M's First Day of School: GFS Edition

Another first - the first day of "new school" for M (GFS).



She did wonderfully...apparently, she LOVES Flip Flop, the classroom guinea pig, and the playground is a big hit. Here's hoping she's as excited to go tomorrow.

Summer Vacation 2013 - Day Nine

Day Nine gave us a gorgeous morning and the C girls got to go out kayaking with J on the lake. (Bonus points to J for jumping in the lake when G lost her special rock!).



The rest of the day mostly consisted of the long trek back home, but just wanted to note that M was a trooper. We sang "I had a little turtle" about 8,435 times (give or take a few) and M caught up on some iPad viewing. An ice cream stop and a Dunkin' Donuts jaunt later, we were pulling in to home sweet home.

Already counting the days to the next visit...

XXO,
K, J, M, T & T

Summer Vacation 2013 - Day Eight

Today was the quintessential VT day - we spent it exploring the countryside with the C family.

First, we went to the farmer's market in Londonderry and sampled more cheese than was really necessary (but it was oh-so-good). We bought fresh pickles, veggies and breads, as well as some of the aforementioned cheese, and then headed off to the playground to get out some energy bursts from the girls.

After, it was on to a family favorite - Taylor Farm. It was an especially fun day at the farm, as a sow had delivered 7 piglets the night before ("baby piggies!" squealed M when she saw them...she then proceeded to try to climb in the pen to give them "rubbies." The momma pig was not having that and we were able to stop her before it got ugly!).



In addition to the pigs, there were chickens, cows and, of course, Jerry the angry donkey (he only likes kids, no adults). We gave Jerry his space while the girls fed the cows hay and threw apples to the big old pig that escaped from the barn before we left. Everyone bought more cheese (!) and maple syrup and we headed off toward home.

A scenic drive later, we had stopped at our favorite butcher in Chester and were laden with meats for dinner. But, before feasting, we worked off some calories with a hike at Camp Plymouth and the lower loop of the Echo Vista Trail. It was just after some heavy midday rain and the forest was cool and calm. M loved exploring and wading in the creek was a big favorite.


Another family dinner and campfire made for happy bellies and tired campers. After the girls went to bed, the oh-so-crazy adults broke out some board games and generally just reveled in being together and catching up.

Perfection...

Summer Vacation 2013 - Day Seven

Day Seven (Friday) was a pretty relaxing day in VT.

K went for a run (with Tuscany in tow). K, J and M all went out in the kayak on the lake for a few minutes - literally. M likes the shoving off and returning to the boat launch, but has little patience for long, leisurely trips in between.

So, J and then K did their own solo kayaking loops around Lake Amherst. It was a gorgeous day - 75 degrees, sunny, blue skies with fluffy, white clouds. Just perfect. Also, the lake was like glass. Crystal clear...so much so that even the 20-foot depths looked close enough to touch.

That night, we lit up another roaring campfire and the C family arrived from Boston. M was very excited (and not only because they brought her birthday gifts). Roasted marshmallows and s'mores abounded and a good time was had by all.