The One With Our March Newport Visit

 

 

This past weekend (March 18-19) we did our annual visit to Newport. And, as always, it did not disappoint.

First, we went down to our favorite eating establishment - Brick Alley - and it was great. The nachoes were first rate and our meals were excellent. They have a superb harvest salad.

 Then, we took a ride down by the mansions, which is always phenomenal. We went to Ocean Ave, where there was an INCREDIBLE surf! Amazing. Clearing there was a low pressure system that was causing waves that were 7 to 10 feet. It would have been great if we were surfing.

We got to Hotel Viking - such a great place to stay - and were amazed with the view outside our room. We were in line with the lights in the courtyard. It actually reminded me of Tangled, with the lanterns taking off. After that, we watched "You People" which turned out to be hilarious. 

We woke up this morning and had some little bites for breakfast and Bri and Kiff went to the pool.

Overall, another awesome visit.

The One With the Planetarium

 

 

This past week,  I wrapped up a two day program for students from Brown School. Fourth grade classes visited the Thursday before and Third graders visited this Tuesday to introduce them to the planetarium. It was the first time we put on a school for elementary schools, and it was a blast!!!

First, it brought back fond memories of when I was a kid and we visited the NHS planetarium with Mr. Jameson. And because Mr. Jameson helped come up with ideas for programs, it was amazing to continue something he began in the 1960s.

We called our program "Natick at Night" and it showed students how their Natick looks, how it would look without light pollution, and what constellations were visible to us at night, as well as planets. We also showed them what the constellations really looked like, too.

It was amazing!!! I hope it is the start of a looooooong tradition.

The One With the Winter Guard Competition in Salem, NH

 

 

Today, Bri had a winter guard competition in Salem, NH. It was her third competition of the year, but the first one that I helped out with.

 

It was quite an event. First, we had to be at DHS at 9:30 to see a run through and help out with it. That was pretty neat. We were a little short-handed, but made it work. Then, things were packed up and loaded onto a U-Haul amid a snow shower outside.

 

We had a little free time until 11:15, and then caravaned to NH. We arrived and had a little time to spare because we had to be up so early. After all, we were one of the first groups on stage.

 

When it was there time, it all went pretty fast. We set up, got off stage, and watched a wonderful performance, filled with flags, spinning sabers, rifle rolls, and a rifle toss - which Bri caught nicely.

 

We had a ton of time to spare before awards, so I got some things done. Then, at 6:30, awards were given...and her novice group won 1st place out of three teams in their division!  It was really a great time.