Easter and Elm Bank Reservation

Sorry folks!  I started this post last Sunday but never got around to posting.  Worse, I have older stories and pictures that I meant to post but didn't.  I plan to post some of the older ones anyway in the next few days.  I also plan to focus more on some of the local sights and our travel around the region.  That was the original plan (and the reason for the blog title) but starting this little space in the dead of one of the worst winters on record meant that there wasn't a whole lotta travel happening.  The sun has returned, though, and we have begun to venture out again! 
Anyway....here is my slightly late Easter post:

Sorting through the loot

It is always a little strange celebrating holidays like this without extended family, but today wound up being a really nice day for everyone.  The girls woke to find hidden Easter baskets and dairy free chocolate (hurriedly made by me the night before!) and coin filled eggs.  They were so happy and excited!  We were told the day would be a little rainy but the skies were blue and the temps were in the 70s so we headed off to a favorite spot-- Elm Bank, a large horticultural reserve on the Natick/Wellesley border.  The girls biked around the trails and Jay and I enjoyed the sunshine.  Elm Bank also has a special children's garden called "Weezie's Garden for Children", which is made entirely of natural materials and is filled with birdhouses and many different species of flowers and plants. There is a beautiful old mansion surrounded by a formal English garden and many other pretty, historic structures, along with test gardens and whole gardens devoted to herbs or tulips or azaleas.  There are also hiking trails, where Jay often takes the girls on days when Mama needs some "Me" time.  We are so lucky to have an outdoor space like this so close to our home!

Beautiful climbing tower in Weezie's children's garden

The girls playing in the "bird nests" in Weezie's garden

Weezie's has a giant sand box that blends in very nicely in the garden setting.