52 Brand New in 2018

For the past four years I have made it a goal of mine to try and experience 52 brand new experiences with my boys.  Over the last few years I've relaxed my standards a bit and focused on 52 experiences that are at least new to some of us.  Each year this list gets a little bit harder to make but having this as a goal helps keep me open to trying new things, exploring new places, and in general saying "yes" when I might otherwise want to say "NO!"

We've had lots of fun trying out new crafts, exploring new museums, and trying new foods.  I think every new experience brings a bit more knowledge into our lives too and I'm always looking for ways to make learning fun and meaningful!



Without further ado; here is our list for 2018!

1.  We made marbled mugs using nail Polish


2.  We went to the Museum of Work and Culture and learned all about mill life in and around the small Rhode Island town.


3.  We toured the Slater mill learning even more about the Industrial Revolution.



4.  We figured out how to decorate some plain bowls with vinyl decals to make some fun ice cream bowls.




5- 9.  We went through all 5 of the Springfield Museums--

Dr. Seuss Museum & Sculpture Gardens






Michele and Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts


Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History


George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum


10. We went to a Harlem Globetrotters Game


11.  We visited an alpaca farm learning all about the animals and we were introduced to weaving too.



12.  We went to the tulip farm and saw fields upon fields of tulips.



13.  We went to the Gertrude Chandler Warner Boxcar Children's Museum



14. We saw an otter, beaver, and owl in the wild for the first time ever.

15.  We made spray painted marble paper


16.  We toured Indian Echo Caverns


17. We went to ZooAmerica in Hershey park and saw lots of new animals


18. Alec, Evan and I all made our own Hershey chocolate bar!


19. Evan went on his first real roller coaster with a loop and everything-- he loved the Sooper Dooper Looper! 

20.  We toured the AACA museum in Hershey and saw some really neat cars. 


21. We fed the giraffes!


22.  We made our own popsicles.



23.  We raised tadpoles into frogs.



24. We used our new ice cream maker attachment for the stand mixer and experimented with all sorts of yummy recipes.




25.  We visited the Newport Car Museum



26.  We made pour painted canvas art.




27. We hiked all around Niagara Falls and checked out the whirlpool too.





28.  We toured the Niagara Power Vista and learned more about clean energy and the history of Niagara.




29. We visited the Aquarium of Niagara and saw Humbolt penguins and learned about fishing in the great lakes region.




30.  We saw lots of new animals at the Buffalo zoo




31.   Evan and Alec went zip lining over Niagara Falls.







32.  We went right up to the base of the falls on the Maid of the Mist Ride and the Cave of the Winds tour.





33.  We learned all about Old Fort Niagara and it's role in our nation's history.




34.  We went on a boat ride through the Erie Canal locks.


35.  We saw Niagara Falls all lit up at night with different colors and even watched the fireworks over the gorge.




36. We saw two of the great lakes; Erie and Ontario.

37.  We used our brand new passports and learned what it was like to pass through customs on foot exploring Canada for the first time ever for all 3 boys.



38.  We visited Old Mistick Village and spent a day exploring the shops and some yummy treats.




39.  We made our own donuts.



40. We went to Clyde's Cider Mill and saw how cider was made.



41.  We made homemade pretzels.



42.  Ian learned how to use the chain saw and helped clear some land.

43.  We went to Amarante's Winter Wonderland.



44.  We made a log cabin house instead of a gingerbread house.



45.  The boys learned how to do glass etching; making personalized mugs and candle holders.






46.  We made our own marshmallows.



47.  The boys tried their hand at stringing popcorn and cranberries.




48.  We tried making our own egg-less eggnog.




49. We went to the Bradley Playhouse to see A Christmas Story Live.




50- 51.  We saw one of the Newport mansions all decorated for Christmas (it was also our first time visiting the Elms and learning about the Berwind family!)




52.  We went to Tower Hill Botanical Gardens to see their Christmas decorations and can't wait to go back in the spring/ summer to try out some of their hiking trails.





You can read about our previous 52 New Experiences by clicking on these links:
2013
2015
2016
2017

Linking Up With:
Embracing Change




Live Live Well Pin

Comments

  1. What a year! Isn't Tower Hill gorgeous in the holidays!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is! We can't wait to go back and explore all the gardens outside in bloom this spring/summer. I can't believe I had never been there before.

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  2. Wow - you have been so busy. So many great activities that I would love to do. So much fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We sure have been! I'm trying to brainstorm a list for 2019 to get us started.

      Delete
  3. Wonderful memories that your family will cherish for a lifetime. Happy New Year, Kippi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, thank you! I sure hope so. Happy New Year to you too.

      Delete
  4. Wow. I thought trying the Target on the east side of Savannah was a new experience. I'm going to try a new adventure once a month. I am inspired!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL! I am so glad we inspired you. Looking for new experiences has helped me be a better local tourist; seeking out little museums and shops I might not have otherwise tried.

      Delete
  5. I love this so much I did it too. What a wonder year you all had. I hope next year is just as spectacular!
    Blessings, Dawn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! We did have a great year. I hope you have a wonderful year next year too.

      Delete
  6. Soon after Christmas, Japanese people start preparing for the year-end and New Year’s events.
    Compared to Christmas, many of these events are based on Japanese tradition and are deeply related to religion.
    The end-of-year party is called “bonenkai” in Japanese. “Bonen” means to forget (the worries of) the past year.
    People are busy with events on New Year’s Eve.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Most people here are busy with events and parties on New Year's Eve too. I prefer a quiet night at home with the family though.

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  7. What an amazing year of adventure! Here's to another fun year in 2019!

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  8. You are so inspiring! I'm sure your boys LOVE this. Thanks for sharing with us at #LiveLifeWell.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I hope they enjoy it; but I'm pretty sure they do. They don't always realize it's a new experience and that I keep track of them but they do like going new places and trying new things.

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  9. What an amazing list! I looks like you all had a very blessed year! Love the new look of the site!

    Thanks for linking up @LiveLifeWell!

    Blessings,

    Amy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! I keep toying with it a bit here and there but overall I am loving the new streamlined look of the site too.

      Delete

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