Is it just me….or does that look like a whale in a tree?
Author: Nichole S.
“Improve Your Dad Brand”
Are minivans the new Dad Mobile? Maybe.
The all new Chrysler Pacifica is going strong by using comedian, Jim Gaffigan, in their latest series of commercials. Pretty funny, and kind of brilliant, if you ask me.
Comedian Jim Gaffigan essentially became famous making jokes about fatherhood and the qualms that come along with it, making him the perfect candidate to sell the all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica to skeptical dads all over North America.
In Chrysler’s first official TV spot for the Pacifica, Gaffigan explains how the minivan is ‘great for your dad brand.’ He makes a good point, seeing as the minivan has for years now been the go-to vehicle for families and the 2017 Pacifica is the safest and most well-equipped Chrysler minivan to date.
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
Nichole’s Picks 5/14 + 5/15
Pick #1: Gloucester Public Schools Art Festival
Saturday, May 14th
The Gloucester Public Schools Art Festival is here! Join us for a free day-long celebration of art, music, dance and theater. Amazing artwork by Gloucester’s pre-K-12 students will be on display and performances will take place all day. We’ll even have a group art project taking place in the Cape Ann Museum Courtyard. Don’t miss this fun, family event for all ages.When: Saturday, May 14, 2016 10:30am – 3:30pmLocation: Downtown Gloucester – Sawyer Free Library, City Hall, Cape Ann Museum, The Hive, Pleasant Street Tea Co. & Toodeloos!
Pick #2: Annual Long Hill Plant Sale
Saturday, May 14
10AM-1PM, Open to Members at 9am FREE
Head to Long Hill for the annual plant sale. You’ll find a great selection of unusual plants and old favorites including Tulip Tree, Japanese Snowbell, Dove Tree, and more! Choose from hundreds of perennials including many natives, and specialties of Long Hill. Horticultural experts will be on hand to answer your gardening questions. There will also be a silent auction of unique plants.
The sale opens at 10am to the public. If you’re a Trustees member join us at 9am for first pick of the sale. Not a member? Join on site at 9am.
The event is rain or shine.
Pick #3: Boston Bubble Festival
Saturday, May 14th 11:00-2:00 Boston Commons
The air will be filled with fun as Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department bring the first-ever Boston Bubble Festival to Boston Common on Saturday, May 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Building on the popularity of “Bubble Guy” Jim Dichter’s presentations at previous Parks Department children’s events, the Boston Bubble Festival will offer free outdoor activities in and around the historic Parkman Bandstand at 167 Tremont Street.
“Children have always loved playing with the bubbles at our festivals in Franklin Park so we decided to dedicate a day to this fun activity and bring it downtown to Boston Common,” Boston Parks Commissioner Chris Cook said.
The celebration will include giant floating bubble demonstrations, “make your own bubbles” stations, exploration of the science of bubbles with the Museum of Science Boston, an appearance by The Inventor Mentor (www.inventormentor.org), children’s fitness activities, and entertainment from a DJ, juggler, and magician.
The Boston Bubble Festival is presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department with sponsors Uncle Bubble, Massachusetts WIC Nutrition Program, Fisher College, HP Hood LLC, Disney’s “Alice Through The Looking Glass,” Disney-Pixar’s “Finding Dory,” Columbia Pictures’ “The Angry Birds,” and partners Magic 106.7, WERS-FM, and “Bubble Guy” Jim Dichter.
For more information, please call the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at (617) 635-4505, visit http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks or go to http://www.facebook.com/bostonparksdepartment.
As always, for a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid.
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
Sporting a New Sign
Our little beach is all fancied up with a nice new sign. Summer must be coming.
Looking good.
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
High Ground
Now that I try to take both dogs on my run/walk in the afternoon, I am hard pressed to take photos. For anyone who has chanced upon me taking a Nantucket Sleigh Ride through town while being pulled by 100 pounds of dog can confirm that.
This intrigued me too much though to not stop last night. 6:30 in the evening and no one in sight.
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
Things You Find in a Boat Yard For $100, Alex.
If Boat Yards was a category on Jeopardy. Such pretty colors….for a big pile in a boat yard.
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
Thank You, Sudbay.
Well, even more specifically, thank you to Phil Prieur. Phil calls himself “My new family car salesman” and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I haven’t purchased many cars. In my 44 years, or my 27 years of driving, I’ve only called five vehicles mine. Well, until this week. This week, Vehicle #6 found its way into my driveway.
In High School I had a little blue Isuzu for no time at all. Shortly afterwards I drove a brown Peugeot…a diesel at that. After graduating from college I purchased my first “real” car. As in, I actually went to a dealership, picked out, and signed on the dotted line for a Volkswagen Jetta. Several years later I went on safari in Africa and spent a lot of time driving around the African bush in Land Rover Defenders. Upon returning home to the states I put down a deposit on a new Land Rover Freelander that was still under production. I patiently awaited its arrival and then drove it until it literally wouldn’t drive another mile…and then purchased my Jeep Commander.
That Jeep was well-used and well-loved for over 7 1/2 years. There were times that I LOVED that car. Like, for example, the day in June of 2009, when it safely drove Finn home from the hospital for the very first time. Or the times that it drove up and over the sand dunes of Eel Point, Nantucket. The boys loved watching it disappear into the belly of the ferry that would transport us all to our happy place. Last year, in particular, all loaded with bikes and paddle boards….Nantucket beach stickers stuck proudly to the rear and front bumpers…our Jeep felt oddly like a family member. There were also, however, days that I hated it. Like, really hated it. Like the day that the gentleman who was attempting to detail it called to say that he was giving me my money back because it was simply impossible to clean. And then….then…there was the chicken bone incident. I still shudder at the thought. If you’re not privy to the horror….please read HERE.
Love or hate, what I wasn’t expecting, was to return from a 10 day vacation in Florida with the boys…only to find out 48 hours later that our Jeep was gone. Gone. Like, the engine can’t be fixed and, with over 160,000 miles, was beyond repair.
I took a few days to process the fact and then, reluctantly, headed to Sudbay to chat about my options. Finn had already had a good cry upon hearing the news. “But we didn’t even get to say good-bye.” Thatcher was more excited about getting something new(er)…until, that is, he remembered all of the days that our Jeep took us to Cape Hedge Beach. “Us” meaning the boys and the dogs. First Moby and Marlin….and then, sadly, just Marlin….and then, with a new furry addition, Marlin and Minnow. I was sad too. Honestly though, I thought I was just sad because I was really enjoying the lack of monthly car payments.
I was soon to realize, however, that wasn’t completely true. I, and the unsuspecting Phil, were about to realize that I was also having trouble letting go. While driving into Sudbay’s Jeep entrance I caught sight of our Jeep. Big, sad, lonely, white….our Jeep. Call me crazy, but I started to cry. I will never deny being a completely emotional person. I cry. And somewhat easily at that. So, as I recalled the many weekend road trips, journeys to Florida and Virginia’s coast, the two trips to the ER for stitches to both boys’ foreheads, the piles of sand, the hockey rink rounds, the Christmas trees, the fireworks, the tailgates, the laughs, the tears, the singing, the silly moments, the after school chats, the infant seats, the carseats, the booster seats, the spills, the post-sledding chills, the munchkin runs, and the ice cream cones…. I cried.
Flash forward to meeting Phil Prieur. I’m quite certain he wasn’t expecting a defeated mom with tear streaked cheeks to sit down at his desk, but he handled it like it happens every day. In fact, he shared a story about another mom that made me feel just a little less crazy. Within fewer than 40 minutes I had gone from sad and uninterested to hopeful and excited. Phil asked me to tell him what my “needs” in an automobile were and truly with no unnecessary pressure, showed me a few that he felt would fit the bill. He was supportive, helpful, knowledgeable….and, in my opinion much more importantly, patient and kind. While I never thought it would be possible, I actually left there (a bit after scheduled closing time) feeling like there was a new chapter on the horizon.
Two days later, I returned to the dealership to complete the necessary paper work. Phil let the boys park it at his desk and was as kind to them as he had been to me. He answered their questions, engaged them in conversation, and seemed to honestly get a kick out their little souls. The next day, I picked up our new car. Smaller than our Commander. Not brand new, but newer for sure. And clean….so, so very clean. We are looking forward to creating some pretty great new memories.
I am so grateful for having met Phil in my time of need. While I am obviously hoping to not have to purchase another car for quite some time, Phil has made it clear that he is there for us as we get to know this one. But if any of you should happen to be looking to purchase a car….Phil could very likely be your guy.
Check out Sudbay and their inventory HERE
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
Nichole’s Picks 5/7 + 5/8
Pick #1: Appleton Farms Mother’s Day Spring Alpen Festival
Date & Time
Sunday, May 8
10AM-12PM
Cost
Moms are FREE; Member Adult: $24; Member Child: $12; Nonmember Adult: $30; Nonmember Child: $15
Contact Information
978.356.5728 x4112
appletoncooks@thetrustees.org
Appleton Farms
Hamilton and Ipswich, MA
A fresh idea for Mother’s Day! Spend the morning at Appleton Farms ushering in the season of spring, the fresh flavors of the farm, and the dairy herd’s return to pasture. A tradition originating in the Alps, this day will include traditional Swiss treats and homemade breakfast goodies from our farm kitchen. A fondue bar, live music, and more. Let the Moms relax and enjoy the festivities while the kids help us open the barnyard, meet the baby animals, and make a gift for mom. Flower crown making in the Carriage Barn for all to enjoy. Decorated with bells and flowers, the cows will end the celebration in a traditional cow parade to their new spring pastures.
FREE for moms! Please register all other adults and children. (Example: If Dad is registering for the family of five -Mom, Dad, and three kids- add 1 adult and three child tickets to your cart.)
This event runs rain or shine. Please pre-register so we have enough refreshments for all. Children under 1 are free.
Pick #2: Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum
I realize I wrote about the Arnold Arboretum in another “Picks” post, but Lilac Sunday for Mother’s Day is a pretty special event.
Sunday, May 8th 10:00-3:00
Of the thousands of flowering plants in the Arboretum, only one, the lilac, is singled out each year for a daylong celebration. Mainly located on the edge of Bussey Hill Road in the heart of the landscape, the lilac collection at the Arnold Arboretum is among the premier collections of these plants in North America.
Tours of the lilacs and other special collections, family activities, and food vendors make for a memorable day. Be a part of this beloved Boston tradition! Check back for the day-of schedule of events.
The Arboretum is open as usual from dawn to dusk. Activities are available from 10:00am to 3:00pm, and refreshments are available from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
Pick #3: Boston Harbor Cruises: Free Ferry Day
May 7th, 2016
READ ALL ABOUT FREE FERRY DAY AND BOSTON HARBOR ISLANDS HERE
Free Ferry Day!
As part of National Park Service Centennial Summer, we open our 2016 season with a FREE FERRY DAY – this is a special one-day ferry schedule to either of the two most popular Boston Harbor Islands – Georges and Spectacle Islands.
Free tickets for the Boston Harbor Cruises ferry will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis at the Ferry Center on Long Wharf-North.
No tickets will be given out at the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center on the Greenway or Long Wharf South ticket booth.
Free tickets are from Boston only. Hingham and Hull ferries will resume later this season.
The ticket window opens at 8:30 am. On nice weather days, all free ferry tickets are distributed before 11 am, with all of the departures listed below completely booked at that point.
Tickets will be handed out for the earliest ferry, then the next, and so on, until all ferry seats for the day are distributed.
Each adult in line may pick up a maximum of 4 tickets. There will be no special arrangements for groups of more than 4 to be on the same ferry.
The inter island service in/out of Boston is not available on Free Ferry Day.
Don’t forget to visit the Boston Harbor Islands Welcome Center on the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway for free programs available throughout the day! Check our calendar for program details.
There are three departures from Long Wharf North to Georges Island for Free Ferry Day. Travel time is 45 minutes. Ticketholders must return on the ferry time listed with an average alloted time of 3-4 hour round trip per ticket.Ticketholders must return on the ferry time listed on ticket. All tickets will have pre-assigned return time.
There are two departures from Long Wharf North to Spectacle Island for Free Ferry Day. Travel time is about 25-30 minutes. Ticketholders must return on the ferry time listed with an average alloted time of 3-4 hour round trip per ticket. Ticketholders must return on the ferry time listed on ticket. All tickets will have pre-assigned return time.
As always, for a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
I’m So Grabbing My Best Mom Friends For This
I can’t wait to sneak some wine into the movie theater and watch this new mom flick with a bunch of my best mom friends. Yoga pants, unshowered, split ends flying, some bon bons, and a botabox.
No I-totally-have-my-act-together-have-perfect-kids-make-no-mistakes-and-every-day-is-amazingly-awesome types allowed. Sorry….but that would totally defeat the purpose.
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
Way to Go, Sperry
I’m loving the message on this box. Fantastic.
I also love Sperry products….so take a look if you’d like.
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
Rockport’s Opening Day
Big happenings in town. I hope everyone has a great season.
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
Fish Out of Water
Not only could Codzilla be called a fish out of water, but it looks like a fish out of water sitting in our very own Gloucester Marine Railways.
I took the boys for a ride in Boston Harbor on Codzilla last summer. They enjoyed it, but it wasn’t as crazy fast and fun as they expected.
If you find yourself interested in taking a trip, READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
Nichole’s Picks 4/30 + 5/1
Pick #1: 53rd Annual Gem and Mineral Show
APRIL 30 and MAY 1, 2016
The Topsfield Fair Grounds, Route 1 Topsfiend, Ma.
Pick #2: 8-Mile Hike “The Long Way Around” at the Crane Estate
Read All About it and REGISTER HERE
A little pricier than most of my picks, but what a great opportunity for a beautiful day spent outside before the weather gets too hot.
Saturday, April 30th 10:00-2:00 $28 for members and $35 for nonmembers
This hike explores the wild wonders of the Crane Estate! We’ll launch our long walk at the Cedar Point Trail and follow it to the Ipswich River, then meander along the beach and through seldom-traveled paths to the trailhead at the Crane Wildlife Refuge. We’ll wander the dunes to Essex Bay, then make our way along the backside of Crane Beach to reach the Essex River. A bag lunch will be delivered to us at the approximate halfway point, and will give us the sustenance we’ll need to finish the hike! Come prepared for a leisurely long-way-around walk of about 8 miles.
Pick #3: The Arnold Arboretum
Although I haven’t been in a couple of year, I truly LOVE this place. Such a gorgeous slice of heaven, right within the city limits, that makes you feel as though you are miles and miles from it all. With more than 280 acres to explore, you’ll certainly be able to make a day of it.
READ ALL ABOUT THE ARNOLD ARBORETUM HERE
Explore on your own or take a guided tour throughout the property
This Saturday also brings the event, “Maples, Roses, and More (Oh, My!)”
1:00-2:30pm, April 30, 2016 Arnold Arboretum
Hear about Maples, Roses, and More on this tour of plant families, their origins, and the marvel of springtime.
Arboretum Guided Tour
Experience the Arboretum in a new way–take a free guided tour with a knowledgeable volunteer docent. Tour topics range from Highlights and History to Landscape for Learning and special themes on Olmsted, Arboretum collections, and more.
For more information and possible cancellations due to weather, call the Visitor Center at 617 384-5209.
Location: Hunnewell Building, unless otherwise publicized.Tours last around 90 minutes, and are geared toward adults. There is no need to register.
Tour Schedule:
The general free tour season runs from April 16 through October 30, 2016. We offer tours Saturdays at 10:30am, and Sundays at 1:00pm. Additional 10:30am weekday tours are offered on Mondays and Thursdays, late April through June, September and October, except holidays.
As always, for a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
The Other Side of the Rainbow
So, I may not describe this very well and some of you may even feel the urge to comment to explain that the moment I am about to share is actually impossible. And, I won’t be at all surprised, because, until the other day, I would have assumed it was impossible too.
Please do, if you’re in the know, share the science behind this!
The definition of a rainbow from one source is, “an arch of colors formed in the sky in certain circumstances, caused by the refraction and dispersion of the sun’s light by rain or other water droplets in the atmosphere.”
So, the question I have is…. Is it possible to actually go through a rainbow? Because, this is what happened the other day…
While driving home from Florida, somewhere in Virginia, the rain started to come down heavier than I have ever (EVER) experienced before. Sadly, at that moment, I happened to be driving. When I say that there were moments that I could not see a single thing out of my windshield, I swear I am not exaggerating even one little bit! There were moments that I lost sight of all other cars, the side of the highway, and even the painted lines that divided the lanes of the highway. It was for sure the most scared I have ever been behind the wheel.
Thankfully, it was relatively short lived. The torrential rains lasted only a couple of minutes…two different times. When the second downpour came to an end, cars were pulled over in random spots all along the highway. Some cars had pulled into the breakdown lane and stopped, some had pulled off into the grassy median between north and south bound traffic, and some had pulled over just before exit/on ramps. I consider it an absolute miracle that no accidents occurred within our immediate vicinity, but I am certain that they must have happened elsewhere. How could they not?
So, again, when the rain had come to an end, there was, of course, a pretty spectacular rainbow. At first, it was off to our right, but the tree line was blocking it enough that getting a good photo was impossible. After a moment, however, it was right smack in front of us. I asked my husband to quickly get a photo, but, I swear, no sooner than he held the phone up, the rainbow was gone. It appeared as if we actually drove right through the rainbow. It was there……and then, right before my eyes, it was gone. I wish I had had the where with all to turn around and see if it was actually behind us, but I didn’t. So…did we actually drive through it? Did it just disappear coincidently at that very moment? I guess I always thought that, much like the horizon, you could never actually get to a rainbow….that it was always kind of just out there…in the sky.
So, I welcome all explanations….but, be kind.
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
One Year Later…Still Holds True
I wrote this letter and used it as a post a little over a year ago. For a few different reasons, I’m feeling the need to repost it.
Here’s the original post….but below is what the contents of the letter said…
Dear Future Teachers, Instructors, and Coaches of my Sons,
I’d like to take a minute now to thank you for the hours, energy, and love that you will undoubtedly be giving to my children in the future. I know that it is not always an easy job that you have, but it is one that you accepted, however long ago, because you have the best interest of children, and now my children, at heart. Many of you have simply volunteered…and don’t even get paid…and all of you spend a large portion of your personal time thinking about, worrying about, or being excited about things that have to do with the classes you teach, the lessons you give, or the practices that you run.
I know, no matter how much you love what you do, the down side is that your job will sometimes require that you make difficult decisions. I know that those decisions will sometimes even cause you sleepless nights, a heavy heart, and worry, and pain.
I’d like to tell you now…that it is OK. It is OK to not pick my son.
It is OK to not call on him when his hand in raised as high as possible in class, because you have 20 students and they all want to make you happy by knowing the right answer or sharing their thoughts.
I know that even that one silly decision….who to call on?….can be excruciating…each and every time. I know that you make a mental note…and try to call on them all the same amount each week, but it is still so hard to watch their hands fall disappointedly back into their laps.
It is OK, if my son ends up not being able to carry a tune, that he does not receive a solo in the Spring Concert…no matter how much he wants one. You know what? Even if he can sing, but isn’t one of the best, it is still ok. I know that you’ll find other ways to encourage him and make him feel proud. I know that you’ll let him know how important his role in the chorus is.
It is OK, if my son has trouble finding his inner actor, to not pick him for a leading role. He may be crushed for a minute, but I know that you need to do what is right for the other children and the school play. He’ll understand, because he knows that everyone has strengths. We will encourage him to find another way to shine and tell him how important it is to play that small supporting role. The play couldn’t go on if all characters weren’t cast…no matter how big or small. After all.
I image that my son will enjoy working on science fair projects each spring. But, you know what, when it comes time to pick just 5 projects to send to regionals, it is OK to pick others…and not his. His hard work and the pride that he feels when he presents his experiment should be enough for him. And, it will motivate him all that much more the following year. And, trust me, I know how hard it will be for you to pick just 5. I know that you wish someone else could make those decisions.
I want you to know now that it is OK if his essay is not submitted to the writing contest. Even though I’m sure he’ll try so hard to be chosen and want so desperately to impress you, sometimes you have to just pick one…and inevitably the other children will feel sad. I know, without a second of doubt, however, that you’ll pull him aside and tell him how much you enjoyed his story. You’ll make him want to write again….because writing is fun…even if your story isn’t picked.
It will always be OK if, when some children’s art work gets selected for the art show, his is not. We will shower him with praise, encourage him to create more, and teach him to congratulate his friends for their creativity and their submissions. His art will always have a special place in our home.
It is also OK, no matter how much he tries, to sometimes make the decision to leave him on the bench. I know that you will take time during the season to help him improve, make him feel valuable, and motivate him to dig deeper. And, because you’ve done such a great job, I know that if the team wins, he will know he has won and played a monumental role in the victory. Even if his role wasn’t as obvious in the final minutes of a game.
I want to thank you again, because I know that it sometimes feels impossible. I know that you became a teacher, an instructor, or a coach for so many wonderful reasons. I know that you had giant aspirations to always be “fair.” I’m also guessing that you never imagined how many times each year, session, or season you would feel burdened by decisions that have no “fair” answer.
I hope that you know you have our support and gratitude and the love and respect of my child. Even if you didn’t pick him. Because…even if you didn’t pick him….you chose him. You chose to teach him, encourage him, support him, love him, challenge him, push him, excite him, and inspire him. Your success, loyalty, or impact can not be judged by one, or even several of those difficult decisions. It is based on the many moments, outside of those decisions, that you made sure to make him know that you are there for him.
I think it is important to tell you….not that you don’t already know….that I don’t expect all parents will feel the same way. And…that I am by no means speaking for them. I am simply telling you how I feel.
Thank you in advance for all that you will surely do….and for those difficult decisions you are forced to make.
Sincerely,
Nichole
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
Manatees
I took the boys to swim with the manatees on Friday down in Crystal River, Florida. I did it during a solo camping trip that I took a couple of years before Thatcher was born and I’ve been looking forward to sharing the experience with them for several years now. They’re at a pretty good age for some more adventurous experiences and they’re both pretty brave….which makes life fun. It also seemed appropriate for Earth Day as the very endangered Florida manatees are making a pretty significant come back.
We met up with River Ventures, a company I would gladly recommend to anyone interested…or even those who aren’t, and participated in a quick classroom discussion about manatees and how to safely navigate the waters to snorkel with them, before boarding our boat. We had a great day and I’m thrilled the boys not only had the experience, but enjoyed it as much as I did.
The material in the short video below is from our trip. The photos in the gallery are favorites provided by River Ventures from past days. During Florida’s colder months, the manatee population in that area hang out in a warm spring…which makes for much better viewing and even more up close and personal encounters. My first time was in the spring and I’ll never forget it. While this time we were in murkier water in the larger body of the lake, experiencing it with the boys made it even more unforgettable.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
Scenes of Summer
We’re away on vacation this week and rather than boring you with photos of my boys all over Orlando, I’ve taken the opportunity to go through lots of random photos that make me think of summer. Here are just a few.
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
Nichole’s Picks 4/23 + 4/24
Pick #1: Wizard of Oz
Click HERE for all information and to purchase tickets
The Wang Theater, Boston. April 12-24th
“We’re off to see….”
The most magical adventure of them all.
This new production of The Wizard of Oz is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for the stage.
Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, this production contains the beloved songs from the Oscar®-winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Pick #2: Frog and Toad at the Wheelock Family Theatre
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD
April 15 – May 15, 2016
Friday nights at 7:30; Saturday & Sunday matinees at 3:00
School vacation week matinees at 1:00 (Tuesday April 19 – Friday April 22; there is no evening performance on Friday April 22)
American Sign Language and Audio-description are offered on Friday May 13 at 7:30 and Sunday May 15 at 3:00.
All public performances offer open captioning
Music by Robert Reale, Book and Lyrics by Willie Reale, based on the books by Arnold Lobel. Directed by Mimi Katano. Musical Direction by Heather McLaughlin Garbes. Scenic Design by Matthew T. Lazure.
Waking from hibernation in the early spring, the perky Frog and the worrywart Toad celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. These two best-friends plant gardens, swim underwater, rake leaves, go sledding, bake cookies, and learn to appreciate each other’s distinct qualities. Part vaudeville, part make-believe, all charm, A Year With Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that weathers all seasons. A delightful story based on the picture books by Arnold Lobel, this musical adaptation is a treat for all ages; children and the child within.
Recommended for adults, teens, ‘tweens, youth and children 4+
Pick #3: Franklin Park Zoo
I’m not always a fan of zoos, but sometimes a day at the zoo can be fairly educational as well as fun. The Franklin Park Zoo does a pretty good job and this in between weather is nice for spending the day without being too hot…or too cold.
If you have Friday off, they are doing some fun Earth Day activities too.
Friday, April 22, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
As always, for a more comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
The Spindle
Not going to lie, don’t know much about this, but each time I scroll through my photos it catches my eye. It is known as The Londoner and is an iron spindle not far off of Thacher’s Island. It marks Londoner’s Ledge.
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
Bounce Back…for Apres Mini Bar.
I had a great little getaway to Vegas back in December. While the pretty sweet minibars were hit rather hard, I was happy to not once feel the need to tear into the Bounce Back Hangover Recovery Kit. Nice touch. How thoughtful of them.
With a detox drink, earplugs, “clear eyes” eye drops, cool mint breath strips, and eye renewal cream…I’m still left to wonder if it would have worked had I not done such a stellar job of pacing myself each day/night.
Good Morning Gloucester 