmers' market to get produce for the weekend and then went to the Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm. We love county museums and were particularly thrilled that this one had so much for Avonlea Jane to enjoy.

The museum had two rooms just for kids Avonlea Jane's age, and she loved playing with this little wooden kitchen. This made us very happy, as it is the same one we're getting her for her second birthday.

She knew exactly what to do with the kitchen items. After taking a wooden egg, "cracking" it on the sink, and putting it in a pan, she offered, "Milk, Mommy." Afterward, she made Daddy a sandwich.

She absolutely loved the farm, and it was by far the highlight of our weekend. Many of the animals were at her height and safe to pet.

Looking at Shetland ponies

Hunting for pumpkins

Petting a very affectionate cow, who kept giving "cow kisses"

Avonlea Jane is looking down a well with Mommy. This photo is also the first evidence on the blog that we are in deed expecting a second child. We'll make an actual baby post at some point.

Running to look at more cows

Avonlea Jane and Caedmon sweeping a tent

Tent windows provided a lot of entertainment

Ready for her first campfire on Saturday night

Waking up to a chilly ~50 degrees on Sunday morning

Saying good morning to Violet

Putting Cad's doll down for a nap

Finally being contained in the Ergo

On Sunday afternoon, we went for a train ride on the Silver Lake Railroad in Madison, New Hampshire. It was definitely another highlight of the weekend. [Avonlea Jane, David, Erin, Caedmon, and Jared]

Avonlea Jane is very excited for the train ride to start and is excited to share this experience with her teddy bear, who never leaves the house.

The views from the train included a lot of marshland and several beaver dams.

Violet taking it easy on Monday morning

When packing up on Monday, Erin (Cad's mom) had the great idea of letting the two little ones drive the car while all of the adults were busy. This entertained them for nearly an hour. (Violet was content to sit and watch everyone pack up.)

Sharing a snack with Teddy
Below: Ready to finally go home on Monday

It was a shame the kids didn't get to swim in the lake, but when we got home Avonlea Jane started a new session of swim lessons. In her previous lessons, she was the only child, but now she's in a class of four. She's the only one under 2.5, but in her first lesson, she proved to be the only one who didn't cry.

Cad came over today and spent some time dancing with Avonlea Janein the study to Dan Zanes: