We were all jonesing for a little escape, but can we cross state boarders?  Can we go to VT?  All these questions can really drive you crazy.  

Erin has a condo up there and we decided to steal the weekend.  There were PLENTY of out of state license plate and we didn't see cops at the boarder.  So we kept our distance from all and enjoyed a ladies weekend.

Always full or activities when with these ladies.  Ready to summit the mountain?

Was there any question?  We made it to the top!

I was trying to capture how rather steep the climb was.  Going up was MUCH easier than going down.  I felt like my knees were going to give out on the way down.  That gondola would have been a MUCH better ride!

The Stratton Village is rather picturesque.  Almost has a Switzerland feel to it.

Thankful for how sole filling a weekend away with Rebecca and Erin can be.  We didn't need to pack much, not a lot of food needs, just conversation and time together.  Thankful for it.

 

COVID Testing site

Through the pandemic I had the pleasure of continuing my travels to our project in DC.  Flights weren't full, I rented a car and only stayed for the day taking all the precautions.  We found out this week that ALL the GC's management team (to include the 70 year old PM) came down with COVID.  It was a bit of a debacle for the project and sent me to the COVID testing line as an abundance of caution.  This was a free site in Bloomfield.  It was also 3 hours on a dreary Friday

I am clearly wishing I had put a cocktail in my coffee mug.  Happy hour to me....  Thankfully negative.

 

CIS Veteran's Day Parade!

First year without the Cherry Brook assembly.  A marking of time.  Loved how CIS orchestrated this parade.  We all had tissue paper flowers for the car, little flags and pin.  The kids drew cards of 'Thank you' that the Veterans received.

Shane was playing in the band here!  Is is right by the flag on the left side.  Perfectly timed as we drove through.  Although I managed to snap the photo RIGHT as the kids aligned with the flags.  I couldn't have done that worse if I tried.  Hopefully you get the point,  Luciano, Frankie, Shane, Bennet, Wyatt, and Brayden all lined up.

 

Favorite fun things

Outdoor basketball practice at Mills Pond - everyone is in SHORTS and the ICE CREAM guy shows up.  This guy was AWESOME.  only soft serve and dip, no crazy mickey mouse or gumball.  It was such a treat for the kids - especially post practice!  An easy YES for all

Chris dragged me on a bike ride through the hills of Canton.  Thankful for this beautiful Sunday

Love the things that Drew treasures.  This was a sweet gift we received for taking care of a neighborhood cat.  The pillow has lavender in it.  I love it for him.  There was a small hole in it, that required repairing.

Look at all these awkward molting chickens!  They are almost naked.  Trying to get their winter feathers in just in time.  Feathers, feather, everywhere!

 

Nick is turning 14

14 Years Young for this thoughtful, entertaining smart, athletic kiddo - We are thankful to be able to celebrate you all together.  Steak tips and all.  14 Years of Nicholas Roy Leadbetter in our lives!

There might be a theme for this birthday.

Grandma hooking them up with the treats.

These guys are debating where the best hiding spot is from EACHOTHER

Grandma sent a few coins from Grandpa's days in the Army.  Dad was explaining aspects of them.

Especially for DREW - chocolate chips

Back to the birthday boy

A SEASON Pass to Simsbury Farms!?!?!  Nice work grandparents.  Between that and the Ski Sundown season pass he will be a VERY motivated student.

Nick's birthday treat was golfing with Dad and Michael at The Ranch - Time well spent

 

Election day Election protection

My company gave us the day off for election day to ensure we all had the opportunity to vote.  If we had already voted, they sent a link for a local election protection organization.  It was based on ensure local polling areas were a safe place for all folks to come and cast their ballot.  Based on our location we were given pooling places to scout through during a range of hours.

Thankful to have a partner in crime for the morning!

We had a few in Burlington and Bristol.  While I know our area isn't know for 'issues' during election day, we enjoyed being part of the Democratic process.

Signs supporting each party

Everyone honoring a bit of separation

This was the only time we though things could get 'dicey' this guy puled up to one of our pooling places.  He got out and just started chatting with everyone.  Seem relatively harmless.  We even followed him to the next polling spot.  He was apparently getting his word out all.

I would consider this a historic election in many ways.  Granted they are all 'historic' this one had the pandemic consideration, it was rather nasty and divided and felt like it carried a cloud of unnecessary hatred.  It was an election that I personal was thankful to see come to an end.  Onto the next thing.

 

November Soccer

Love the sound and smell of the leaves as we walk the beautiful trail at fisher meadow.  Had a pretty cute companion who loves to bring an extra ball.

WE got to share the sideline with another adorable pooch

Love seeing Nick keep up with this team.

It revived him and gave him fresh interest in the sport.  Not sure If we are used to seeing him in Avon gear.  Chris and Shane were playing at another field in another town.  Warm dinner at home waiting for us.  Fall perfection.