Friday in Vermont

On Friday morning I went for a run by Lake Champlain.

After breakfast, we went to Cold Hollow Cider Mill. We watched cider being made. The kids were fascinated! Living in a town with so many orchards, it's amazing we had never watched this!

When we tasted it, it was just as delicious as the cider we're used to.

The kids liked the cider donuts but they weren't as good as at home.

This is a view from the car.

We went to the Alchemist Brewery. I had been hearing about their beer for years and wanted to check it out.

It was a long wait, but I finally got my beer!

Next was Ben & Jerry's!

They actually have cows there!

Photos weren't allowed on the tour but it was interesting to learn how they make ice cream. The sample was delicious, of course!

Later on we walked around Church Street. The kids liked the lights and all the shops.

We could see a pretty sunset from our room!

more birthday fun

After the farm we stopped at the Magic Hat brewery to go on a tour. There was a fun tower to climb outside.

Nate and I had some yummy samples.

The kids thought it was interesting!

After that we checked into our hotel and headed to American Flatbread for dinner. Jane chose green pepper and olive pizza.

She had peanut butter chocolate mousse for dessert and they lit a candle in it for her!

After dinner the kids went swimming!

Shelburne Farms

The kids missed school so we could go to Vermont to celebrate all of our birthdays. On Jane's birthday we went to Shelburne Farms. It was such a fun and beautiful place!

We started out in the gift shop and sampled different types of their cheddar cheese. What a great way to start our visit!

We walked to the farmyard about 10 minutes away.

There were animals to pet!

Cheese making!

The kids spent a LONG time grinding cornmeal. They had so much fun! What's ironic is we used to have a grain grinder like that but we don't anymore.

We stopped at the bakery for a croissant.

Having fun!

We were allowed to go in with the chickens. That was probably their favorite part!

Jane, Malcolm and I milked a cow. Jane and I thought it was fun but Malcolm was a little creeped out.

They found a kitty!

Nice view.

Jane was in charge of keeping the eggs safe on the way back to the gift shop.

Jane's party!

Jane had her birthday party after school. The kids played, had snacks and cupcakes and opened presents. It was nice out!

A time turner!

Because of going away the next day, we let the kids open presents that night. They got money for spending on the trip, Harry Potter robes, new t-shirts and Jane got earrings!

Wachusett Meadow

We had a fun time at Mass Audubon's Wachusett Meadow! Jane painted a pumpkin like Harry Potter.

Malcolm pumped some water.

Jane rode a horse!

We took a walk in the woods.

We saw 15 newts!