Woodstock, Vermont

     Last weekend we treated the kids and their significant others to a weekend at the Woodstock Inn in Vermont - sort of an early Christmas present.  The Guy and I visited for the first time last February and loved it so much we knew the kids would appreciate it too.   So we booked last weekend well in advance, as it is indeed "Leaf Peeping Season" here in New England.  That means the tourists flood in from all over to see Autumn in all it's splendor.    When I used that term in the truck on the way up to the Inn, the kids were hysterical with laughter because apparently I used SUCH A DWEEBY TERM!   LEAF PEEPING... A HAHAHAHAHAAAA MOM!!!...      Apparently they haven't been on earth long enough to know  IT IS A THING -  and I proved it at the gift shop in the center of the INN when the person working the store used the term "Leaf Peepers" referring to the crowds.    A HA! At the very least, I'm not the only DWEEB.    

     Anyway... The Inn is spectacularly New England, the food really good (two restaurants and bars within) and the accommodations wonderful.  The bedding alone is worth the stay.  There are many places for small groups to gather in the halls, entry ways, gathering places.... game rooms, library, the spa which we didn't even see....   So, even if the weather were miserable outside, the Inn is a holiday all it's own.  I highly recommend it.  

 Quechee Gorge, the largest in Vermont.   Let me tell ya 'bout that hike down the hill from that bridge you see there.. actually the down was easy.. the going back UP... well.   My calves still haven't forgiven me. 

Brave kiddo.. notice how the rest of us are dressed... 

The Inn.... 

 The main hall....

 Game room on lower level... these two attempting vintage pacman...

Billings Farm and Museum just behind town... 

   We did some cow kissing and some Pumpkin Ice Cream making..... 

 ... and lots of admiring the beautiful scenery.

   It was a wonderful three day weekend spent with this crew.  I love these kids more than they will ever fully understand. What a blessing it is to be together enjoying each others company.   We almost.. ALMOST... got through the mini vacation without talking politics.  That lovely town hall debate happened to be on the tube (insert kids hysterical laughter at moms use of yet another DWEEB term, 'cause it's coming, I'm sure) on our second nights stay... and we watched in utter horror  or giddy glee.  One thought it was horrendous  .. the other thought it - went well-.   You can guess who's who in this house, can't ya.

 Thank you, my family... for a wonderful, wonderful weekend of togetherness.  Thank you to my Guy for treating us all. It's a beautiful thing.    Except for the Trump signs.  WHY in a Bernie state were there so many Trump signs?!  That's not really a question, I don't want to know.