Women's March

When I heard about the Women's March happening in DC, I was intrigued, but not enough to make the 10 hour journey down there.  I sort of, pretty much, hate crowds, but I felt inspired to do something, especially because I wanted Cally to see that she matters.

My dear friend Susan and I decided to make the journey to Montpelier with our girls.  Originally, we thought we had a minivan full of Moms and daughters, so when John asked if he and Hazey could join us, I said there was no room.  That didn't stop John.  He decided to join our friend Bill and his sons and do a boys carpool.

We put on our pink hats and waited in traffic for almost an hour. We took whatever parking spot we could find right off the exit ramp (they ended up closing the exit 15 minutes after we parked because of safety concerns) and walked to the march.

The march was so inspirational.  People were so happy and kind.  Cal loved reading all the signs (many of which should have been rated PG13) and we managed to find the boys amongst the crowd of over 10,000 Vermonters.  We were stunned to have Bernie Sanders speak, as well as a lot of other truly amazing role models.  I am so glad our whole family was there for this little piece of history happening before our eyes. I felt positive about their future for the first time in months. 

Happy New Year!

I love New Years.  It's all about "out with the old and in with the new", especially along the lines of holiday decorations.  One of my favorite traditions is watching the ginger bread houses burn in the wood burning stove:

Nana and Grandpa paid us a visit the weekend after New Years so we could celebrate Christmas with them.  The kids always love seeing their grandparents and couldn't wait to give them the gifts they had made (jam from Hazey and a necklace from Cally).

They also love getting the incredibly thoughtful gifts that their grandparents pick out for them:

Because most of the college students are home on vacation, we try to make it to our annual UVM hockey game.  This year, it was hard to drag Hazey away at the end of the second period (it was 9:30pm).  He loved following the action. 

The snow wasn't so great around the new year, but the temperatures were perfect for ice skating.  Gillet pond is the perfect place to skate.  It's a mile long and people come from all over to play hockey, get exercise, and just play.

We couldn't pass up another gorgeous day on the pond:

 

Hazey loves to play hockey, but we've been warned not to "go there" as a sport and fear what it might do to our lives.

Fortunately, his ice skating skills translated to some great roller skating when he went to a classmate's birthday party:

But, the cold temperatures eventually led to some great snow.

While the backcountry wasn't amazing, it's always wonderful to get out there for some exercise with my favorite ski buddies:

And these guys are pretty fun, too:

Christmas!

This year we hunkered down and enjoyed being in Vermont for Christmas.  It was such a treat to be home.  Bumpa and Grandpa came up to celebrate with us and we had a lot of wonderful "down time".

Ugly Christmas Sweater Decorating Contest-- Cally won ugliest & Hazen won prettiest

Reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" with Grandma

Bumpa and John trying to put together the marble elevator after Grandma and I gave up

A sunny walk in Mills Riverside Park with Scott and Cynthia

Skating up at Stowe

Otter Slide!

Festive Cement Mixer in Burlington

After a few days without visitors, Nana and Grandpa came up for New Years weekend:

Hazey giving his homemade jam to Grandpa

Cal and Nana

It was so great to spend time with both sets of grandparents over the break.  They spoil the children with so much love and affection.  Cally and Hazen absolutely adore spending time with Nana, Grandpa, Bumpa, and Grandma.  We love having them around.  

Taking advantage of grandparents in the house for an early morning tour

Eight is Great!

This is 8.  Our gal Cal is such a special little person.  She continues to amaze me with her curiosity, courage, compassion, and spunk.  She marches to the beat of her own drummer.  It is so fun getting to know her more and more everyday. We love her with all our heart and can't believe she'll be driving in another 8 years!?!?!?!?

To celebrate 8, we thought we'd do a quick and easy party.  We'd have a handful of friends over after school, take them to see the movie "Sing" and eat pizza before they went home.  It ended up being a little more complicated than I thought it would be-- finding seven car seats, feeding kids with food allergies, and losing my wallet all made for a hectic day.

But it all worked out and Cal felt pretty great on her special day.  Piper, Thompson, Lila, Cadence, Izzy, Josie, and Celine all celebrated with her.  The movie was perfect!

We continued the celebration the next day with Bumpa, Grandma, Tom, Cynthia, Cara, and Scott. Cally is so lucky to be surrounded by so many people who love her and appreciate her for exactly who she is.

And the sun came out for a great afternoon ski before the second celebration began.

We love you so much Macalister Jane!  Being your mom has been one of the greatest gifts I have ever received.  You make me think, but most importantly, you make me a better person.