Friday, April 13, 2012

Easter Egg Hunt at Blithewold Mansion

On Saturday morning, we wanted to find something fun and Easter-y to do around Tim's parent's house.  I did lots of computer searching and found an Easter Egg hunt at Blithewold Mansion in Bristol, RI.  Tim's dad knew the location - a beautiful mansion and gardens near a college that he used to work at.  We thought it sounded like a good pick (and it was free!), so we headed over there Saturday morning.  It turns out we made a very good choice!

We got there early so we walked around the mansion grounds.  There were a ton of daffodils in bloom and it was beautiful.  This picture doesn't do it justice at all, but it gives you an idea of how many flowers - they were everywhere!

Leah and Mama

Cutie girl Leah

And handsome boy Cameron

There was a really cool bamboo garden

It was very tall!  We were looking for pandas hiding in there.

We didn't find pandas but we did find a very cool swing in the bamboo

We told Cam that it was almost time for the Easter Egg hunt, so he was off and running to get back there in time.

The hunt is on!!  Cameron completely held his own, grabbing up a bunch of eggs

Going for another one or two or three

There were a ton of eggs.  The announcer said over 5000 "hidden" all over the lawn.

Leah wasn't quite quick enough to get many.  She found one, then half of one, and she was more than happy with that!

As you can see, no kids and no eggs around her.  Next year she will be faster!

Checking out their loot!  The eggs were filled with candy (also, Leah's mouth is filled with candy - the one egg she did find had chocolate in it, much to her delight) and small toys.  Cameron was a very good big brother and shared a bunch of his eggs and prizes with Leah.

Leah showing off a few of the eggs

There were actors from a local Beauty and the Beast show.  Leah was excited to see a princess.

Cameron and Leah with the Easter Bunny.  I think this is one of the creepiest Easter Bunnys I have ever seen.

After the hunt was over, the kids gave the plastic eggs back.  In exchange for the egg, they each got a big Russell Stover chocolate bunny.  At first they were upset to give back the plastic eggs, but once they realized that they got awesome chocolate in exchange, they were very happy.

After the egg hunt was over, we went to the front lawn of the mansion to hang out.  Cam "needed a break" so he sat on the lawn contemplating life.

When he was done with that, he got up and chased Daddy

They love to run

Going through all of the prizes again with Mama

A great picture of Mimi and Grandpa!

Mama and kiddos, hanging out on the grass

Tom dreaming of this all being his

Artsy shot of Cameron, Leah and Mama

Fun with the wide angle lens

Cameron was so worn out that he asked for a ride back to the parking lot.

It was a great choice - the Easter Egg hunt was fun, the kids got great prizes and we all enjoyed walking around the gardens and grounds of the mansions.  We are definitely putting this on the list for the next time we are Swansea for Easter!!

3 comments:

David said...

Oh, wow, that place looks great. Is it always free to visit, or was that just a special event?

Mom/Rosemary said...

It sounds like the parents weren't too obnoxious. I know a lot of Easter egg hunts were cancelled this year because of parents who pushed and shoved to get their kids the most eggs in previous years.

Traveling Walkers said...

Dave - it costs money normally. According to the website, it is $11 for adults and free for kids under 5. I guess we were lucky to get to see the grounds for a special event, when it was free. Keep an eye out for other special events when you may be able to get in, because it was really beautiful! Lots of great photo opportunities. :)