Mt. Philo summit hike - Sat. 7/16/16

On Saturday we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and hike Mt. Philo. Stella started off with Dad in the backpack, but wanted to walk with mommy soon after. Mom was pointing out the blue trail markers to Stella. 

Only twenty minutes from Burlington, the trek up Mount Philo offers a steep—albeit brief—climb to a summit view worthy of a much longer hike. As the trek got steeper Stella returned to the backpack. 

At the summit, expansive views to and across Lake Champlain of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains.

Approximately one mile hike to the summit - 2.1 mile round trip. We took in the views and grabbed some snacks before heading back down. 

Stella was pooped out...

and still sleeping when we got back to the parking lot. Zzzzzzzzzz.

Additional pics from our Mt. Philo hike.

Camping and visit with Colby's cousin, Jenny.

Mountain Getaway Campground, Ascutney, VT. Stella really liked our site (A5) with the close proximity to the kids play area.

Pretty much rained most of the three days during our stay, but didn't stop Stella from playing outside. On Saturday, we drove over to Okemo Mountain for a hike. Break out the rain jackets! 

From the parking area we hiked about a mile to the summit...

up to Okemo fire tower. We had some other hikers take a quick photo before we realized Gus was missing. 

We ended up finding wet & soggy Gus on the way down. After getting out of the rain and back to the camper, we made dinner and decided to watch a movie. 

On Sunday, we drove over to Cannan, New Hampshire to meet up with Colby's cousin, Jenny, and her family. 

Pictures from left to right Caspian, Sage, Jenny, Colby & Stella. After the rain let up we spent a little time hanging out on the dock. 

Stella had a great time playing with Caspian and Sage. 

The sun finally decided to stick around as we were getting ready to leave on Monday. Here are a few additional pics of Getaway Mountain Campground. 

7/8/16-7/11/16 

4th of July weekend - 2016

Perfect weather in Burlington on this Sunday, after a rainy day yesterday. This evening we took the bike path over to Oakledge Park to watch the city's fireworks! 

We met up with one of Colby's coworkers, Karen and her husband, Jason. Nice setup and a pretty sunset as we waited for the fireworks.

Stella really liked her first time watching the fireworks....pointing out all the different colors and the big ones. She also enjoyed the warm donuts served up. 

Took advantage of the beautiful weather by spending the first half of the day on the lake....

dropped anchor at Thayer Beach surrounded by about fifty other boats although hard to tell from the picture.

Temperature was about 80 today with the water temp in the upper 60's. Stella like to climb on the ladder and splash Mom & Dad of course! 

Cheers to this great country we live in and to all the past and present military personnel! Happy Indepence Day! 

"I need to go potty"

We've been working with Stella on going to the potty and letting us know when she needs to go to the potty, rather than us asking her. 

Yesterday as Dad and Stella were in the living room Stella said "Uh-oh I need to go potty" and Dad took Stella to the bathroom, but she didn't end up going potty. Five minutes later.......

"Uh-oh I need to go potty" and off she went, but not before telling Dad with both hands raised up in the stop position - "No, stay right there." LOL. Hooray! Stella went potty! #2 

7/1/16