Sugaring

The kids and I went sugaring today at the Ipswich Audobon Sanctuary in Topsfield. It was a pretty decent day, very sunny and about mid 40’s. This is a gorgeous place with fields and old trees and stonewalls. Samantha and Joshua came with puddle boots because I know my children. Any mud in a 100 feet radius, and they are in it. There was plenty to be had today, what with all the snow melt. Unfortunately I only brought pants for Josh, but I am getting ahead of myself. We saw some chickadees in the bushes, tasted sap which is 97 % water, and saw a tractor. Yes, a tractor! Joshua was so excited! There was a huge field with lots of bluebird houses in it and the most incredible birdsong, almost overwhelming in its intensity. The birdsong was a most welcome change to my everyday sounds of children yelling and cars. Sam was a volunteer tree. A rather strapping, handsome young man demonstrated how to decide if a tree is old enough to sap or not, how to drill a hole in which direction, how to set the tap and what to do with the bucket. Sam answered some pretty complicated questions, and I am rather proud to say that another guest there today told me I had a very bright and sweet daughter. I said “thank you.” :-) We got to taste fresh maple syrup. I love the smell of the woodsmoke and the steam from the sap. Ahh. Early spring is here.

About 2/3 of the way through, Samantha found a really muddy spot and a little puddle. The mud was so thick, I thought she was going to lose her rainboot. It did stick a bit, and down she went. I saw the docent’s face go bright in shock, then turn to me waiting for the explosion. When I laughed, she was very surprised. I guess most people get pretty upset about dirt. I know from experience that Samantha will wash and she will be happier for the experience. Go Samantha! I think the other parents were a tad annoyed, though, because all the other kids wanted to check out the puddles and their parents wouldn’t let them. Sorry.

I did have to stop at the Rugged Bear and get her some pants to wear. And to get some snow pants on sale. What did I leave with? Two dresses, a skirt, and two flame covered shirts, one for Sam and one for Josh. Josh tried on all of Sam’s dresses. At one point, he looks in the mirror and says, am I beautiful? I say Yes! And handsome too. He was very happy. He also rips off his diaper in the changing room, thankfully not messy. He wanted to try on clothes! He demanded bright pink crocs, and wore Samantha's pink and orange dress out of the store, sans diaper. Yes, I can live dangerously. He was great with it. He did let me put a coat on him, thankfully, since he just had on a sundress. I didn't take pictures. Samantha found a special tea dress to wear for her tea party she just decided she had to have, just like the American Girl Samantha's tea party. We had a grand day out and enjoyed every minute!