Bye Bye

Stella is getting better and better at walking since she took her first steps a few months ago.

This morning, Stella and mom were walking to the car to go to daycare. Dad was standing in the garage saying "bye bye, Stella." Without missing a beat, Stella said "BYE BYE" and started to wave. 

THAT blankie

Stella loves pointing at things around the house and asking "THAT?"

She seems to want to know what the object is called or she wants to have the item.

The object she seems to want most often lately is her blanket. Lately, she wants to carry or snuggle with one of her blankets a lot.

If she happens to see one of her blankets laying around, she will probably point at it as ask for it by saying "THAT!"

2nd Father's Day weekend

This Father's Day was the second Joe has celebrated. 

We kicked off the weekend with an early breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Since the weather was a little rainy, we couldn't hit the lake. Instead we visited the local boat dealerships to check out potential Father's Day gifts.

In the afternoon the weather had cleared up and we met some friends at the splash pad near our house.

After Stella went to sleep we had a Fathers Day fire outside and roasted some Father's Day marshmallows.

As usual, Stella was ready to start the day by 6:30am so, we got an early start to some boat time on Sunday.

Stella's favorite part of boating so far seems to be the cheese puffs. She made a pretty good dent in the bag we brought to snack on.

Exploring Vermont!

On Sunday, we got up early to make the approximately 2 mile hike to Sterling Pond near Stowe and Jeffersonville, VT.

The hike was not too difficult but a little steep and rocky in spots. 

The view of the alpine lake on such a beautiful, clear, sunny day made the hike worth it.

The edge of the lake was a perfect spot for a break. Stella enjoyed splashing her toes in the cool water.

Saturday in Burlington

During our vacation in Vermont, Stella has been waking up with the early-rising sun around 5:30am. The one good thing about such an early wake up call is that we can get a jumpstart on our vacation activities.

On Saturday we started out the morning by walking Burlington's farmers market in city park. 

The market had lots to offer - even gluten free maple donuts! 

In fact, there were lots of maple options, even maple lemonade...

After the farmers market, we took a ferry ride across Lake Champlain to port Kent, NY. 

Exploring the green mountain state! 6/12/15

Drove over to Waterbury, VT - home to Green Mountain Coffee, Cabot Cheese 

and Ben & Jerry's. Another first for Stella.....ice cream! 

I think I like this sweet, cold, creamy treat. Ummm ice cream....I could get used to this!

Views from the ice cream graveyard - flavors that Ben & Jerry's will no longer make. 

Next stop, a drive through Stowe, VT. Stopped to grab a few scenic photos before lunch.

Sat down for a delicious lunch of smoked salmon pitas, German potato salad and a craft beer from Lost Nation Brewery - Morristown, VT

Stella decided to treat Mom and Dad to lunch.

1st time on a plane

Early wake up call for Stella and Dad to catch a 6am flight to Vermont. Stella is ready for her first plane ride. 

And we're off! First stop, Washington Dulles. After playing with the magazines, window shades and drop down trays, it was time for a nap. 

One down one to go....next stop Burlington, VT to see Mom! Ron, a passenger sitting next us, admitted that he hoped we were not sitting next to him when we first boarded. Stella turned out to be quite the entertainer by playing peekaboo, waving, smiling and laughing at and with Ron and other passengers around us. Dad didn't really know what to expect for her first flight, but Stella did great!