The End of the Idyll

Sadly, the week in Vermont drew to a close. We had a few last adventures, and they were also terrific! First, the boys and I went to Battery Park one day to play, look out over the lake, and have lunch.

A little music for the masses at Battery Park.

Then, we went to meet the McMurrers as they finished up their tour of UVM. My boys, Bridget, Seamus, and I went to the legendary UVM Dairy Bar where the ice cream has so much fat in it that it can't be sold on the commercial market!

Maceo is impressively clean after devouring his ice cream.

The boys enjoyed more games of Nerf football on the street throughout the week.

Thursday night, we went to looooong time friend Anemie's house way out in the woods in Charlotte. It was lovely, and Maceo learned that he liked the squash soup and the country rice! And the hearty bread Anemie had made. And we all really liked exploring the amazing post and beam house they've built.

Anemie pulled out some puzzles and games for the two boys.

Deep discussions and homemade bread go well together.

The boys and I had one more outing: to the ECHO Aquarium! Their favorite exhibit was the 50 States room where each state had a fun activity as its signature. So, herer's Maceo in Oregon, I think, kayaking on open water.

Cassius is trying to balance metal balls on the flat as a board map of Kansas.

Cassius played this old timey Coney Island type game for nearly 20 minutes.

Upstairs, they made marine life buttons,, played with sand, and generally really enjoyed themselves.

We wanted to break the drive south in two to make it easier on us, so we went to visit cousins in Chatham, NJ. (We waved as we passed Dover, Nene!) We arrived at the country club where my cousin Allan and his family are members. That night, there was a Nerf gun battle organized for all the little kids, and Allan and Beth had signed Cash and Maceo up! So, they got some free gear, and they happily shot other kids with Nerf bullets all night. We also got a yummy dinner there. Maceo ate three (3!) sliders in addition to a bunch of other food. Cassius, you ask? Hmmmm. I think you know that answer.

These guys are stone cold killers.

Allan and I are about as gray as we used to be, maybe.

In the morning, Johnny, who is 7, and the boys watched some cartoons
and contributed running commentary.

All in all, it was such a lovely trip, and on the way home, as we discussed high points, the boys kept bringing up this activity or that moment of the vacation. I can't wait to get back to Vermont with them, especially if it's summertime! Winter can wait, however.