Irene

Well, has you all know Vermont was hit quite hard by our good friend Tropical Storm Irene this past August. Our road did sustain some flooding and while the water did creep up our lawn, being up on a hill proved very advantageous. We came out unscathed as did most of our town. We were the lucky ones. The only huge loss in our town was our watering hole, the "Norwich Pool" - hopefully they will rebuild.

Looking out our window at our front lawn and road.

Our road, in front of the house.

Looking up our road, toward the overflowing river.

The river overflowing it's banks onto our road.

Looking back down the road toward our house.

Along the path to the Norwich Pool BEFORE Irene....

DURING Irene

The dam on the river that created the pool..BEFORE Irene.

The lifeguard deck over the dam BEFORE Irene.

DURING Irene.

The serene pool BEFORE Irene.

The raging river/pool DURING Irene.

Our newest pet...

Introducing Maurice, our house groundhog. Also known as a Woodchuck or a Whistle Pig, Maurice has apparently be living under the mudroom way before we moved in. And though he was out and about everyday for about a week -- eating the grass and bugs -- he seems to have retreated to his cave. We hope to see him again before his long hibernation - but alas, we might have to wait til the spring.

Prowling for some grub.

Running back to his hole.

Billings Farm & Museum: Woodstock, VT

Yesterday we headed over to Woodstock, VT to visit the farm animals at the Billings Farm & Museum. It's a historic, operational, dairy farm and we had a feeling Olivia would love it. Finally, Old McDonald was brought to life! We saw horses, cows, sheep, and chickens - and even got fresh homemade ice cream- yum! We also perused the exhibit on Windsor county quilts at the museum and voted for our favorite. And if that wasn't enough of an eventful day for Miss Livvy - that evening we headed up to Montpelier to have dinner with Uncle Jon. What a nice sunday!

Horses grazing in the pasture.

They finally came over to give Olivia a better look.

The sheep pen.

Sleep Sheep!

The ladies were getting ready for milking. I feel your pain girls ; )

Corn!

Olivia has recently developed a real love for corn. And even though we cut the corn off the cob for her  - she insists on trying her best to snack on any kernels we may have overlooked!

Ahh the cob!

Behold,  the master of the cob!

I can even conquer two cobs at once!

I love my cobs.

Olivia Swims

Olivia and I joined our new friends Taryn and Parker for 2 weeks of Parent-Child swimming lessons at Storrs Pond Recreation Center in Hanover. It was a half hour class Monday-Thursday and the girls, big and small, really enjoyed themselves! Here are some picks of us in action!

Kick, kick, reach, reach

No, you're not seeing double - the girls have the same bathing suit -
a total coincidence!

Horsey-Noodle

Olivia swimming back from retrieving one of our team duckies.
Now the trick is getting her to relinquish it!

Now for the backstroke!

The girls successfully retrieved their balls.

Eyeing mom's blueberry muffin at the end of class party.

The girls celebrate the accomplishment with a Mum (rice cracker favorite)!

Olivia and Peter Meet Again!

We were desperately in need of another great weekend visiting at Stratton with the Stoepkers and company.  So, we headed over (a mere hour and 20 minutes away now!) and had a great time with Jeremy, Tanveer, Peter, Michelle, Abu, Jordan, Seema, Josh, and Julie (the dog) - and were joined my Anees and Batul on sunday. What a great weekend of hiking, swimming and eating!

Taking her afternoon nap on the trail.
(Hiking to Hamilton Falls)

Jeremy's the first to take a plunge into
the freezing water!

Jer, Seema and Josh take a look down the falls.

At the bottom of the falls, we had our much anticipated picnic lunch!

My little hiker : )

Jordan poses for a pic while on Peter-sitter duty.

The view at the dam.

The dam at the beginning (and end) of the hike.

This snapper bid us farewell at the end of the hike.

Almost home...

FINALLY!
We're done and Olivia can move around : )

After an eventful day - it was time to eat!

Peter agrees!

Olivia and Tanveer Auntie

Our Sunday hike was to the fire tower lookout at the top
of Stratton Ski Mountain. We were able to take the gondola lift to the top
 and then take a short 30 minute hike to the tower.  Here is the view.

At the end of the hike, before heading down
the gondola, we had a little baby photo session.
Here's Peter with a flower in his hair : )

Olivia and her Daddy.

Olivia encourages Peter to grab that flower.
Maybe she secretly thinks he'll give it to her?

No Peter! Don't go!!