Our First Visitor from the Midwest

Don's oldest daughter Rachel came to visit for a few days over Easter. It was a treat to share the holiday and our little corner of New England with her. She is such an easy guest and patient playmate to Sarah.

On her first morning, Rachel visited Sarah's class. Sarah was proud and excited to have her big sister there and show her the trout the class is raising. While Sarah stayed in school, Don, Rachel, and I went in search of the Montague Book Mill. Although it lives up to its slogan ("Books you don't need in a place you can't find"), we each found something worth purchasing and enjoyed yummy sandwiches in the Lady Killigrew Cafe.

Our next stop couldn't have been more different -- the Yankee Candle flagship store. Its slogan - the Scenter of the Universe -- also seems a propos. So much more than a candle store, its 90,000 square feet include the Bavarian Village, complete with castle and moat, mountains, snow flurries, animatronic musicians, Santa, and every Christmas ornament imaginable; toy and candy stores; and an upscale gift boutique and kitchen store. Think Disney World meets Martha Stewart. It's highly entertaining, and we enjoyed it, probably because it was nearly deserted. Had it been a weekend, we might not have lasted long. 

Friday was rainy, so Rachel and I explored Northampton. I should have taken a picture of her crossing the rainbow crosswalk! When Sarah got home from school, she and Rachel played Monopoly, Jr. We had dinner at BrewMaster's Tavern, the historic inn at the foot of our hill. Sarah loved sharing one of her favorite restaurants with Rachel.

The next morning, Sarah and Rachel did some reading and colored eggs.

We then drove to Shelburne Falls to see the Bridge of Flowers and glacial potholes. While it wasn't a great time of year for flowers, the potholes were highly visible, due to low water. Formed by swirling water and rocks when glacial Lake Hitchcock drained about 14,000 years ago, there are more than 50 "kettles," including the largest on record -- 39' in diameter. 

We drove east on Route 2 from Shelburne Falls then north on I-91 to Brattleboro, Vermont. After a quick stop at a downtown gift shop to pick up a souvenir thimble for Rachel's collection, we decided to cross the Connecticut River into New Hampshire to add a fourth state to her trip list. 

I have to say that southwestern New Hampshire is not the most picturesque part of the state. As we were crossing back into Massachusetts, we stopped at a convenience store on the outside chance that it might sell New Hampshire thimbles. Don and I waited in the car while Sarah and Rachel went in. Moments later, they were sprinting for the car. When I asked why they were running, Sarah said, "Rachel said to run!" Turns out it was a cigarette and liquor store.

When we got home, Rachel held an outdoor egg hunt for Sarah.

On Easter morning, the Bunny had filled Sarah's basket and hidden eggs around the living room and dining room. We had pancakes for breakfast then headed to church. Rachel sang in the choir with Don, providing a welcome boost to both the volume and morale of our little group of singers.

After church, we went to my mom's for dinner with my family. It was a low-key affair, as we were all missing my sister terribly. Sarah did her best to cheer up Uncle Brian.

On Monday, Rachel treated Don and me to lunch at the local snack bar before he drove her to the airport. It was wonderful to have her visit and even better to know that we would see her again in less than three weeks, when we visit Minnesota.