Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Shelburne Farms, Vermont


Nursing Piglets, Shelburne Farms

Growing up in Vermont, I couldn't wait to leave. I hated the rainy, cloudy state (Vermont averages 80-days of sun per year) and the long winters. When Matt took me away from Vermont five years ago, I kissed it goodbye and said, "good riddance!"

Looking back, I really took the state for granted. I was too young and immature to realize that Vermont is a great place to raise a family. From downhill and cross-country skiing, to hiking, camping, water sports on Lake Champlain, apple picking and leaf peeping in the Fall, to farmer's markets (I was pleased to see that many Vermonters now encourage "buy local" and the state is "greener" than ever), bike paths galore, arts and so on, the state has a lot to offer. Like Shelburne Farms, for instance.


Olivia milking a cow

Shelburne Farms is a great place to spend the day with the family. Children of all ages can run around the children's farmyard. So much to see: Hens, bunnies, goats/kids (see Lila below), sheep, pigs/piglets, riding toy tractors (see Cyprien), a reading room, and so much more. We've been twice since Olivia was born and each time, we saw and did something different. The kids had to be practically dragged out of the farm. I highly recommend a visit when you're in Vermont.


Cyprien riding away on a tractor

While I still don't miss the long winters, clouds and rain, I have started to wonder if I could, someday, make Vermont my home once again...

4 comments:

The Matthaidess' said...

It looks like you guys are having a great time in the states! I love the pics on the farm:-)

And yes, girls can fish with their dads as well as help them build stuff around the house (I used to be the "helper" when I was young -- now I know how to re-wire and fix things around the house).

Kellie

Amie Davis said...

Great pics, Nat!! I have seen a few good flower girl pics of Olivia come through today that I'll send you soon. She did a great job. It was soooo nice to see you and the family - just wish we had more time to spend with you.

Angie said...

You seem to be enjoying yourselves at home. It's always nice to have extended family around.

sf mom said...

Looks like such fun. We are going to Jarret & Jess's farm at the end of this week! Can't wait to let the kids run and run and run. Have you left to go back to Portugal yet? We are going to miss you in New York by days.
We are trying to figure out how to visit ya'll at the beginning of next year. We need to talk offline about the best time to come. When are you moving again?
Love to you and the girls (oh and Matt too, I guess:)