Vermont

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be able to visit my brother, sis-in-law (fellow blogger Ang), and their amazing son, Birch, in Vermont. My Mom, Dad, and I did the 3.5 hour drive to Brattleboro from NYC. Despite being born in New Canaan, Connecticut, I haven't spent too much time on the East Coast so the drive to Vermont was really exciting for me. Plus it was fun spending hours in the car with my parents and dog Ella after not seeing them for a few months. Seriously. We spent a great couple of days on the farm with RichyAngyBirch and their roommates. On the way up, my parents had told me that I was seeing Vermont at its worst because it was during that awkward time when the snow melts and becomes mud. Well I hope I get to go to Vermont again because even "at its worst," it was beautiful. Especially the farm.



We took several walks around the property and down to the river nearby.



Rich y Ang and their farmmates utilize their property to grow seasonal vegetables and fruits but make sure they take advantage of each season and don't waste a drop of deliciousness by canning and freezing EVERYTHING! I was blown away and totally inspired by the amount that they freeze and then use throughout the seasons. The two kids (Birch and Levi) who live there are pretty lucky guys.





They get organic fruit everyday from apples and berries and more that their parents have grown then frozen. I definitely try to freeze things (i.e. making a big batch of soup then freezing it for a rainy day), but this was totally beyond that. So cool. I think my freezer is going to run out of space after being so inspired.
I was also able to see the town of Brattleboro where I had a delicious soy maple syrup latte at Mocha Joe's Coffee Shop and perused wool socks and the like at the awesome Sam's Outdoor Outfitters. In addition, my Mom and Dad and I took a short trip to New Hampshire, just so I could say I have been there. Actually, more importantly, to buy some cheap booze. Thank you New Hampshire!
The best times, however, were spent just hanging out at the farm watching Birch explore the outdoors.



It was so cool to be a part of one of Birch's first days walking around without snow on the ground. He had recently discovered puddles so we watched him looking so excited but also unsure as he splashed through the water and mud. Every once and a while he would look up at Rich or Ang for reassurance, as if making sure if was okay to be getting his boots and (super cute) overalls dirty.





It was so great to spend time with the Birchfields and experience their life in Vermont. They are doing some amazing things in their community and they are definitely an inspiration to us all. I took about 100 pictures but luckily for you all, only included a few of the best ones in this post.