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 : )

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.