Vermont Landscapes

As a child, I lived in Norway and I clearly remember the lilac season. Coming, at the time, from Texas, I had never seen such a beautiful flower, and I fell in love with them. But, Norway was special—the lilacs there were these huge bushes that were as tall as trees; the flower itself was majestic and full. I have never seen lilacs like that again…until I visited Vermont in the spring.

The lilacs were gorgeous everywhere we went. These were taken after a rain storm.

These lilacs were photographed in the early morning hours, as the sun was rising. 

Of course, the lilacs were not the only flowers in bloom. There were fields of dandelions and flowering trees—if you look closely, you can see a bee collecting pollen (or is it nectar?). 

We usually woke to a misty morning, which would burn off by the time the sun was up. As the sun rose, the birds woke up as well. It made for a beautiful (and scenic) morning. 

Morning dew. 

La Petite Ecole – Mommy & Me French/Art Class

Alex attends a French immersion class—the program uses music, play and art to teach the children about the language and culture.

One of my favorite aspects of the class is when they paint. Not only are they having fun, but they are learning about different colors, textures and techniques. I love how the teacher is actively involved in the painting as well—she uses her hands to paint, encourages the children and parents to get their hands dirty as well. 

The multitude of colors to choose from for painting. 

Another aspect of the program I like: I am learning too. As one who understands only a handful of French words, I am learning right along with Alex. My first day in class, I felt a bit like an outsider, as I really didn’t have any idea what was going on. But, as I have adjusted to that, I have also realized that not having much English spoken is actually helping me—I am listening more and starting to pick up what is going on. We love this class!

The finished work of art—it is beautiful. 

We also love our walk home from the class, where we always stop for an ice cream (if the weather is nice). Alex clearly loves the program and the ice cream afterwards as well.  

This is a quilt/linen shop next to the ice cream store. I love how they change their windows to match the seasons—every time I walk by these windows, I get a little more excited for summer!

Shelburne Park

While in Vermont, we went to a lovely playground at the Shelburne elementary school. The park was so picturesque, as are most things in Vermont. 

Alex was interested in the playground equipment…until he heard a train go by. He headed toward the soccer goal and then the baseball field in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the passing train. 

Alex in the dugout. 

Testing out the slides before Alex goes down. 

We finally convinced him to re-visit the playground, where he had a blast going down the slides with his Aunt and Papa. There was even a tunnel slide.

We ended our time at the playground with a little basketball. As Papa can attest, don’t challenge me to a game of around the world, as I may surprise you.