Green Mountains

I know my posts haven't been as updated as everyone would like, but things are busy, busy, busy. We just got back from Smugglers Notch, Vermont where we enjoyed a wonderful vacation. For those who have never been, Smuggler's Notch is a family resort. Basically it's a place geared toward those with children, so there are camps for the kids for most of the day, as well as pools with water slides and water adventures, as well as hiking, biking and walking trails, nightly events and anything else you can want. It's very close to Stowe, Vt. so there are some good restaurants (and a few coffee bars) to visit as well.

All three kids went to camp, which was good for both them and us. Ben and Shoshi's camps were pretty basic, with walks, swimming time, playground time, and some crafts. Alex's was a bit more specialized and focused on hiking and nature. Though, while the camp had "activities" planned for each day (like learning how to use a compass) it was more about just spending time hiking and walking around the outdoors. Though, Alex did come home with a large piece of quartz that also has quite a bit of iron in it, or so I'm told.

One day Ellen and I took a walk up the hill to a pond Alex had told us about. On the way up a steep hill we heard a group of kids approaching. We looked up and there was Alex's group! We saw Alex, chatting away with the kid next to him, as he got closer I said "Hi Alex!"

Nothing.

He got closer. "Hi Alex!"

Nothing.

H walked within a foot of me "Hi Alex!"

Nothing.

His counselor turned around and gave an amused shrug as we watched the kids march down the hill. Finally, someone tapped him on the shoulder and he noticed us!

One of the key events for the week was the bonfire sing-along. Being first-timers we didn't know that you were supposed to bring marshmallows, sticks and stuff for s'mores. Oops. But let's back up for a minute.

Alex wanted to go on the overnight they offered, which happened to line up with the sing-along. Ellen and I hadn't intended to send him, but he wanted to go so we relented. Apparently he consulted the right pair, because his brother and sister were none-to-happy to see him go. Not that they were jealous, they just missed him terribly.

Shoshi screamed, several times "I want my Alex!" and Ben cried for him as well. But by the time we got to the sing-along they seemed to be a little happier. They'd already been through a magic show and were watching them light up the bonfire.

I had Shoshi in my lap and she LOVED the singing. The boys never really liked these events. Maybe they'd sign a little, but they tired of the whole thing rather easily. Not Shoshi. She had her hands in the air and participated when asked.

She saw the other kids with marshmallows and kept turning around saying "Daddy, want one of those." I assured her I'd get her one.

Then she collapsed in exhaustion. No, I'm not kidding. She just fell over and fell asleep.

During this time the music turned to parent's music, with one of the songs being "Leaving on a Jet Plane." This, apparently, sent Ben over the edge. He heard the words and immediately thought of his brother, who had packed his bag and left earlier in the evening, sending him right into tears. (We also sang "Country Roads," it's frightening how much John Denver music I actually know.)

As the evening ended Ellen stayed with Ben to have a s'more (though Ben didn't bother roasting his) and I carried Shoshi back to the room, got her undressed and put her in bed. She never stirred. Her brother came home, made some noise, got into bed. She didn't stir.

She awoke the next morning (after her mother had gone to get Alex and brought him home) looked at me and said "where's my marshmallow?"

Alex had a great time, downing a few s'mores and getting a little upset when other kids started telling ghost stories, but overall he had a great time.

And the other two were quite happy to have him back.

Comments

[maGz]

Hello. I've been sorta a "lurker" on ur blog/journal and would like to say how much I've enjoyed reading ur entries. I think I've found this place when I was searching thru the www about my hometown and it happens to be where Shoshi was originally from. Just felt like leaving a comment to say it has been a pleasure reading your entries.

[Chuck Tanowitz]

Thank you. It's nice to hear when people are reading and enjoying.

Also, I'd love to hear what you have to say about Fuzhou, we know very little about the city and the area.