Monday, October 17, 2016

What's Happening the Third Week of October?: Fall festivals, Costumes and Masks

Monday -10/17/16
  • Pumpkin Picking or Apple Picking
    • See two weeks  ago " What's happening the First week of October?" 
  • Leaf Peeping Locations
    • See Last week " What's happening the second week of October?" 
Tuesday- 10/18/16
  • Maine Cloth Diaper Co.
    • Mommy and Me Low Impact Cardio Fitness
      • 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
      • $12 drop-in fee
      • Bring Slings, Wraps or Carriers for your Little ones! 
  • Maine Discovery Museum 
    • Science Detectives
      • 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday- 10/19/16
  • Maine Discovery Museum
    • Glittery Spider Webs
      • 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 
      • Ages 2+
  • My Only Sunshine Motherhood Services
    • Mommy and Me Tea Time and Play
      • 11 a.m. to Noon
  • ABC TV ( I don't normally include TV shows, but this is a special classic on public TV)
    • " It's The Great Pumpkin ,Charlie Brown"
      • 8 p.m.
    • "Toy Story Terror" Disney Pixar
      • 8:30 p.m.
Thursday- 10/20/16
  • Maine Cloth Diaper Co.
    • 4th Trimester Tribe 
      • 10:30 --free
  • Maine Discovery Museum
    • Nature Time
      • 11:00 to 11:30
      • Ages 3+
  • Orrington Public Library 
    • Science Club
      • 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday- 10/21/16
  • Maine Discovery Museum 
    • Clay Play
      • 11:00 to 11:30
      • ages 2 + 
    Saturday- 10/22/16
    • Maine Discovery Museum 
      • Cuddle Monsters
        • 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
        • 3+y 
    • Belfast Moosehead Railroad 
      • Belfast Location
        • Cider and Donuts Train Ride
          • 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
          • $17 Adults
          • $8 children ages 3-12
          • Under 3 for free if they don't take up a seat
        • Fall Foliage Train ride 
          • 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
          • Same prices as above
    • Creative Arts Center - Brewer
      • Kids Classes
        • 9 a.m. to Noon
    • Town of Bucksport and Waterfront
      • Ghostport
        • Trunk-or-Treat
          • 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
        • Alamo Thearter
          • Halloween Movies for Kids
            • 4:30 p.m.
        • Craft tent
          • 10:30 to 4:00 p.m.
        • Costume Parade 
          • 8:00 a.m.
    Sunday- 10/16/16

    • Maine Discovery Museum
      • Tarantulas 
        • 2p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
        • 3+
    • Belfast Moosehead Railroad 
      • Belfast Location
        • Cider and Donuts Train Ride
          • 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
          • $17 Adults
          • $8 children ages 3-12
          • Under 3 for free if they don't take up a seat
        • Fall Foliage Train ride 
          • 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
          • Same prices as above

    Friday, October 14, 2016

    Rachel's Pick of the Week: Chimney Pond Trail



    First off I will admit, I have not done this trail since I had the kids. However, I will tell you I have done this hike at least a dozen times and have seen families hiking this. When I was college daydreaming about what my family would do on our weekends this was on my list seeing others families do this with young children. I will admit, my daughter has some impressive gross motor skills so this will require some assistance. But, after seeing her on Great Pond Mountain and Eagle Bluff I think if we take our time and rest frequently we would could make a good day of hiking. I am lucky that my husband is superman and would carry her in a carrier for 2 miles if need be. However, I believe she can at least make it half way up to Chimney Pond. We do a lot of urban hiking in our town and make good use of our local land trusts. The reason I am choosing this location is because of the foliage this time of year in Millinocket. This is considered moderate for hiking, it's the only trail on Katahdin that is deemed less than strenuous.

    My suggestions are to bring extra water, lots of snacks , one day pack with first aid kit, charged cell phone and backpack carrier for child. If I were to talk my husband into this trip he would also insist on extra set of socks and shoes in your day pack and again in our trunk. I always find myself super exhausted on my way home. We had a designated driver one time I hikes chimney pond, cathedral and saddle. Just an idea for the leaf peeping season :)

    Thursday, October 13, 2016

    Family Friendly Restaurant Ratings: Governors Old Town

    Here are our guidelines and how we will be rating:


    1. High chairs and booster  seats
    2. Have food the kiddos will eat 
    3. Entertainment for said child  ( coloring books, toys, puzzles, etc.)
    4. Changing tables in both restroom areas for both parents  
    5. Atmosphere that is child friendly 
    6. Affordability
    7. Child friendly staff
    8. Kids Cups
    9. Breastfeeding friendly
    10. Out of the way extras for kids


    So I will slowly be adding places to this rating list based on these parameters and expectations. We do not count promptness of service for a number of reasons. Mostly because if they busy they are busy and you can't do much about that.


    In Maine I am pretty sure this is hands down the most family friendly franchise and here is why. Governors goes out of their way to make this a kid friendly place. The have a kids menu and breakfast lunch and dinner, high chairs, booster seats and infant car seat stand alone bases. For entertainment they have coloring pages and lego for in the booth, a train that runs throughout the restaurant and steps leading up to a fish tank filled with tropical fish. There are changing table in both restrooms and in the ladies room they have a comfy chair for nursing. The prices are more expensive than say Pat's ( see two posts prior), but if you go on a special day it can be affordable. Also, if you frequent the chain you can get a Govenors card and get points toward a free meal. All of the staff are friendly to kids and make you feel welcome. Kids cups can be taken home after the visit. Thursday nights are "family night" from 4-8 p.m. these are themed nights with $.99 meals for kids under 10. 






    Wednesday, October 12, 2016

    Homebound Activities: Blanket Forts

    My husband and daughter are crazy when it comes to blanket forts. Before our son was born I would come home from a full days work to an extravagant fort. We are talking every piece of furniture rearranged, stand alone baby gates, bean bags, pillows and flashlights throughout the entire thing.  With the warm weather fading, the sun going down sooner and chilly nights we have been making some to play rounds of Uno ( a great game to learn numbers and colors for little ones) under. There is just something special about getting snuggled up in a cozy area in the house.

    As far as making a blanket fort you really don't need much. We use sheets and blankets from our linen closet, some ingenuity, knowledge of basic structural design and a great imagination. The older sheets that are stretched and faded are great for this. We find our "go-to" structure usually consists of the dinning room table chairs and stools around the house with a broom or swiffer sweeper in the center to hold up the blankets higher than the rest. Books ( text books especially) tend to be great weights to keep the blankets in tact. When I was growing up we would also use my bunk bed at my house and the dining table  or desk at my Nana's house.

    I am not joking when I say this will keep your kids entertained for the whole day. We once left ours up for a week. It was an eye sore and we were embarrassed to have people over, but hours for a busy toddler well spent. She ate a "picnic lunch" in there, played games, did puzzles, made believe (played house and kitchen) and played hide-and-go-seek. It's worth the hassle I promise!


    Sunday, October 9, 2016

    What's Happening the Second week of October? : Leaf Peeping

    Living in Maine, we have the luxury of being in one of the greatest places for leaf peeping. People actually take their vacation time and travel here just to leaf peep for a week. Leaf peeping is really a thing. I feel as though it's something as Mainers we shouldn't take for granted. In the last pick of the week post, I mentioned Billy and I love hiking this time of year and the leaves are exactly why. Not just the beauty of them, but there is something about the sound of walking through them and smell if you don't know what I am talking about then I can't help you there. Since this is important to us we feel we need to share this with our children ( and yours). October is prime time for leaf peeping in Maine and you can check for leaf changing patterns on line for idea locations and times. So we will include a few great places to get into the woods and enjoy the great outdoors! As far as events are concerned they are looking a little spars this week. The Bangor/ Orono Bog walk is closing this week on the 15th so be sure to make it out before it's no longer an option :)



    Monday -10/10/16
    • Pumpkin Picking or Apple Picking
      • See last week " What's happening the First week of October?" 
    • Leaf Peeping Locations
      • Bangor/Orono City Forest
      • Hirundo Wildlife Refuge - Old Town
      • Fields Pond Nature Center- Holden
      • Eagles Bluff - Clifton ( see " Billy's Pick of the Week" last week)
      • Chick Hill- Eddington
      • Great Pond Mountain- (See " weekly picks!" 7/4/16)
    • Maine Discovery Museum
      • Sailboats, Maps and Compasses 
        • 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
    Tuesday- 10/11/16
    • Maine Cloth Diaper Co.
      • Mommy and Me Low Impact Cardio Fitness
        • 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
        • $12 drop-in fee
        • Bring Slings, Wraps or Carriers for your Little ones! 
    • Belfast Free Library
      • Relief Print Making for Kids
        • 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
    Wednesday- 10/12/16
    • Maine Discovery Museum
      • Pumpkin Spice Finger Paint
        • 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 
        • Ages 2+
    • Thomas Hill Standpipe Tour
      • 3p.m. to 6 p.m. 
      • Free and family friendly
    • 6th Annual Lincoln Walk to End Abuse
      • Clothes Line Project & Children Activities
        • 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
      • Walk and Candlelight Vigil
        • 5:00 to 6:30
    Thursday- 10/13/16
    • Maine Cloth Diaper Co.
      • 4th Trimester Tribe 
        • 10:30 --free
    • Maine Discovery Museum
      • Nature Time
        • 11:00 to 11:30
        • Ages 3+

    Friday- 10/14/16
    • Maine Cloth Diaper Co.
      • Fine Motor Play
        • 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
        • $12 drop-in fee
    • Maine Discovery Museum 
      • Clay Play
        • 11:00 to 11:30
        • ages 2 + 
    • Blue Hill Public Library
      • Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers
        • "The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow"
        • 6 p.m. 
      Saturday- 10/15/16
      • Maine Discovery Museum 
        • Painted Pumpkins
          • 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
          • 3+y 
      • Belfast Moosehead Railroad 
        • Belfast Location
          • Cider and Donuts Train Ride
            • 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
            • $17 Adults
            • $8 children ages 3-12
            • Under 3 for free if they don't take up a seat
          • Fall Foliage Train ride 
            • 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
            • Same prices as above
      • Belfast Free Library
        • Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers
          • "The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow"
          • 4 p.m.
      • Creative Arts Center - Brewer
        • Kids Classes
          • 9 a.m. to Noon
      Sunday- 10/16/16

      • Maine Discovery Museum
        • Halloween Masks and Make-Up
          • 2p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
          • 3+
        • My Day to Play
          • For children on the Autism Spectrum and family
          • 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
          • $4.50/ family -- workers or aids included. 
      • Belfast Moosehead Railroad 
        • Belfast Location
          • Cider and Donuts Train Ride
            • 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
            • $17 Adults
            • $8 children ages 3-12
            • Under 3 for free if they don't take up a seat
          • Fall Foliage Train ride 
            • 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
            • Same prices as above
        • Unity Location
          • Fall Foliage Motor Car Rides
            • 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
            • 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. 
            • 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
            • $10 general admission suggested donation





      Friday, October 7, 2016

      Family Friendly Restaurant Ratings: Verve

      Here are our guidelines and how we will be rating:


      1. High chairs and booster  seats
      2. Have food the kiddos will eat 
      3. Entertainment for said child  ( coloring books, toys, puzzles, etc.)
      4. Changing tables in both restroom areas for both parents  
      5. Atmosphere that is child friendly 
      6. Affordability
      7. Child friendly staff
      8. Kids Cups
      9. Breastfeeding friendly
      10. Out of the way extras for kids


      So I will slowly be adding places to this rating list based on these parameters and expectations. We do not count promptness of service for a number of reasons. Mostly because if they busy they are busy and you can't do much about that.





      Verve is a great place for kids -- at least the one in Orono is. I have not been to the Bangor location with my toddler. There are two high chairs for kids and a table that used to have arcade games that the kids love. There are comfy chairs and couches with kids books as well. I know my daughter just enjoys going up and down the three steps from the lower space to the upper space where the couches are.  The staff always love the kids and never complain about high energy. I know that the owners personally and I am almost positive they have no problems with breastfeeding I want to say 98%. They don't have anything that is extra kid friendly aside from the neat arcade table. The meals can be affordable as long as you aren't stacking on the ingredients and getting tons of extras . I am guilty of all of those things  might I add (I am a sucker for the smoothies, cookies and chips) and they have cups with covers and straws for kids.  Overall, we love Verve and bring our kids on play dates to Verve for a quick bite to eat before a concert in the park or library pajama story hours. The kids get excited to go and so do the parents the food is healthy and for you and you don't get the sluggish feeling after eating there. That is why Verve gets a such a super high rating in our book. 10 out of 10

      Thursday, October 6, 2016

      Billy's Pick of The Week: Eagles Bluff








      Our Family loves to go hiking when the air gets crisp and the leaves start to change! Eagles bluff is an easy to moderate hike found in Clifton depending on how you go about it.Billy being local to the Milford, Eddington, Clifton area knew exactly where this was. However, funny story, our freshman year in college a dear friend and I went in search of this beauty. We got lost in Enfield( a few wrong turns in the opposite direction). However, with proper guidance and support  ( wink wink) you can make it in one piece with the directions provided below. As you can see when the leaves change it is a great view , although a lot of webpages have stated there have been car break-ins and to not leave valuables in your car! Lucky for us we have a toddler trashed car that we'd be lucky to find anything valuable in ( as well as a car alarm for the Curious George and Daniel Tigers Neighborhood Soundtacks). There is a relatively steep trail to the summit, however there is also an easier trail around the base of the cliffs that can be walked with little ones.
      Just a friendly reminder, when hiking, make sure to follow orange and blue markers ( they are marked for a reason). Also, make sure everyone has proper footwear. I have been hiking with friends in the past that don't make a habit of it and have worn new shoes or street shoes. 
       I suggest cross trainer sneakers, hiking shoes or boots (in the summer we wear our Keen sandals). I also suggest a carrier if you have toddlers we use our Ergo with our two year old, she usually sleeps post summit ( on our way down).Also, this time of year watch out for the acorns. The average hike to the summit takes about an hour without our toddlers, but you can spend much longer exploring the trails or taking breaks as the case may be. To reach the summit, take the first trail on your left after the "posted"gated road (driving South on Route 180) and bear left. When you come to another intersection, bear left again. If you prefer to hike a loop around the cliffs ( which is suggested for the very young child in the group), which also has great outlooks, then veer right. Some trails intersect and there is no signage. I would plan 4 hours even though it is estimated an hour by yourself. Also, the overly cautious mother in me is about to come out ... don't forget a first aid kit, lots of water and back-up supplies. I know it's just a small tiny hike, but better safe than sorry :)

      How do you get there? Great question that I can answer! At the intersection of Route 9 and Route 180 in Clifton, Maine, turn onto Route 180 and drive 2.5 miles until you see three unmarked trailheads on the left. The trailheads should begin right after a gated dirt drive. If you reach Springy Pond Road, a dirt road on your right, you’ve driven a few hundred feet too far. Happy and safe hiking everyone!

      Tuesday, October 4, 2016

      Homebound Activities: Play Dough

      At our house I try to make a fresh batch of play dough every 4 weeks or so we might play with it once or twice a week. My daughter likes to use it for imaginary play. She loves to use cookie cutters, beads, buttons, silicone cupcake holder and rolling pins to make believe is a cook or a fairy in the woods or sometimes I am not even sure what. She loves the feeling of it and the smell. We use Kool-aid to make play dough at our house. We have a stock pile of packets in our cupboard and we just let her pick a flavor that we turn into play dough. We haven't made a batch since we moved and had the new baby, but I believe it is high time!

      Here is the recipe!


      • 1 cup all purpose flour
      • 1/4 cup salt
      • 1 Tbsp. cream of tartar
      • 1 envelope kool-aid unsweetened soft drink mix
      • 1 cup water
      • 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
      1. Mix flour, salt, cream of tartar and soft drink mix in a medium sauce pan. Stir in water and oil. Stir over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until mixture forms a ball in the center of the pan
      2. Remove to a floured surface and knead for one minute
      3. Store in a plastic bag or airtight container in the refrigerator. 





      Saturday, October 1, 2016

      What's Happening the first week of October?: Apple Picking, Pumpkin Picking and More!

      October by far is one of my favorite months! The air gets crisp, apple and pumpkin picking, leaf peeping, ideal hiking conditions and of course Halloween. I am putting pumpkin patches in this post because a freeze is near and ideally one wants to get their pumpkins picked prior to a freeze! Since Monday's always have little to no events I will be posting pumpkin pickings there. I am only including in field picking since most places you can get already picked this time of year. I included pictures of the places we have been the past five years with our family.

      Monday-10/3/16

      • Burgess Farm
        • Pumpkin Picking 
          • 17 Burgess Rd. Newport, Maine
          • 207-368-5765
      • Conant Orchards
        • Apple Picking, Corn Stalks, Pre-Picked Pumpkins and Tractor Rides
          • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
          • 729 Stage Rd. Etna, Maine
          • 207-269-2241



      • Elwell Organic Orchard
        • Apple Picking and Pears
          • 50 Elwell Rd. Monroe, Maine
          • 207-525-3130
      • Gray Farm
        • Pumpkin Picking- by Appointment 
          • 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. July- October
          • Route 222 Newport, Maine
          • 207-278-2415
      • Harris Apple Orchard
        • Apple Picking
          • Wisewell rd. Brewer, Maine
          • 207-989-3435
      • Hillcrest Farm
        • Apple Picking
          • 560 Main Rd. Winterport, Maine
          • 207-223-4416 
      • Maine-ly Apples
        • Apple Picking, Corn Stalks and Pumpkins of All Sizes
          • 372 Moosehead Trail, Dixmont, Maine
          • 207-234-2043
      • Mildel Farm
        • Apple Picking and Pears
          • 1348 Moosehead Trail, Plymouth, Maine
          • 207-257-2514
      • Mullis Orchard
        • Apple Picking,Pears, Corn, Decorative Gourds and Tractor Rides

          • Two miles north of Corinna on Route 7, Dexter Road, Corrina , Maine
          • 207-278-3704
      • North Chester Orchard
        • Apple Picking
          • 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. MOnday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m. Sunday
          • 460 North Chester Road, Chester, Maine
          • 207-794-3547
      • Robinson Orchard
        • Apple and Pear Picking 
          • 516 Lincoln rd., Enfield, Maine
          • 207-732-4346
      • Rocky Ridge 
        • Pumpkin Picking- call ahead after Septemeber 
          • 22 Marsh Rd, one mile east of Corinth off the Hudson Rd. ( route 43) Corinth, Maine
          • 207-285-7764
      • Rollin's Orchard
        • Apple Picking
          • 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday- Saturday Noon-6 p.m. Sunday
          • 287 Dexter Rd. Garland, Maine
          • 207-924-3504
      • Sullivan's Apple Orchard 
        • Apple Picking and pre-picked Pumpkins 
          • 356 Puddledock rd. Charleston, Maine
          • 207-285-3572




      • Tates ( Next door to Sullivan's Apple Orchard)
        • Pumpkin Picking
        • 136 Puddledock rd.  East Corinth, Maine
        • 207-285-3410
      • Thunder Road Corn Maze
        • Pumpkin Picking, Hay Rides , Cow Train and Corn Maze
          • Route 7, Corrina, Maine
          • 207-278-Corn
      • Treworgy Family Orchards 
        • Pumpkin Picking, Corn Maze, Petting Zoo, Hayrides and Apple Picking
          • 3876 Union st, Levant, Maine
          • 207-884-8354






      • Wights Apple Orchard
        • Apple Picking
          • 871 State Route 46, Bucksport, Maine
          • 207-469-3773

      17 Burgess Road, Newport , ME 04953
      Read more at http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/MEpnc.php#5JPyWXwWLlWhr34j.99

      Tuesday- 10/4/16

      • Maine Discovery Museum
        • Science Detectives 
          • 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
          • 2+
      • Maine Cloth Diaper Co.
        • Mommy and Me Low-Impact Cardio Fitness
          • 10:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
          • $12 drop-in fee


      Wednesday-10/5/16

      • Orrington Public Library
        • Kids Crafting
          • 3:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. 
      • Maine Discovery Museum
        • Messy Art: Fall Tree
          • 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.


      Thursday- 10/6/16

      • Maine Discovery Museum
        • Nature Time 
          • 11:00 to 11:30
      • Orrington Public Library
        • Science Cub
          • 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
      • Bangor Waterfront
        • Family Solar System Walk
          • 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
          • Donations welcome
          • Rain date 10/7/16


      Friday- 10/7/16

      • My Only Sunshine Motherhood Services
        • Sibling Bonding Time
          • 296 Main St, Lincoln, Maine
          • 10:00 a.m. to Noon
      • Maine Discovery Museum 
        • Ready Readers
          • 10:15 to 10:45
        • Clay Play
          • 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
      • Musikgarten Fall Session for Young Children
        • Fall -- Cycle of Seasons
          • 540 Essex St. Bangor, Maine
          • $35 for 6 weeks
          • 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
      • Central Street Farm House 
        • Bring Your Own Apples Cider Pressing
          • 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
      • Bangor Drive-In Movies 
        • Movies TBA ( may not be appropriate for kids)
      • Belfast Flying Shoes Contra Dance
        • 6:30p.m. to 11 p.m.
        • $1 kids
        • $2 adults


      Saturday-10/8/16

      • Maine Discovery Museum 
        • Leaf Crowns
          • 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
      • Milo Elementary School
        • Color Milo Fun Run/Walk 5k
          • 8a.m. - TBA
          • Not timed or a race 
      • Ring Farm Family Day
        • 1833 Hill Rd., Cannan, Maine
        • 9 a..m. to 4 p.m.
        • All proceeds go to Make A WIsh Foundation
      • Sam's Club-Bangor
        • Trunk-or-Treat
          • Decorate your Trunk and dress up
          • $5 admission per child
      • Simpson Memorial Library
        • Children and Baby Story Time
          • 8 Plymouth rd. Carmel, Maine
          • 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
      • 4th Annual Sidekick Stroll
        • Gazebo Main st. Lincoln, Maine
        • 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
        • $5 per person or $10 a family
        • Dogs walk for free
      • Belfast Moosehead Railroad 
        • Cider and Donuts Train Ride
          • 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
          • $17 Adults
          • $8 children ages 3-12
          • Under 3 for free if they don't take up a seat
        • Fall Foliage Train ride 
          • 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
          • Same prices as above
      • Creative Arts Center - Brewer
        • Kids Classes
          • 9 a.m. to Noon
      • Belfast Area Farm & Arts Fall Tour 
        • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 


    • Bangor Drive-In Movies 
        • Movies TBA ( may not be appropriate for kids)

      Sunday- 10/9/16

      • Maine Discovery Museum
        • Acorn Jewelry
          • 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
      • Belfast Moosehead Railroad 
        • Cider and Donuts Train Ride
          • 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
          • $17 Adults
          • $8 children ages 3-12
          • Under 3 for free if they don't take up a seat
        • Fall Foliage Train ride 
          • 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
          • Same prices as above

      Tuesday, September 27, 2016

      Homebound Activities: Making Bread!

      Since we are in Maine and winter is coming I figured I would also post fun things to do with your kiddos indoors when you just feel like staying indoors. I know it's super tempting to throw on a movie and popcorn to snuggle on the couch. From personal experience very time I do that I feel like crud. Who is really benefitting from this experience in the long run?  Since I have been home on leave I have been spending A LOT  with the two IN the house. All of this time indoors brought me back tot he days when I was with my Grandmother at her house and the things I would do with her.

      We, my daughter and I, have started a weekly tradition of making breads. Since most of the time the recipes make two loafs we have been giving a loaf to friends that means a lot to us. I feel this works on so many skills and teaches her a lot. We do math (counting when adding ingredients), fine motor and gross motor skills ( scooping, pouring, leveling and mixing), sensory ( kneading the dough), science (watching it proof and raise) and social skills ( delivering to people we care about/ thinking of others). This does make a mess, again cleaning up is a learning opportunity as well! Below is the recipe we use and it's an idea to teach your children to give!

      Wheat Bread Recipe


      • 1 Tbs. dry yeast
      • 3 1/2 cups warm water ( 110- 115 degrees)
      • 1 Tbs. raw sugar
      • 2 tsp. salt 
      • 8-9 cups whole wheat flour
      Grease two large loaf pans (9 x 5 x 2 3/4)

      Pour water into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle yeast over it. Wait at least 5 minutes before it completely dissolves. Add sugar, salt and 4 cups of flour. Stir well ( I use this as an chance to practice our counting too). Continue stirring and adding flour, a little at a time, until dough becomes stiff and pulls away from the side of the bowl.

      Turn the dough out on a floured board and knead for 5-7 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

      Divide dough into two equal parts, shape and place in bread pans. Cover with a clean dish towel and allow to rise in a warm spot until it doubles in bulk.

      Pre-heat oven at 350 degrees

      Bake for 40-45 minutes or until done

      What we do with the left over flour and dough remains is add a little water and let our daughter play with the dough. She usually asks to add spices, I may let her and let her sniff them and tell her what she is smelling. Sometimes she brings it to her play kitchen and bakes her own bread or put the dough in cupcake holders and makes "cupcakes". I let her be creative with it and have fun. She always get excited about delivering the bread to friends and I always feel good knowing how excited she gets to share our work with people we care about. Building community is so important to us and being able to give back to folks. I know we have one neighbor that gave us some of her surplus tomatoes she didn't know what to do with and she is next on our list :) 

      Monday, September 26, 2016

      What's Happening the last week of September?

      I feel bad because this is my weekly "big post" and I've severely neglected them for almost a month and a half now. I am sorry to folks that look forward to my posts! Having four huge transitions all within that span made this a rough time to continue with the blog. In the meantime, I hope some of our past posts inspired ideas and got folks out and about!

      Tuesday -9/27/16

      • Maine Discovery Museum
        • Science Detectives 
          • 11:00 to 11:30
          • Ages 2+

      • Maine Cloth Diaper Co.
        • Mommy and Me Low Impact Cardio Fitness
          • 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
          • $12 drop-in fee
          • Bring Slings, Wraps or Carriers for your Little ones! 
        • Music With Miss Julie
          • Free at 10:30 a.m. 


      Wednesday- 9/28/16

      • Maine Discovery Museum
        • Bendy Sculptures
          • 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 
          • Ages 2+
      • Nocternem Draft Haus
        • Toddler Tap Takeover
          • 5pm to 7 pm

      Thursday- 9/29/16
      • Maine Cloth Diaper Co.
        • 4th Trimester Tribe 
          • 10:30 --free
      • Maine Discovery Museum
        • Nature Time
          • 11:00 to 11:30
          • Ages 3+

      Friday- 9/30/16
      • Maine Cloth Diaper Co.
        • Fine Motor Play
          • 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
          • $10 drop-in fee
        • September Tree and Hand Prints
          • 12:00 to 6 p..m. 
          • $5 paper craft
          • $10 canvas craft
      • Maine Discovery Museum 
        • Clay Play
          • 11:00 to 11:30
          • ages 2 + 
      Saturday- 10/1/16
      • Maine Discovery Museum 
        • Leaf Luminaries
          • 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
          • 3+
      • Boothbay Railway Village
        • Family Harvest Days
          • 10a.m. - 5 p.m.
          • $12 adults
          • $6 ages 3-18
          • Free for 3 and under
          • Well behaved four legged friends welcome
      • Leonards Mills - Bradley , Maine
        • Living History Days
          • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
          • $10 adults
          • $5 kids
          • 20% discount with proof of Bradley residency

      • Curran Homestead Living History Farm and Museum 
        • Fall Harvest Festival
          • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
          • $9 Adults
          • Free for kids under 12
      • Brewer Preforming Arts Center
        • Rick Charette and The Bubblegum Band
          • 2 p.m. 
          • $12 Adults
          • $8 ages 4-12
          • $8 students/ seniors/ military 
      Sunday- 10/2/16

      • Maine Discovery Museum
        • All Ears for Animals 
          • 2p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
          • 3+
        • My Day to Play
          • For children on the Autism Spectrum and family
          • 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
          • $4.50/ family -- workers or aids included. 
      • Boothbay Railway Village
        • Family Harvest Days
          • 10a.m. - 5 p.m.
          • $12 adults
          • $6 ages 3-18
          • Free for 3 and under
          • Well behaved four legged friends welcome
      • Leonards Mills - Bradley , Maine
        • Living History Days
          • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
          • $10 adults
          • $5 kids
          • 20% discount with proof of Bradley residency