Phase 3: Connecticut & Massachusetts

After leaving Rhode Island (in the rain) we enjoyed a leisurely, scenic drive through CT to Brian and Amanda's new home. We passed through so many "Victorianesque" towns where textile mills used to flourish. Some towns have maintained the mills and found other uses for them, while many are just run down eyesores.
We happened upon this mill in the quaint town of Willimantic. The mill used to be the largest producer of silk thread. It's made of granite and is absolutely magnificent. From what we could tell, it currently houses offices, condos and a local college of some sort.

We arrived at the Thompson's finally! They have moved into a lovely home on a beautiful quiet street. Just down the road is a cute little pond complete with turtles and ducks! We were all so excited to see Cal...he is just the cutest little boy EVER!

While Brian and Amanda had some errands to run we jumped at the chance to have Cal all to ourselves for the afternoon. Tony had fun playing in the rocks with him. He is such a curious little fellow and is delighted by all the new things he sees.

Cal enjoyed being pushed/pulled around in his big Tonka truck by uncle Chris. Sorry Tony, you're too big!

Oooooooo....look at the little stick!!!! They are going to have so much fun with Cal exploring their new surroundings.

The next day we ventured up to MA and the Yankee Candle Store/Factory. It was a very impressive complex with lots of fun shopping, beautiful gardens and a delicious restaurant where we ate lunch on the patio. The kids had fun buying candles....Tony chose chocolate cupcake, Livie picked watermelon and I went with vanilla caramel.

By this point in our trip our selection of clothing was getting slim...by SHEER COINCIDENCE we all ended up dressed alike. Good time to take some family photos...Christmas card picture, check!

Managed to snap one of our hosts as well...although Cal is hard to capture as he is so busy!

Cal did a great job balancing on top of the cow for this picture....

After Yankee Candle we ventured up Sugarloaf Mountain. The views were positively breathtaking. Everything is so lush and green. Can you imagine the view in the Fall???

On our way back we took a detour through Springfield, MA to the Dr. Seuss Memorial Sculpture Garden. It was a neat little attraction to see.

Thing 1, Thing 2, Thing 3 and Thing 4.

Brian loaned us his GPS for the rental car. We named her "CHARLENE." Good 'ol Char was a lifesaver and we had lots of fun at her expense. The kids and I enjoyed each time Chris chose not to listen to her and she scolded him by saying "recalculating" over and over. Chris dubbed her the perfect woman because she had a mute button. Chris is hoping Santa will bring him his own Charlene for Christmas...

We really enjoyed getting to see where Brian and Amanda live. They have chosen a wonderful home and I'm certain they will be happy there. We managed to help them with a few projects around the house and they are very close to being all moved in. The kids really enjoyed their time with Cal. He and Tony were instant buds....I love this picture of Tony reading to Cal, so sweet. He's such an easy going kid and all of us were glad to have the chance to get to know him better. Thanks for great visit BATACTCAT! We miss you!

That's it, the party is over. We had a fun and busy vacation and look forward to what the rest of the summer has in store!