A Birthday....

I will begin by saying that I am not a very patriotic person. (sorry mom).  I detest politics, question authority, and often feel uninspired by the lack of change that is often promised in this country....

This leaves me feeling a bit conflicted when celebrating the nations birthday on the 4th of July.

What to do...

practice gratitude...

This life just keeps giving and I could count its blessings for days... but these are the few things that gave me a smile over this holiday weekend.

I am grateful for the freedom to move about and explore this country; to discover all of its hidden beauties, especially the one called Vermont.

I am so blessed to have this man to share my life with...

like seriously blessed.  I love you darling. 

...and to have these little chickens call me mom.  They have been on their very best behavior these days and I am enjoying their company oh so much!

    

I was also super stoked for the welcomed visit of two very special guests.  We had a great time with Kylee and Kris, thanks for making the trip to our village!  


More on our Shelburne Farm adventures to come...









Moving to Vermont, in part, was about simplifying life.  Getting back to basics.  Searching for the roots of the American people.  So these handmade dresses were a perfect fit when celebrating the birth of a nation, one that stood for starting over and hand making a new life.  Terrific job Bri... 
Love this!

So aside from however I feel about this country its choices, it definitely serves as the most beautiful backdrop for a pretty fantastic life.  I am truly grateful for that!

It also has a funny obsession with pyrotechnics.... and I can appreciate that too!  

~ Happy Birthday America ~

A Boston Whaler...

I still can't believe we are fortunate enough to live by such a beautiful lake, it is almost surreal when I catch a glimpse of it in the morning hours on my way into town...

Our good fortune does not end there... turns out, people who live by a lake tend to get boats to further expand their relationship with the great body of water set before them.  Now, we do not have a boat as of yet but our dear friends do and they were nice enough to take us out for a spin over this beautiful holiday weekend!

                                                                                                             

Decorated with banners and flags, this cruiser was ready to make its summer debut on Lake Champlain.  

                           

The boys

The Lemonade

The Mr. and I

I am not a swimmer.  I spend most of my time at the beach trying to keep the sand off of me and most of my time on a boat trying not to get wet.  It is pretty comical if you ask me and I gladly laugh at myself for it... but the Mr. and the kids love to swim and get super wet and I am perfectly content to be the spectator!

This is where I would be panicking!  Way to cold for my liking... But they love it!

This is where I regret the moment I decided it might be a good idea to get in... It must be my prissy up bringing with 90 degree pools all summer long!

 Gabrielle dove into that frigid water as well, I was happy to see her swimming skills are still strong after a long hiatus.  She also did a little steering for us as well... I am not sure if she knew the boat was anchored, but that's okay!

So... one of my favorite movies is Captain Ron.  It never fails to make me laugh especially when I watch it with my dad.  So when I was getting ready for this little adventure I heard some shenanigans going on out my window...  to my amazement Captain Ron himself was blasting calypso music while stringing a banner to our water ride!!  I rubbed my eyes in disbelief... 

Turns out, it was Mr. Taylor...  

 

You guys are great hosts and we thank you genuinely for a lovely time!  We can't wait to do it again!