I got this in a e-mail from Meg yesterday:

Forgot a funny comment from Henry yesterday. I was trying to explain to him that Memorial Day is about remembering the people who fought and died in wars for our country, and he told me "and vehicles. It's about remembering army vehicles."

25 small dollars had nothing.

1,920 quarters produced one Canadian, one Australian 10¢, one UK 10 pence and one Indian 5 Rupee. The Indian coin is a new type for me.

2,100 dimes yielded one silver Rosie (1947).

5,720 nickels turned up four Buffaloes (3 x dateless, 1936), six War Times (2 x 1943P, 2 x 1944P, 2 x 1945P), seven Canadians (3 Ni), one Bahamas 5¢ and one Ecuador 5¢. That's the most Buffaloes I've turned up in one batch!

Before I forget here are two funny Henry quotes:

While watching Wall-E with me this weekend. Henry saw Wall-E using a VCR and said, "Wall-E makes video out of his toaster!"

Yesterday when talking about a wedding we're going to soon Henry asked Meg, "Will they have bathrooms at the wedding?"

36 small dollars and one half dollar had nothing.

9,800 quarters turned up ten Canadians, sixteen US nickels, six US dimes, one New Zealand 10¢, two Bermuda 25¢ and one East Caribbean States 25¢. Argh ... my silver quarter drought continues.

7,400 dimes rounded up eleven silver Rosies (1953, 2 x 1954, 1962D, 6 x 1964, 1964D), seven Canadians, three UK 5 pence, one Ecuador 10¢ and one Dominican Republic 10¢.

This weekend we experienced a three day weekend. I'm a bit a hesitant to say "enjoyed" because the kids had some big cranky moments each day, but there were some good time in there too. On Saturday the kids were really good while we got a lot of errands done in the morning. On Sunday after a tumultuous journey to church everyone did well at a family party we went to. Yesterday we had a good time at Tougas picking strawberries on their opening day. Hazel wasn't too good at picking (she wasn't particular about what color strawberries she picked) so we set her about helping the pickers. It was really cute. She'd bring an empty small green bucket to us, trade it for a filled one, go down the path to dump it into the big bin and then return. It kept her busy and us picking fast. We got a lot of strawberries in a short time.

8,000 halves produced seven 40% silver halves (1966, 5 x 1968D, 1969D).

10,700 pennies turned up sixty-seven Wheats, forty-five Canadians, one US dime, one Barbados 1¢ and one Euro 2¢.

1910, 1911, 1917, 1918, 1939(3)

343 small dollars had just one mint set dollar (2002D).

2,880 quarters yielded seven Canadians.

1,800 dimes produced six Canadians and one Swiss 10 Rappen.

760 nickels rounded up one War Time (1943P).

Cheese Vacation

Today is our first full day back home. During the past three days we took a mini-vacation to Mystic, CT. It was a great weekend.

Things started off right on Friday with Henry's school's ice cream social. Every family member was invited and I think almost all of them came as the turnout was great. Henry had been asking about it for days. On Saturday I took the kids to the Gap Outlet to get Henry a swimsuit and myself some shirts. I was very glad that Henry was pretty excited about a swimsuit we bought (he usually doesn't like new things at all). We then went to the Ecotarium and had a good time riding the train, playing outside, withstanding the wind booth (multiple times, even Hazel could stand up in 80 mph winds!) and playing with musical tubes. On Sunday we went to the park in the afternoon after church and lots of pre-vacation errands.

Henry was very excited about our hotel. When he learned that they would have sheets and pillows there Henry asked Meg, "will they have clothes too?" I'm not exactly sure how he comprehended the idea as we haven't stayed in one in along time. He was also pumped about potentially having a TV in his room ("we'll have a TV party in my room!") and an indoor pool.

The ride down was pretty quick. Meg and I and got to have a conversation while the kids napped (a big plus about long rides). We went directly to the Mystic Aquarium. We saved a bit using our Big Y cards (thanks Uncle Greg!), but otherwise it is fairly steep. I think we made it worth it, however. The kids did really well here, except for the indoor aquariums, for some reason Henry was obsessed with checking out the upstairs (which was almost empty). Meg and I really appreciated how spread out the place is compared to the Boston Aquarium. After checking into the hotel and exploring the room (we had to unplug the three phones because Hazel was playing with them continuously) we went down to the pool. Henry did really well in the big pool with me and Hazel was most interested in enjoying the whirlpool with Meg (too hot for Henry, I guess). In the evening we went to Friendly's (sadly, the culinary highlight of our trip).

After two relatively good sleeps from the kids (the next night was even better) we enjoyed breakfast downstairs and went to Mystic Seaport. There were not many people there because of the rain --- better for us. We got a good discount via our Sturbridge Village membership and the fact that they let Henry in for free. I was surprised at how much kid stuff they have there. They had a great house with tons of good toys (see pictures), three play boats outside, a room with 19th century toys (to play with), lots of ship models and one very large model of the port. We even came back after lunchtime, swimming and napping at the hotel. We didn't push our luck with another restaurant trip for dinner and instead at downstairs. Henry and Hazel enjoyed the food.

The next day we went to breakfast downstairs, packed up and went back to the Mystic Aquarium (with our tickets we could go back for free). The place had much fewer people than our first visit so we enjoyed somethings a bit more. We also got to see a quick sea lion show. After the show (well actually before it) the kids began melting down so we headed home.

In summary it was a great trip. We're definitely looking forward to our "beach house" vacation later this summer.

Meg and Hazel watching the beluga whales at the Mystic Aquarium. I found them a bit creepy, but the others seemed to enjoy them a lot!

Hazel getting excited seeing the penguins swim in front of her. She also liked the bullfrogs a lot that were nearby.

We had what was probably our most fun in the bird cage feeding parakeets. Meg was the best at getting them to come onto her stick. I was the only person who got pooped on. I thought our raincoats would come in more handy in this place!

Hazel was a big fan of the aquariums inside. She would point and say "whoah" at lot. At times she would put her hands over her ears ... although the fish made no sounds.

A true vacation. Cuddling with the kids while reading a book. Everyone's got juice.

Henry was very excited to put on his new swimming suit (except for the fact that it came with underwear). He even picked it out himself at the Gap Outlet. Hazel wore a new one from her role model Cassie.

Henry at the children's house at Mystic Seaport. The model he's playing with here was great. All of the ships and buildings could be moved about. "They have felt on the bottom!" It was reasonable accurate.

Meg and Hazel playing with some other toys near Henry and I.

The kids in the play kitchen. This was there favorite spot - much like in Sturbridge Village. Henry and Hazel fed Meg and I lots of eggs and donuts. Henry told me, "it's a kind of soup that doesn't burn."

Hazel still in her apron from the kitchen at the wheel.

Meg, Henry and Hazel fishing.

Henry and Hazel playing on the three outdoor kids' boats. These were really well made and kept them amused for sometime even outdoors in the rain.

Hazel peeking out.

The kids on our luggage cart.

Before we left I searched some coin.

5 small dollars and 8,000 halves had two 90% silver halves (2 x 1964) and six 40% silver halves (2 x 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968D, 1969D).

5,640 quarters produced four Canadians, four US nickels and one Cayman Islands 25¢.

2,950 dimes yielded four silver Rosies (1958D, 1961D, 2 x 1963D), four Canadians, one Guatemala 5¢ and one Singapore 10¢.

1,600 nickels turned up four Canadians, one Guatemala 10¢, two US dimes and one semi-key Jefferson, the 1951S.

24,900 pennies rounded up one hundred sixty-four Wheats, one hundred sixty-two Canadians, two UK pennies, twenty-six US dimes, one Euro 2¢ and one Bahamas 1¢. In the bunch was also a new modern one for me, the 2012.

1911, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1923, 1927, 1934(2), 1936, 1937, 1938(2), 1939(4)

156 small dollars turned up three mint set dollars (2002D, 2007P, 2007D). I was particularly pleased with finding the 2007P. I've found that one before as an unopened mint roll, but had yet to find a single one that was suitable to put in my album. Now my album is all filled up 2000-2011!

4,240 quarters produced one Canadian, one US dime and one French franc.

1,050 dimes yielded two silver Rosies (2 x 1964D), one Canadian and one US penny.

800 nickels rounded up seven Canadians (1 Ni) and one US dime.

10,840 quarters turned up thirteen Canadians, twelve US nickels, one US dime, one French franc, one UK 10 pence and one Bermuda 25¢. Where's that next silver quarter?

7,400 dimes yielded two silver Rosies (2 x 1964), eight Canadians (including one 1950, 80% silver), three UK 5 pence, one Bermuda 10¢ and one Ecuador 10¢.

4,200 nickels produced two War Times (1943P, 1945S), eleven Canadians (1 Ni), one US dime and one UK penny.

Here's a few good pictures from our Mothers' Day weekend. We tried to get one of Meg with the kids, but they weren't cooperating. We're going to have to try harder this weekend.

Hazel tending to her "baby."

Henry showing off the bridge and parking lot we set up. Once I explained to him that tow trucks sometimes removed cars that were parked incorrectly he had a lot of fun using his little tow truck to remove cars from the lot for all sorts of reasons.

Hazel at Cassie's third birthday party with the crown she made. She did glue those gems on there.

Henry, Hazel and cousin Evan in the fort. Hazel did very well climbing up the ladder to get in this place and enjoy a snack with the boys before sliding down.

Hazel with her play safety googles.

My coin was OK this weekend.

7 small dollars had nothing.

8,002 half dollars had two 90% silver halves (1964, 1964D), five 40% silver halves (1966, 2 x 1967, 1968D, 1969D) and three proof halves (1982S, 1983S, 2006S).

13,600 pennies turned up eighty-three Wheats, ninety-two Canadians, twelve US dimes, two Euro 2¢ and one Bermuda 1¢.

1917, 1934, 1937, 1939

Yesterday Henry was very excited to show something he made while I was at work. It was a drum made out of a used coffee can, wrapped in paper with drawings and stickers as well as a string so it could be put around his neck. Hazel made one too. Hers had animal stickers on it (Henry's had monster trucks). I saw this e-mail from Meg about it today, I concur:

Henry's beating on the pans and yelling "A one, two, a one, two, three!" It's pretty cute. Except for the ear-splitting sound level.

I didn't round up too much coin yesterday. What I got was kind of boring.

2 halves had nothing.

2,760 quarters had just two Canadians.

1,700 dimes produced one silver Rosie (1964D), seven Canadians, one UK 5 pence, one Aruba 10¢ and three US pennies.

1,560 nickels yielded eight Canadians.

Just a quick coin update ...

26 small dollars had nothing.

3,280 quarters produced seven Canadians, one US nickel, one UK 10 pence and one Swedish 1 Krona. My silver quarter drought continues.

1,950 dimes yielded two silver Rosies (1956D, 1964D).

560 nickels found me just one Canadian.

And Then There Was One

Here's a picture of one of the two farms I built with Henry over the weekend. It's gotten really fun to setup such things with Henry for me because now both he and I create the scene. He likes to tell me what parts are the shade the animals, feed them and are for them to play with. The second farm I built, on Sunday morning, included a bit for Hazel so she could put animals inside it too.

Last night I was a witness to one of the somewhat cute disagreements between Henry and Hazel. Henry kept saying to Hazel, "Don't you know white milk comes from cows?" Hazel would reply, "No." At points Henry would ask us, "Why does Hazel not think white milk comes from cows?" It went on for ten minutes or so.

361 small dollars and 20 half dollars had one proof dollar (2010S Sacagawea) and one Canadian dollar. That's the first proof dollar I've found since July 2011!

3,800 quarters rounded up five Canadians, four US dimes and one US nickel.

3,500 dimes yielded two silver Rosies (1951S, 1964), six Canadians, one UK 5 pence and one US penny. The 1951S is the first new old silver Rosie I've found since October 2010! I now only have one left to complete my album, the 1946S. It felt really good finding this one.

2,040 nickels turned up one dateless Buffalo (S Mint), one War Time (1944S), two Canadians, one US dime and a key date Jefferson, the 1939S. The 1944S is a nice upgrade to the one I have in my album.

This weekend wasn't as productive as last weekend, but it did go pretty well. I took the kids out Saturday morning with my mother. We first went to Klem's. Henry got a couple small John Deere tractor toys (they've got a great variety there) and Hazel picked up two fish finger puppets. We also got free popcorn, saw lots of dogs and played on the tractors they have for sale there. Afterwards we went to McDonald's for lunch and made a quick stop at a nursery. In the afternoon Henry and I got the groceries and I mowed the lawn. Meg spent time dealing with Hazel's clothes (that job never ends!) and the kids craft supplies.

After church on Sunday Henry and I went to Home Depot to get some supplies and Mothers' Day gifts. In the afternoon all us spent time outside getting some stuff done including trying to right a tree we have that leans a lot. Nonnie arrived in the evening and Meg and I were able to have a quick dinner out! That was definitely needed.

Two funny quotes from the kids:

Henry: Why are we allowed to make cookies if we were being bad?

Hazel: (after a gaseous moment from Henry) Whoah! Big poop (with hand motions).

5 large dollars and 8,000 half dollars had just one 40% silver half (1967).

20,350 pennies produced one hundred forty Wheats, one hundred thirty-three Canadians, seven US dimes, four Euro 2¢, one Irish penny, one Cayman Islands 1¢ and one Panama 1¢. In this batch was on I don't see all that often, the 1920D. I think this is only the third one I've found.

1918(3), 1920D, 1926, 1930, 1936

My coins were pretty dull last night.

25 small dollars had nothing.

3,240 quarters had thirteen Canadians, two US nickels, one Greek 2 Drachma (1970) and one East Caribbean States 25¢.

2,250 dimes produced one Canadian and one Bermuda 10¢.

1,000 nickels yielded four Canadians and one US dime.

Today I spotted a cool old bill in the teller's tray. I've spotted some old bills before, but usually they tell me they're keeping them for someone else. Today they let me buy it! It was a 1953A $10 silver certificate. Only 1,080,000 were printed!

Yesterday soon after I got home Hazel peed on the potty! I was told she was trying a lot during the afternoon. She's been very interested in this for a while and has recently been reading Henry's potty book. Even Henry was very excited about this.

2,280 quarters produced one NH highway token and one U.A.E. 1 Dirham.

1,850 dimes turned up two Canadians, two UK 5 pence and one US pennies.

7,080 nickels yielded one War Time (1942S), eleven Canadians, one US penny, one US dime, one Cayman Islands 5¢, one Bermuda 5¢ and an "I ♥ You" medal.

50 small dollars and 30 half dollars had one mint set dollar (2007D).

5,800 quarters produced thirteen Canadians, eleven US nickels, five US dimes, one French franc, one Netherlands 1 Gulden and a new modern quarter for me, the 2011D Chickasaw. I guess it's about time I get my America the Beautiful Quarter album.

8,050 dimes yielded six silver Rosies (1954, 1956, 1957, 1961, 1962D, 1964), two Steelies (2 x 1943), twenty-five Canadians, three Bermuda 10¢, one Irish 5 pence and one Spanish 5¢. In one of the roll of dimes was a very tiny nose ring! I think it is silver with a very tiny (.03 carat) diamond on it. I don't know if it is a real diamond, but Meg reasoned that no one would put anything else so tiny on a post like this. That makes sense to me, plus it is only worth $1 at most. I might take it to a jeweler for an official opinion (more because I think this is funny, than I think I've hit the mother lode). What's next!?