Friday, July 30, 2010

Summer Fun--Botanical Gardens

A few weeks ago, I heard of a new Children's Garden opening about 1.5hrs from us.  Opening day activities included free admission, special events like facepainting and storytelling, a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring the governor's wife and a U.S. Senator, and the opportunity to explore a part of our state we had not been to before as a family.

They had me at free admission.

I made sure we arrived WELL after the ribbon-cutting ceremony...I didn't really think the governor's wife nor the senator would appreciate my many men chasing frogs and chickens while they were trying to address the audience (*ahem* You're welcome, Mrs. Baldacci!).

There was no way that I could take pictures of the many BEAUTIFUL and creative parts of the gardens...especially with 5 kids, a borrowed camera, and zero adult backup...I had one of those, "Hey, it's free, if y'all go crazy, I'll just leave and I'm not out any money" moments.  Luckily for them me, there was plenty to see and do, and lots of kodak moments.

The grounds, brickwork and buildings were absolutely STUNNING!  Many of the exhibits are based on Maine children's literature classics, such as Robert McCloskey's "Blueberries for Sal," which was a favorite of mine as a young girl...I remember coloring in the pages, as they only came in black/white.

The Lawn Maze
"I AM looking at you, Mama!"
The thermometer in front of them read 100 degrees. blech.
Ummm...I think we were being watched...
Teamwork!

I'd take a daisy over a rose anyday :)




What has two thumbs, a dinosaur tattoo, and has to pee?
This guy.
Whale spray...a great way to cool off!

Ashitoner
Gavster
LukeyBaby
Gradster, who had just fallen down and refused to smile for
or even look at the camera.  Punk.
Jakester







Stump Jump:  1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Checking out the bear cave.
CLOSING SHOTS:  JUST AFTER I SCOLDED THE ONE IN THE SLING (hence the non-existent smiley face) AND ANNOUNCED WE WERE LEAVING...
"Smile. No really, smile.  Yes, we're going home after this picture,
but you still have to smile. So, SMILE."
"No, not make bear noises, S-M-I-L-E."
"Seriously, I'd like to send a picture to your great grandparents."
"Ummm, thanks for the effort...pssssssh."
"Yeah, I'm ready to go now, too.  Mama needs a caramel frappe, STAT."

8 comments:

Unknown said...

First off, I really think you must have been smoking crack to venture off like that, but it really does look like fun.

Now what kind of meds are you taking?

litanyofbritt said...

Boys,boys everywhere! I really liked the lawn maze. I want that for my yard.

furygirl3132 said...

I am a new follower, Confessions of a Semi-Slacker Mom sent me. I look forward to reading more of your blog. Have a wonderful weekend!

Eloise
Mommy2TwoGirls
http://mommy2twogirls.blogspot.com/

Mandy said...

My hat is off to you. It's hard enough to make it to the grocery store that is around the corner with my three yahoos and here you are trekking 1.5 hours away with your FIVE. You are officially my hero.

Shell said...

Found you over on Semi-Slacker Mom- I have 3 little boys, so I'm surrounded by penises, too. LOL Your blog title cracks me up!

Looks like you had a fun day!

Jack Steiner said...

I grew up with four sisters and my mom. Surrounded by penises would have been much more fun.

Sandra said...

Totally following a blog called Surrounded by Penises! You are so clever, and your use of pornography within the title completely drew me in! I love you already!
Found you through Tracy over at Semi-Slacker Mom!

brandy-son Zen master flash said...

i love the title of you blog I am suggesting this to my BFF she is the only girl in her house too

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