Snow Day!

It might be a mushy, muddy mess out today, but we sure have been having fun in the snow. Olivia especially likes to eat the snow.

Licking the snow off her mitten.

Eating the snow straight from the ground.

Her preferred way - the snowball,
or snow "apple", as she calls it.

Making first tracks. 

Sharing the fun with her buddy Parker.

Taking the party inside....

and when her hands get too cold
- just add mittens : )

Christmas Tree Cutting

This year we cut down our own Christmas tree. I guess that should be no surprise now that we live in do-it-yourself land. We heard about a family that grows them on their land here in town. And in true Norwich fashion, it's all on your honor. It's just a big field of trees. So, you bring your saw, pick and cut your tree and then mail the family a check for - get this - $16! And these are nice trees! We got a beautiful Frasier fur that's still going strong : )

There were plenty of trees to pick from.

It was a really pretty spot.

Tony cuts the tree with ease!

Olivia watches Daddy cut our tree while she snuggled close to Mommy. (It was a cold morning!)

Our tree is ready to come home.

Perfect!

A quick fall wrap-up..

The remainder of the fall was definitely filled with lots of fun moments up here in Vermont. Although with the increase in my freelance work and the increase in Olivia's awake hours - the blog has suffered a bit. So, in the interest of time and getting up to speed, here is a quick photo wrap-up of fall 2011.

FUN OUTSIDE

Olivia continues to love the swing and playing outside.

Being able to run around the playground herself as been quite a delight.

Going for a stroll.

HALLOWEEN

This Halloween Olivia got to dress up twice. Once as a giraffe....

... and once as a little deer that Mommy and Daddy were "hunting" (catch and release, of course!)

Resting with a snack at The Ahmed ski house.

Yep, that's snow in the background! However, we haven't seen that
much snow since - what a weird winter it's been!

VISITING  "THE YURT"

My brother finally finished building his new home: the yurt!

Here he is posing in his partially finished outhouse. 

And posing in his kitchen where he cooked us a great stir fry meal : )

MISCELLANEOUS

Showing off her walking skills on the way in to the Montshire Children's Museum.

We spend a lot of time at the Montshire. It's a great museum to have in our town and
 we definitely get the most of our membership!

One of Olivia's favorite new games is putting on shoes  — the bigger the better!

She also loves smearing her food in her hair : )

Gile Mt. Hike: Fall 2011

The colors were in full force on Gile Mountain this Columbus Day weekend. Tony, Olivia and I hiked up to the fire tower, climbed it, and took in the gorgeous views.

Olivia braves the windy fire tower in her new hiking pack
on loan from Auntie Tanveer and Uncle Jeremy.

Olivia sporting a wind induced mohawk.

Beautiful.

And this isn't even quite peak yet!

Playing around the old ranger station
before heading back down the trail.

Olivia's First Birthday

It was a great celebration complete with family, friends and cake. Thanks to everyone for all their birthday wishes, gifts and love - our little girl is very lucky to have you all.

Taryn, Parker and Megan check out a puzzle.

Olivia attempts to open her first gift.

Trying out some new blocks from Nonni and Poppi.

Nonni and Grandma look on.

Miles testing out some of Olivia's new toys.

Olivia was totally enamored with her new ball. (Thanks Parker!)

Playing with Uncle Jon.

The newest addition to my animal menagerie!

Here comes the cake!

Blow out your candles!

"OK, thanks for the song, now bring it on!"

"Finally."

"What's that? I have something on my nose?"

"Hmmm"

"Here Uncle Scott, you try some."

The happy and very tired family : )