Vermont Trip

We decided to take a trip up to Vermont during the kids April break. We had originally planned to go to Chicago, but that fell through, so we took advantage of a few more of my parents time share points and headed up to Smuggler's Notch, Vermont. Grandma and Grandpa Robertson were able to come with us and we got to do some fun things on our little trip!

On the way up we stopped at the Ben and Jerry's factory in Waterbury, VT.

While we waited for our tour we played on the playground

And visited the "flavor graveyard" where they had these real tombstones and little rhymes for all of their retired flavors.

It was pretty crowded inside. The tour was fine, and the ice cream was delicious!

We also stopped at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury. It was a fun stop. Even though they weren't making cider when we were there, we got to look at the press and sample quite a bit of cider! And there is nothing like fresh apple cider.

Of course we needed to buy some cider donuts and sample some of their jams, mustard, and syrup as well.

I also made us stop at the Von Trapp Family Lodge. We weren't staying here, so there wasn't much we could do, but I wanted to at least see the place where the Von Trapps settled after emigrating to America.

The view from the lodge. The hills are alive, don't you think?

The resort itself was a lot of fun. Even though it was its "off" season, there was plenty to do. We played games outside, flew kites, and went on some walks.

They had an indoor "fun zone" that had plenty to keep the kids busy!

We got to swim in both the outdoor and indoor pool while we were there as well. These little fish were happy about that.

One day we decided to go to Burlington, VT and we stopped at a chocolate factory there. This is a typical James face. Not sure what he was upset about. I promise the chocolate was really good. :)

We also went to a fun science center and aquarium when we were there called ECHO.

We happened to be visiting during their "mud days."

After watching a demonstration on how dirt and mud is formed they had all the kids come up to the roof

And gave them a ball of mud

Which they could throw at a target down below.

Obviously, the kids loved it.

Lucy was a little nervous

But soon got the hang of it as well.

A slingshot game that kept the boys

And their daddy busy for a long time! (Until they kicked us out)

In case we didn't get enough mud out side, they had more inside. :)

And they had lots of their non-mud days stuff for us to do as well!

While the museum wasn't huge, the kids loved it and had a lot of fun. Certainly a great day trip.

And on the way home we stopped at the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial. All in all a fun little family vacation!