Our last installment had me holding my breath for July 13th and Thomas landing at the Montreal airport. I have no photos (or films) of Estelle running in circles like a madchild when he walked in the door at Joan's that evening, but you can imagine.
We laid low in Glover for one day visiting with "the locals" and then the next day we headed out in our rental car on a Whistle Stop 4-day 3-night tour down in Chittenden County. First stop: dinner in Waterbury with Paul et co.
The girl moved so fast, she was just a blur..... and yes, he does have legs, they're behind him.
There's Chelsea up on the deck...
And Lauren holding Léna...
We rolled out of there stuffed full of good food (Lesley escaped my lens!) and drove on to Richmond to sleep chez Martha. The next day, Thomas and I had 6 hours of freedom with no kids....we shopped and went out to lunch in downtown Burlington on Church St.
Doesn't that pint look good? Magic Hat, VT's own! I know what everyone is thinking and I had lemonade, thank you.
It was fab to be kid-free - until I had to go to the car and pump my milk. Dang.That afternoon was dead hot so we all had a swim back at Mart's:
Estelle enjoyed her new float - an early bday gift from M:
Alex is chased by "Jaws":
The skies opened up with an incredible lightning and thundershower so we jumped out of the pool and then went to visit Jericho Settler's Farm, where my cousins run an amazing CSA farm.Here's Estelle and Asa, her 3rd cousin, enjoying puddles.
They raise organic pigs along with chicken and about 123 kinds of vegetables.
Lots to explore...
The smell of tomato plants and basil was like aromatherapy in this hothouse:
The next day let's call Fast Four on Friday - we saw 4 different people/groups of people that day. It was WILD. We began with breakfast at aunt Susie's - yummy!
Thomas and Estelle explored their amazing pond for a good hour.
...while Susie got to know Léna up on the deck:
Uh-huh, it's a working water wheel. Susie's husband Dennis is, let's say, "handy".
Marathon training:
Not a bad view!
And the rest of the property ain't too shabby neither...
Next stop: The Ben & Jerry's playground in Waterbury to see my old friends from DC, Phil & Dianne, on their way to Quebec for a bike trip.
Above: Phil chases Estelle around. Below, nothing but fun, sun, and VT Green Mountains.
Here we are! And they were travelling WITHOUT their kids!
Back to Martha's for naps and some recoop! Date #3: SMC friend Robin and her daughter Mary Beth. We met up in a DOWNPOUR at the Richmond playground, took refuge in the local bakery "On the Rise" and then it cleared and the girls enjoyed the playground.
They also enjoyed a band playing at the Farmer's Market:
Back at the ranch, a Fisher Price date with Martha:
And we went out to dinner with Bec at Halvorson's downtown and then Ben & Jerry's!
Representative Peter Welch was also there but no one would let me dare take a photo!
WHEW! Are you tired yet? Imagine how we felt - me nursing and pumping and Thomas jetlagged.... But we had to keep going since the next morning was July 18th....Estelle's 3rd bday. To be continued....and speaking of Estelle, it is Saturday afternoon here in Nice and they are due to walk in the door any minute. Thomas went to Provence last night to get her. As Frost says, Nothing Gold Can Stay. But of course I will be thrilled to see her.
