Classic Pooh Party

I thought I would do something a little different and do a post about A's 1st birthday party. It was a ton of work but my favorite one to plan and execute. I had a ton of help from both Grandmothers thank goodness!
The party was a Classic Winnie the Pooh picnic. Most of the stuffed animals and other decorations was stolen from the girls' room. I bought the homey pops and honey straws from a local bee keeper Annie B. The confetti and gift tags came from Etsy. I think it came out pretty great!

My husband made the pin the tail on the Tigger game, which was a big hit! The cake was done by my cousin Shari Carley. The banner and balloons were found on Ebay.

Capron Park Zoo

Capron Park Zoo is an absolute gem. i feel really fortunate that we live close enough to take frequent trips. In recent years the zoo has added some really great new stuff. For instance, the new splash pad is awesome! It's big enough that lots of kids can have fun, but not so big that you lose track of your kids. There are low walls around the perimiter for parents to sit on and relax a bit. There are 2 little changing cubicles which is great, in case you are heding home and want to change out of your wet stuff. We always try to do the splash pad at the end of our trip, I always end up almost as soaked as the girls!
Capron also built a great lemur exhibit recently.  There is a long walkway out onto a small pond, and the Lemur's live on islands on either side of the walkway. There are a ton of ducks on the pond too, and bring quarters to buy some food to throw to the ducks! (you'll need quarters to get Llama food and for the small rides and carousel).
Capron Park is a small zoo, but there are many great animals to see. We really enjoy seeing the antics of the Otters, the Kangaroos and the Lions. Just outside the zoo itself there is a decent sized park with play structures for both big and little kids. I do wish the playground was fenced in, it's pretty open to traffic so you do have to keep a close eye on the kids. You can also bring a picnic, there's a ton of open lawn as well as some covered gazebos. There is a small concession stand that sells drinks and Ice Cream. As far as I know there is only one bathroom location, which is near the beginning of the zoo, so keep that in mind.
All in all, Capron Park Zoo is a great place to take the kids and spend a morning or afternoon. Admission is not too bad and it is well worth the price!

The pics are form different visits over the years, just to show you all the different things to do and see.

Briggs Nursery

Briggs Nursery is in North Attleboro and is a fun place to visit any time of the year. First of all, it has an enormous selection of plants and we have bought lots of veggie plants from them every spring. We also went to visit Santa there this year. The girls have fun looking at all the beautiful flowers and plants. They also have a very cute little playground complete with a train to climb on, slides, swings and more. They have some animals too, a donkey, a miniature horse, some chickens goats and a gigantic pig!  Be sure to bring some bread and carrots to feed the animals, they expect it! Before you hit the playground stop in at Brigg's excellent cafe for some coffee for the grown ups!

Buttonwood Park Zoo

Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford, MA is a wonderful small zoo. We have been there a few times and find it is perfect for an outing with younger kids. The walkways through the zoo are very wide which makes navigating strollers a breeze. There are plenty of animals to see, our favorites are the Elephants and the Horses. Of course you go to the zoo to see animals, but this zoo has some fun extras. There is a cute train that goes all through the zoo. There's also a gorgeous carousel and pony rides. Just be warned, you have to buy tickets for the rides ahead of time. You can easily visit Buttonwood in a morning or afternoon, which I think is perfect. You can be home in time for lunch and nap-time!

Easton Children's Museum

The Children's Museum in Easton, MA is a small but fun museum that is perfect for the 5 and under set.  I think it's best to go in the summer when they have their outdoor play area open. They have a nice garden area, as well as climbing structures and a very cool bubble tub. 
The inside is fun too, though. It is a former fire house that has been converted into a museum, so it's on the small side. On the first floor there is a dress up area complete with make up and a huge mirror. The second floor has a Doctors office with all sorts of doctor tools, a wheel chair and more. There's much more to explore at this museum, although I don't think there is too much to interest kids older than 5 or 6. Check out their site for info on camps, birthday parties and special programs.

Apple Picking!

There are many many places to pick apples around here. Of course the actual apple picking is only part of the experience of going to an orchard. It's got to be a nice cool day, not too many people, and maybe some other little attractions for the kids. One of our favorite places to go for all of this is Fairmount Fruit Farm in Franklin, MA. There are several great things about Fairmount Farm. Firstly, it is never packed with people like some places we've been. Also, they have many many varieties of apples including C's favorite, Honey Crisp. We love that you have to take a hay ride to the orchard, but you can get off the ride in wherever you want. As you ride there are signs showing you which type of apple (or pear) trees you are near. They have a cute little farm animal area with chickens, ducks, goats and sheep. You can buy food for the birds from a little machine, and there are Purell dispensers provided too. And lastly, they have a really awesome store. They sell tons of veggies, local honey, jams, pies, and even their own lamb.
So, when apple picking season rolls around again, consider this great little farm for a nice family excursion. We will definitely be going back!