April snow in Vermont - 4/26/16

We were all looking forward to Spring, Mother Nature had other ideas as we got a late April snow in Vermont. But we made the most of a snowy Monday! 4/26/16

Stella and Dad made a snowman and played outside for a bit. Stella helped roll out the snow and shape her first snowman! 

The snow was perfect for making snowballs and a snowman. 

How fun! 

Spring is finally here

We've had a few nicer days in VT in the past few weeks but probably more cold, rainy or even snowy days (just last week we got 3-4"!)

But today it got into the 70's and was clear and sunny - the perfect day to replace the dead plants in the pots outside the front door.

It was mommy-daughter day so Stella and mom started the morning with some brunch.

Then we headed over to gardner's supply for some plants and tools for Stella.

Stella was a big help mixing the soil in preparation for planting all the flowers.

Once the flowers were planted, Stella made sure they had plenty of water.

They turned out great!

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.

Homemade Vermont Maple Syrup!

Colby’s fellow Engineer, Kevin, invited us over to watch the process to making Vermont Maple Syrup. Kevin pictured in the back right and Shawn is on the left. 3/5/16

The Sugar Maple Tree yields about 1 gallon of syrup for each 40 gallons of sap collected. The sap is boiled to remove water until it reaches 67% sugar. Approximately 2/3 of the water is boiled off the sap. At this point it is known as maple syrup

Stella enjoyed the warmth from the fire.

While Kevin explained the process.

After the boil, the syrup passes thru a coffee filter to remove any debris.

Stella really enjoyed the sweet filter used to strain the syrup.

From the tree to our table. Kevin gave us a jar of delicious maple syrup to take home. Ummm….made for some tasty waffles!