Labor Day Weekend in Vermont

Nate, Zadie and I spent the weekend in Vermont with our good friends Laura, Chris and their newborn baby Eugenia, also known as "The Gremmy".  Believe it or not, it was one of the most relaxing vacations I've had. It felt so good to be around another new mom and her newborn.  The babies are so similar, yet so very different - it is truly amazing. 

On Saturday morning we took Zadie for a walk on the trail that runs behind the main street in West Pawlet. 

We saw some old barns, some cows, a toad, and lots of pretty flowers.  We decided to take a little break and take in the peaceful scenery. 

After our walk we packed up the babies and took a short drive to an art fair in Pawlet.  There were lots of paintings, yummy food, jewelry and lampshades.  The sun had been ducking in and out all morning and the rain began pouring down right after we arrived.  Not just rain, it was a torrential downpour!  Luckily, we happened to be in an artist's tent that had plenty of room for Zadie and the stroller.  The downpour lasted 10 minutes and then the sun was back out again.  We bought some organic cookies and thin crust pizza and ate right outside the general store. 

That evening we had our other friends, Monty and Sarah, and their darling little girl, Edie, over for dinner.  We had fresh grilled corn, thick cut grilled bacon and veal burgers from a local farm.  Nate and I were in food heaven!  After dinner, we sat around and swooned over the girls - Eugenia, Edie, and Zadie. 

Laura and Eugenia

Edie

The next day we visited a farmer's market a few towns over. 

We met some of Laura and Chris's friends, ate vegetarian samosas, bought some fresh veggies and listened to the band.  Zadie was awake and spent the entire time looking around at everyone.  It was so cute.  Eugenia, on the other hand, was out like a light.  Here's a great shot of her with her new toy.  I love how the lamb is almost bigger than she is.  

 

After the farmer's market, we headed over to Consider Bardwell Farm, the farm that Chris works at.  This is where all that delicious cheese is made.  It was more beautiful than I anticipated.  

The goats came out to greet us. 

I think they were trying to get a good look at Zadie.  Who can blame them?

 

Zadie and Mama checking out the view from inside.  

 

Cheese, glorious cheese!!  Chris said the farm plans to make 50,000 lbs of cheese this year.  That's a whole lot of cheese! 

 

We had a little photo session around the farm while Chris was tending to some visitors.  

Later that evening we went over to Monty and Sarah's house where we grilled and swooned over the babies again.  This time the girls, Eugenia and Zadie, were fussy little gremlins, but we managed to calm them down before we sat down for our dinner.  I tell you, nothing beats fresh ingredients.  Tomatoes with fresh goat cheese and mozzarella , grilled sausages from the farm, grilled leeks with maple coated bacon, potatoes and corn au gratin.  We also managed to drink a couple bottles of wine.  I swear I only had two glasses.  Okay, maybe I snuck in a third before we left.  Who could blame me?  The wine was delish!