A weekend in Vermont

So, we left Binghamton at about 6:30pm on Friday with Giuliana fed and asleep in the back, Max hyped up in the way back (I love that phrase, "the way back" it just sounds like childhood good times! I'm so glad we have a way back) and the car literally stuffed to the gills with everything we could possibly need for the next 6 weeks! The drive to Plainfield, VT took about 5 hours; unfortunately we didn't see much of the beautiful VT scenery as we drove through the windy, twisty roads.
Jeff and Sarah and Monroe's home, in the New Hamburger Community (but not a commune) is just so perfect for the Swift-Phillips clan, so neo-hippie Vermont. The houses are all hand built, set into the woods like they just sprang up organically there. What a peaceful place to relax with good friends.





Jeff with Monroe and John with Giuliana, Saturday morning.

Saturday morning was yummy homemade zucchini bread and Jeff's whatever's in the fridge quiche, and adorable babies playing.



G was so impressed with Monroe's standing! She decided that she could do it too, and has been pulling up on things all week since!

We had a great trip to the Montpelier Farmer's Market where were Sarah stocked up on locally grown produce that she turned into a delicious and creative dinner. And we enjoyed pizza from a portable oven and Jamaican somosas. I bought G a cute baby apron recycled from an old shirt. (That reminds me, Kate, we may still owe you $8!) And Sarah talked me into purchasing goat's milk caramel, which turned out to be unbelievably good! Thanks, Sarah.


Then we walked around Montpelier, the smallest state capital in the US. It was like a smaller version of Ithaca. I had to take a picture of this building on a bridge...looks like something from Europe somewhere.




Saturday afternoon was a surprisingly energetic hike in the woods to the dilapidated treehouses that were built in the early 70's for the New Hamburger transients (yeah, not a commune). I say it was energetic because when Sarah suggested it, she neglected to mention that it was a 20 minute hike up hill in the wet, soggy woods, in flipflops. With about 500million mosquitoes. Anyhoo, after that, more babies playing and general good times hanging out with friends, and making the delicious dinner I mentioned before. Chopping veggies is so cathartic, don't you think? Especially smashing and mincing garlic :)

I don't have any pics, but Max had the time of his life wrestling with the other dogs and running freely through the woods. He and Duke had a few scuffles but they'll work it out.

Unfortunately, Saturday night didn't end well for John. He had some more severe abdominal attacks after dinner. We almost had to try out Vermont's emergency room. But he was able to get it under control enough to just go to bed early and wait till morning. Sunday, after more babies playing, we left early for a loooooooooong trip home (almost 7 hours altogether). At least we got to enjoy the scenic VT drive. Even though John ended up having to go to the hospital late Sunday night it was a great weekend full of yummy food, nature, guitar/mandolin/banjo music, dogs romping, and babies playing.