two days in vermont

We decided to take a family trip to Vermont this past weekend - it was much needed after a busy month, even though we had to squeeze it in after a church board retreat, my 10th college reunion gathering, and a farewell party for some dear friends (all good things - but see why we needed a little getaway? :)). We weren't sure how the trip would go with the two kids, but we picked a spot about 3 hours away and started driving towards the Green Mountains on Sunday morning. As soon as we got in the car, Collin shouted out "We're going on an adventure!!" It was a fun way to set the mood for the trip, and it was often repeated for the rest of the trip. Fortunately, the kids and weather cooperated beautifully. The husband and I had a relaxing drive up (and back), and got to enjoy some quiet time to talk and read together. Quiet time to talk and read is a big big deal, and it felt like a breath of fresh air...it didn't hurt that we were driving through beautiful mountain ranges and scenic country roads. A welcome relief to city life, if only for a little while. The kids had a fun time running (or rolling) around in the grass, and getting a little bit wet in the many shallow streams and running brooks we passed...

We also went up Mount Equinox, one of the high points in the Green Mountain range of Vermont - where supposedly you can see four states at once. What we didn't know before we arrived was that Mount Equinox is owned by the Carthusian Monks - an intensely seclusive order, where talking is kept to a minimum. We got to see their monastery complex from a far, but guests were certainly not welcome to come close to the monks in isolation. Nevertheless, the landscape was beautiful, and Jason and I kept commenting on how we felt like we were in a totally different country being in such lush green mountains, very small towns, and general slower pace of life.

Oh and what trip is complete without a little hiking and some ice cream?

We stayed at a lovely B&B (the Nutmeg Inn) in Wilmington, VT...though spent much of our time in Manchester and Weston, right in the Green Mountains. We did drive through Chester, VT...which we may make the destination of our next Vermont adventure! Sometimes, a little time in a different place can feel like a long vacation - this was one of those trips. We both came back refreshed and ready to tackle the next week of life.

mother's day 2012

This Mother's Day, we headed out with some friends to the Arboretum's Lilac Sunday, the only day in the year where food is allowed in the Arboretum. We had a lovely picnic with 9 kids and 8 adults. Okay, lovely and chaotic...with lots of love, sandwiches, and strollers. Oh my, so many strollers! I suppose it was quite appropriate for Mother's Day. Every year, Mother's Day seems to grow in importance for me. It is not so much that I want to be appreciated (though, well, yes, that is nice too!), but it is a chance for our family (and friends) to celebrate together - celebrate our survival as mamas, our partnership with our spouses, and our love for our children. And to celebrate our own moms and moms-in-laws as well...to remember that they too have gone through this season of love and exhaustion. :) And so, amidst all the diaper-changing, food-making, tantrum-throwing fun of these days, I am thankful for two energetic little boys, their daddy, and a couple Mother's Day gifts from "school":

:)

around here lately...

I have been wondering if and when I'd actually wear this shawl that is finally finished...

We have been building...and planting. :)

We have discovered a new favorite museum a little outside the city...

And we have been thinking of ways to thank the boys' teachers this year (with strawberry plants of course!)...

In the midst of a busy season, we are remembering to enjoy our time with each other and to notice all the growing things around us (kids and plants and knitted projects alike!) just a little bit more. Happy May!