Celebrating the Birthday Girls from Ocala, Fl!

Celebrating the April 16th Birthday Girls, Nonna (70) & Stella (2)! 

Ocala, FL - 4/16/16

Stella unwrapping a few presents while Grandpa, Nonna, Mommy, Kari, Cameron, Elise & Dad (behind the camera) watch on. 

What a fun birthday card from Uncle Gerry and Aunt Jeannie....put the spots on the Dalmations! 

A new tutu from Cameron and Elise had Stella dancing! 

And Alien ice cream will make everyone dance. 

Once the rain cleared, everyone played a round of putt putt. Turned out to be a nice sunny day! 

Stella giving Grandpa putting advice on the first hole. 

 

Vermont Teddy Bear and local maple syrup!

Vermont Teddy Bear Company is the largest maker of hand-crafted, American-made Teddy Bears! 

Stella had a good time walking around the factory store and playing with some of the bears. 

After visiting Vermont Teddy Bear, we stopped at Shelburne Sugarworks

and had a true Vermont treat - sugar on snow (maple syrup over shaved ice), complemented with a donut and pickle spear.

The warm syrup crystallizes when reacting with the shaved ice. Pickles and plain doughnuts cut the sweetness. Yummy! 

Maple producers from around the state open their doors from March-April, allowing the public to sample and watch the process of making maple syrup. 

Spring and Easter

We've officially start spring here in Vermont or, as the locals call it "mud season."

To get outside, we often have to wear our waterproof boots but the mud is often pretty fun to play in.

We're starting to get some warmer days which has allowed us to get outside and explore.

A few weeks ago, we walked for several miles on a section of the Burlington bike path. There were several playgrounds along the way that Stella tested out.

Stella has also started joining mom for the evening dog walk before dinner.

She's usually waiting near the door when mom gets home and, always looking out for the dogs, says "Gus pee" and "Max pee." (Gus and Max need to go pee)

Our neighborhood has lots of sidewalks and several trails so don't have to go far to take advantage of warmer temps. 

We didn't even need coats on Easter.

Speaking of Easter, the Easter bunny stopped by last weekend to drop off some treats for Stella.

Grandma bunny also gave Stella some treats

She especially enjoyed the bubbles that came in her basket. In fact she used up nearly the whole container of "bubbews" before accidentally pouring it out.