Round and Round

Yesterday the kids and I went to Hartford to hang out with Sue, her nieces and the BF. We took the quick walk over to Bushnell Park from Sue's apartment, rode the carousel, then laid out the blankies and had a picnic. You may not realize it, but Margaret (in the plaid dress) is OLDER than Loch - she's just a little peanut. Sue described it well - when you pick her up, Margaret feels like she's made of feathers! She is totally Lesley Jr - pigtails and all. And while the Gustafson girls were really well behaved, they both jumped right in to the Wolter gang's antics.

The kids had a great time between the carousel, the big grassy lawn, the yummy picnic (care of Sue) and the bricks and sticks. Nothing like a pile of bricks to entertain five kids between five and two years old! Luckily we all avoided serious injury - even Keelin when she pulled a dead branch down from one of the trees. Right on her head.

The vintage carousel in Bushnell Park is nearly 100 years old and one of the last few Stein and Goldstein carousels left operating in the country. It has 48 unique horses with real horsehair tails, carved flowers, a band organ and gives a good long whirl for $1. Good old fashioned fun for kids and adults alike...

Here is a shot of Sue and Riz going around and around, up and down. It was great to meet Sue's man - who breezed through an afternoon with five kids with no visible cringing. He must be incredibly patient - or incredibly polite. Either way - Riz gets two thumbs up. He even contributed pennies for wishes in the impressive park fountain. Finn wished for a skateboard, Keelin for Barbies and Loch? I'm sure it had something to do with "BASEBALL" but he'll never tell.

Here is one last carousel shot of the full crew - anxiously waiting for another ride on the horses! Loch can't even turn around because he is afraid he might miss something. We had a great time - thanks for the picnic Sue!