what do the 1830's, play doh & amoxicillin have in common?

They all played a huge role in our first week unplugged. Last Monday, the littles and I spent a gorgeous Spring day- seriously, the weather couldn't have been more perfect- at Old Sturbridge Village. A local (ish) living museum that invites you in to the daily workings of an 1830's rural Massachusetts village. The girls loved it and absorbed much more information than I thought they would. That was especially evident at the end of the day, when we stopped so that they could "play" in the "play area" (playhouse-sized replicas of the village- complete with dress up clothes and detailed props!). The authentic details of their "play" were amazing to watch, as they acted out a day and night as an 1830's family with another set of children who were already playing when we got there.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, I progressively felt worse and worse as the girls amused themselves with no less than 24 cans of Play-Doh and a box of toothpicks. Thursday afternoon I caved and went to the doctor's where I was put on amoxicillin for strep throat. The next few days are a blur as I spent most of them sleeping (Thank God it is John's slow season, as he was able- and willing!- to pick up all of the parenting slack). All I know is I awoke Sunday morning to breakfast in bed, an array of thoughtful and fun gifts and the smiling faces of my family. I love my life!

As for us adults? Falling asleep without a TV on was extremely hard for me. Much harder than going completely without a TV was for the girls. That was an eyeopener! We have spent a lot of time alternating between buying things for the new house and lamenting how longggg of a wait it is until we close. :) John and I both started reading ALWAYS LOOKING UP by Michael J. Fox, an interesting read about the past ten years of his life. I have also started researching private schools as a possible option for the littles next Fall- Shaye has been expressing an interest in going back to school, "if they can teach me stuff I don't know". That's a big if in the lower levels of our public school's system. We'll see, for now I'm just looking in to all of our options. And- right this minute- we are headed outside with a 52 count box of Crayola sidewalk chalk.