First Days of School

We can't believe we had a kindergartner and a preschooler!  In the weeks before school started, they were both so excited.  And all went really well!  Cally gave Hazey a big hug and then boarded the bus with pride and poise.  

They both came home with huge smiles on their faces and stories to share.  Of course, they were exhausted and later took us on their own emotional roller coaster rides....... Hazey throwing fits for no reason and Cally having a sudden "attachment issue" when I needed to leave for a meeting or run.  But we are all so excited to be starting these new adventures with each of them.  Watching them take on new responsibilities and opening their hearts to new people and experiences. 

On Top of Vermont

Summer, as I know it, is over.  I have no regrets.  It's been such a great 8 weeks.  And we ended it with a bang.  Cally summitted Mt. Mansfield on her own.  Her strength and persistence amazes me.  And Hazen made quite an effort, as well. He hiked at least half of the way!

Cal found a stick/root shaped like a C and used it as her lucky charm for the hike

Hazey going for it up Sunset Ridge

Going in Deep

The second week in August has always been a bit tough.  Trek training begins and that means that John works day and night for two straight weeks (sort of).  There is always a ramp up to the training, so stress enters our peaceful summer.  This year, while sad that the family unit had to break apart, I decided that the kids and I would still make the most of our last few weeks of summer we had.  So, we spent time with friends at ponds:

Spent time without clothes:

Attended Valley Stage-- a fantastic music festival right in Huntington:

And went to Circus Smirkus:

But the kids did get to meet up with the "big kids" for some costume bowling fun:

And we made it to ECHO at least once this summer:

Even though John was busy, it was great to continue to play in our own backyard and be there to support him and the great work he does with students.

Mid Summer Fun

A return from vacation is always bitter sweet.  You still want to be checked out and away from it all, but excited to be home.  We celebrated Hazey's 1/2 birthday (and other birthdays) with friends while listening to music at Shelburne Farms:

Were so lucky to get a visit from my dear friend, Shannon.  We went to graduate school together and she's been living in Carbondale, CO for the past 14 years.  I don't get to see her nearly enough and it was so great to have her spend time with our famly.  The kids loved her and were thrilled when she got delayed enough times that she got to spend an extra night with us.

We got to go blueberry picking with Uncle Tom and Aunt Cara:

We hit the Stowe Bike Path again.  Hazey isn't certified to pedal on his own, but was thrilled to try the tag along.

More river fun in Duxbury:

And then Hazey got to spend four morning at Poker Hill Camp.  He was so excited and he had such a great time:

This also meant that Cally and I got to spend some mother-daughter time together.  Some of that time was spent doing errands and such, but she did request that we have a tea for some of her friends:

Addie, Annie, Cally & Ashwill

We also spent some hard time at playgrounds:

Camel's Hump II

I've been trying to be as unstructured as possible this summer. Most days I get some things done around the house and then ask the kids what they want to do.  They usually choose to go to the playground, library, or on a short hike.  When I asked them if they would rather go to the Sand Bar (beach) or hike a mountain on Friday, in unison, they yelled "Hike Camel's Hump". 

I was a little too optimistic about Hazen making it up on his own.  He's only 3 1/2 and while he gave it a solid try, the going was very slow.  He ended up on my back for about 1/3 of the way up, but did do the last .3 miles on his own.

We made it up in 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Even Zephy made it with her cute necklace on.

But this girl did it for the second year in a row-- entirely on her own, packing all her own layers and snacks.

We left the car at 9:30 am and didn't get back to the car until 4pm.  Carrying Hazen on my back most of the way was brutal.  However, both kids were in great spirits and so happy to have been on the top of a mountain on a gorgeous day.