Maple Sugar Time

Last weekend we took Samantha to Chelberg Farm to experience Maple Sugar Time. I think my mom took us almost every year. It was something I always enjoyed, so I wanted to share it with her!

I love living so close to the National Lakeshore. There are always fun activities going on, and this event wasn't any different. They had a booklet the children could work on while they toured the farm. If they completed it they would earn a Junior Ranger badge! How fun!!!

Our first stop was to learn how the Native Americans tapped the trees to get the sap. Sam was slightly disappointed because I told her there would be real Indians there talking to us, and it was just volunteers. (They have more authentic activities in the fall for Harvest Time.) Then it was off to learn about the pioneers way, and finally how the Chelberg's built a sugar shack.
The day we were there was perfect weather for the sap to be running, so we were able to peek into the buckets and seeing it flowing. Sam even tapped a tree!

As we walked up to the Chelberg's house I was giving her a Sami sized history lesson on the Chelberg family. The most interesting part for her was they immigrated from Sweden...just as her American Girl doll did! =) Her she sampled REAL maple syrup fresh from the farm as well as the store bought variety. They were asked to guess which was which, and she figured it out right away! However she did prefer the store bought variety! Go figure!

I had a lot of fun sharing this place with her. I also enjoyed telling her about the chamber pots! Matt told her it was the youngest child's job to empty them each day to which she replied..."Good thing I won't be the youngest much longer!" =)

A Visit to Dr. Pampel

Proudly displaying her new toothbrush and toothpaste!

Patiently waiting for the hygienist...

February is Dental Health month. Sam had been doing a variety of dental health activities at school, and one Tuesday morning a hygienist came to her class. She came home SUPER excited, and begging to go to the dentist! I had known for awhile that it was time to go, but I think I was letting my fear of the dentist cloud my decision to call! =) They actually told me they like to see children for the first time between the age of 2 or 3!!!! Oops!

I called that same day, and she was able to get in the very next afternoon. It was less than 24 hours away, but you would have thought we made her wait 20 years! I have never witnessed anyone be SO excited to go to the dentist!

Taking pictures of her teeth with the "tooth" camera....

Getting all shined up!

She loved every part of it! From picking out her toothbrush...to the actual cleaning...meeting the dentist...and entering her name in the "no cavity club" jar!

This was taken while she was trying to decide what flavor fluoride she wanted. It is in no way staged...that all her! So silly! Behind her you can see her teeth on the computer screen. She did have two small stains. They said since she is a lefty she pays more attention to her left side, so we just have to make sure we do just as good of a job on the right side. =) So no cavities! Whoo hoo!

When we were getting ready to go she kept talking to me about the sucker they were going to use to clean up after her mouth. She had a good time with this little thing! It even had a name...Herman!

Her mouth was actually too small for the fluoride tray, but she insisted on having it...so they crammed it in!

As we were leaving she asked if we could go back to the dentist the next day! Apparently she had a really good time! I told her the next time we go she'll have a little sister to bring with...can't wait!

He's Been Found!!!

Some of you may remember how devastated (I truly was) that I couldn't find the baby Jesus that goes to our Fisher Price Little People Nativity while decorating this Christmas. I was just beginning my long road of morning sickness at around that time, but I was on a mission to find him! After all...it's not Christmas without Jesus!

Somewhere in the back of my mind I remembered seeing him in Samantha's room. So we searched high and low, but no luck. I really thought we would find him before the "big day"...but sadly we did not.

Last night while I was chatting away on the phone I heard strange rumblings coming from Samantha's room. It was starting to sound like she was rearranging furniture, so I did what any attentive mom would do...sent Matt to check... :)

He emerged from her room with a huge smile and said..."She found baby Jesus!!!"

"What...WHERE???" Apparently...he had been under her bed the whole time. I didn't really think anything could get under there because the crib mattress is stored under there. I guess I was wrong. Ha!

So baby Jesus is once again safe and sound...even if it is almost Easter!