Vermont Adventures!

When our narrative last left off, little Elsie had puked up some milk at xmas eve dinner. But we cleaned it up and had a wonderful xmas day with the Houston clan down in Washington DC. Here's Elsie modeling her new skirt for everyone:



After xmas, Maggie headed back to PDX to man the helm at her law firm. They had told her it was essential for her to be there for the end of year rush, but she reported later that there was nothing to do. Anyway, Laura, Thomas, Elsie and I packed up the station wagon and did the night drive north from DC to Vermont. We left at 8pm and arrived at 3AM. This drive is chronicled on the "Diaper Bandit" blog if you're interested in more details.


The drive to VT was definitely worth it because look at all the fun we had! Elsie and Thomas built this snowman. Actually Laura built it with Thomas' supervision and Elsie's moral support.


We took lots of hikes into the winter wonderland of Peru, Vermont. Grandpa Peter took Elsie down to the pond...


...and this photo was taken shortly before the ice broke and I had to rescue them both. Luckily, in addition to being pretty heavy, Granpda Peter is also quite tall, so he managed to hold Elsie above the freezing water.


Continuing our quest to endanger Elsie's life we took her out on a x-country ski trip with cousin Thomas. Here we see him putting on his "laughing face" for the camera. LAura did a good job of skiing with him on her back though she did fall twice and each time Thomas then requested to walk the rest of the way. We denied this request though:


Here Elsie and I get ready for a big descent...


...our blazing speed isn't quite captured in this photo, but you get the idea.



After all that danger we decided to do something a little calmer and went for a sleigh ride:



Look how happy aunts Laura and Anna are!


Then we all warmed up by a crackling fire...


...and roasted this enormous pig.


Our bellies are full! Especially Bailey's!


Back at home we prepared for the big New Years Eve/Elsie's birthday party.



Elsie put on her fancy dress.


Grandma Susan baked a special cake...


...and Elsie ate it the next morning because she fell asleep before dinner.


Grandpa Peter read lots of stories to his grandchildren...



And then we flew home to see Maggie and cousin Ida, whom we missed so much!