Bates Burning Man

This year, we were lucky enough to host the 5th annual gathering of John's Bates Buddies and their families.  On Friday afternoon, the festivities commenced.  We had 19 guests for the weekend arriving from California, Colorado, New York, New Hampshire, Maryland, Connecticut and other parts of Vermont.  Folks set up their tents in our side yard, kids and parents reconnected, and food was a constant throughout the weekend.  

While the primary focus of the weekend is friendship and merriment, a tradition was begun two years ago at Nicholas and Ruth's Farm in Maine where work projects were integrated into the mix.  On Saturday morning, after a relaxing breakfast, the tools started coming out, John began putting these willing bodies to work, picking away at our long list of projects. 

As I stained siding, some of the folks moved a pile of brick and wood, other folks began siding our back porch and still others began work on our front porch. 

All the while, the kids were having a ball -- ranging in age from 18 months to 17 years old, the 8 kids got along like they were regular playmates.  Thanks to some creative parents, a slip and slide was made, bubbles were blown, and some naps were even taken.  Most importantly, everyone was fed and hydrated on what turned out to be a VERY hot and humid day.

 

We broke for a trip to Browns River where everyone cooled down and capped the work part of the day off with a Cajun feast and one of John's infamous bonfires.  We had gobs of corn from fellow Bates Buddy, Rachel Nevitt, and her family-- as well as greens and tomatoes and various other veggies. 

Yes, the old butternut tree was on fire, AGAIN!  It certainly wasn't the kind of fire where you have kids roasting marshmallows, but it got rid of a huge pile of wood and was a lovely backdrop for great conversation and merriment.

On Sunday, the guys went back to work and the gals and kids set out working on their own project......... A very special project.

These amazing people spent hours leaving a mark of their love by making these natural sculptures for our garden and yard.
 

While the guys continued to work on the house, the ladies and kids set off to Rachel Nevitt's farm in Hinesburg.  We got to meet her Angora Rabbits, brand new baby piglets, and tour their unusual house (built into two silos)

 

Upon our return, the guys were still working to finish the siding on the back porch and front porch.

 

I am so grateful for all that this amazing group of people did for us this weekend.  We absolutely love our house and look at the exterior of it with such pride.  I will remember each and every one of the people that swung a hammer or fed the workers so that this work could be completed. Most importantly, my kids were exposed to a whole lot of love and fun this weekend. 

  

When the last of our guests headed out on Monday late morning, I had a huge pit in my stomach.   I spent the last few weeks anticipating this weekend-- baking, cleaning, food shopping and wondering how everything would actually come together.  I should have known that with a community of people that come to this event, I had nothing to worry about.  I feel so lucky to have married into this fantastic group of friends.

My hope is that Cally and Hazen will also have strong friendships like the ones John and I both have from our days in college.  Our summer has been so full of love and support from people that we met when we were mere teenagers.  They have been there through thick and thin.  We feel so blessed.