Stowe, VT

For the Hunts last weekend in New England, we headed to Stowe, VT...one of our favorite places...even if it is out of season.

On the way, well out of the way, but in order to see more sights, we stopped in Portsmouth for lunch.

Hannah and Alyssa.



And after another stop in Kittery, ME for some shopping, hats/gloves for the Hunts, new skis and boots for Hannah, we arrived in Stowe just in time for dinner.

Waiting for our food!
On Saturday, we headed to Stannard, VT to a Maple Sugar Farm where Danielle has been buying her maple syrup for years. We got our own tour of the sugar woods, bottled syrup, made maple candy...

Touring the sugar woods. Sugaring season is only Feb-Apr so none of the trees are currently tapped, but it was very cool to see all of the piping and learn all about it. This particular family farm has 5,000 trees tapped each season.

The farm also raises cattle. The girls were trying to feed 2 of the cows who literally wanted nothing to do with all of us...even if we did have food!
We finally just threw the apples near us and the cows were more than willing to eat them and then retreat.
Bottling syrup. This was their sugar house where they make all of their syrup and candy.
Oops, she spilled a little syrup on her bottle that she had to lick clean (which of course we then had to keep the bottle!)
Even Emme got to bottle some syrup.

While the maple syrup was coming to the proper temperature, we took a walk to see a beautiful view of Vermont and a photo op.
We got to see some more cows out in the fields...
Making candy.
Sampling! mmmm....
Emme was literally about to fall asleep in my arms when the candy was made. I let her try a small piece and here is what happened...
In no time at all though, she fell asleep. Sugar highs are quick and fast. We made our way back to Stowe where the Mommies went shopping and the Daddies took all of the kids to the Ben and Jerry's Factory. And then home for some playing before dinner.
Puzzles. Proof that a child actually helped with this puzzle. While all of the adults finished it.
Pancakes for breakfast before packing up to leave.
Treehuggers.
On our way home, we stopped at Fenway to walk around the ball park.
Sadly, it was then time for the Hunts to fly home! We had such a great visit with them!! Lots of fun and terrific memories!