So this happened yesterday:
And a couple weeks ago down in FL, this happened too:
And it made me realize two things. 1. These kids are growing up WAY too fast. And 2. I almost forgot to celebrate our 8th Blog-I-Versary!
Sometimes I can’t even believe it was 8 years ago (August 16, 2011 to be exact) that Mandy and I started writing about our adventures as new moms.
I often tell people that this blog is the closest thing I have to a baby book. So when we mark another year, I can’t help but wax nostalgic looking back over the HUNDREDS of posts I’ve written basically documenting my kids’ childhood week by week. It’s a pretty amazing thing when you think about it.
This was a particularly special year on the blog for me because I was finally able to announce the adoption of our little lady.
And I’m really looking forward to getting to revisit some of my favorite outings from when the boys were her age! It’s probably about time for an update on those places anyway…
We also reached another milestone: 10,000 likes on our Facebook page!
That was so exciting for us because our Out and About Mom community means everything to us. And we are so humbled that it has grown to include more than 10,000 parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, neighbors, nannies and anyone else looking for new ways to share fun activities and make wonderful memories with the special kiddos in their lives.
THANK YOU. For reading our posts, for commenting on our blog and Facebook page, for following our Instagram, for giving us fantastic recommendations, for asking us really good questions (you keep us on our toes! In a good way 🙂 ), for inspiring us with your kind emails, for sharing our site with your friends, and for believing in our mission to help CT parents have more fun with their kids. We mean it literally when we say, we could not do it without you.
We also need to thank our bevy of amazing sponsors–those who lend their continuous support, those who we can always count on to come back like clockwork at certain times each year, and even those that pop in once in a while. We are so grateful for all of them. We are 100% funded by the support of our sponsors, and it is because of their generosity that we are able to keep scouting your outings.
It’s become a little tradition every year to pause for a moment and look back at all the fun outings we got to enjoy in the past 12 months. It’s always hard to pick our favorites, but this year we had some outings that really stood out for their all-ages appeal! (That’s the gold standard for outings 🙂 )
Like Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, MA. It was such an incredible find. From the numerous animal exhibits to the petting zoo filled with baby animals to the Skyfari aerial ride that gives you a bird’s eye view of all the animal habitats, all ages will be impressed!
We also can’t get enough of the new playground at Bushnell Park in Hartford, CT It’s not to be missed! The creative interpretation of some nearby landmarks makes the playscape a treat for the kids and the grownups. And the historic carousel next door is equally engaging for both the young…and the young at heart 🙂
In December, Tiffany got us into the spirit of the holiday season with her multi-generational adventure to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in NYC. Complete with an unexpected trek through a winter wonderland!
Then we started off the new year with a fresh coat of paint–literally! The boys and I enjoyed pottery painting at Glazed Pottery Painting and Art Studio in Glastonbury, CT. With a wide range of possible projects–from small, simple characters to large, lovely serving pieces–it’s easy for everyone in the family to find something at their level.
The highlight of January was definitely a visit to Urban Air Adventure Park in Orange, CT, which has plenty of indoor adventures for kids both big and small (not to mention their grownups too!). From the trampolines to the multi-level playscape to the ninja obstacle course to the go kart track to the climbing walls and ropes course, it’s the perfect place to entertain a diverse group– or just have some one-on-one fun with your own kiddos.
Fast forward to summer and the School Street Spray Park in Agawam, MA was another lucky find! This wet and wild playground looks like something out of an expensive amusement park, but it’s completely FREE. And when you’ve got a crew ranging from toddlers to ten-year-olds, it’s priceless to find a water activity that works for everyone–even the non-swimmers!
Meanwhile, Audrey discovered that even preschoolers can participate in some real-deal rock climbing at Central Rock Gym in Glastonbury, CT.
Rounding out our year of adventures, after almost a decade of searching, I finally found my mystery ice cream stand! And at Gran-Val Scoop in Granville, MA, the ice cream is like the cherry on top when you enjoy your frozen treat while visiting the free petting zoo. See chickens, ducks, pigs, goats and more!
We really had a ton of fun this year. It’s exciting to see what new things we can try as the OAAM crew grows–and grows up! Be sure to check out all our 8th year outings. And of course, stay tuned for year 9!
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