"There is a movement in the United States today, wide-spread and very far reaching in its consequences. People are seeking after a freer, healthier, happier life. They are tired of the noise and dirt, bad air and crowds of the cities and are turning longing eyes toward the green slopes, wooded hills, pure running water and health giving breezes of the country."
Love this place so much! It's a step back in time. Here is a link to my instagram - click on Vermont in the saved stories at the top to see a few clips from inside)
We ate lunch right next door at Mildred's Grill. So so good!
Preserved just as it was... a step back in time.
With all the right music playing too.
After, we drove to this amazing Vermont State Park - and oh my goodness, it took our breath away. We took in the views by the lake and walked a bit on the trails. The woods smelled like hemlock, a breath of fresh air (the saying) must have been invented here.
I have a love for Hallmark Christmas movies that take place in cozy towns. This inn was in this movie.
Don't you love a peek into little inns? I always take a few pictures because the girls always love to look back at where we've stayed over the years.
Very clean, spacious, lovely little sitting part.
Loved this little table in the bathroom.
... and the view...
This was the girls room - since Inns aren't like hotels we decided to get the girls their own sweet room (this one had light blue walls and the prettiest white bead spreads.
Time for dinner - served on the porch - overlooking the town green.
We were about to say, "no thankyou" like we always do for dessert... until... she told us the pies were made in the pie shop just a few doors away... I just had to see these pies. And they did not disappoint.
After dinner we explored the grounds a bit before cozying in our rooms.
The inn served a lovely continental breakfast... and I wish I had a picture of it. Beautiful muffins, fruit, and oatmeal. Hot tea... so glad for the tea! And we ate on the porch again.
And just like the day before, we shopped for the rest of the morning - this time in all of the quaint Chester shops.
We loved this bookstore.
Creaky floors, I loved this little bookstore that had the 'shop around the corner' feel.
... and so many other little stores. After all of this it was time to check out of the inn.
On our way out of town we stopped at an antique store (I'll have to take a few pictures of the things I brought home with me) and lunch here and the "Country Girl Diner"
And with a bit of relaxation in us, we headed home. Time to get ready for Anna's graduation party!
From the most Charming Towns to visit in New England:
If you're looking for an authentic Vermont rural experience, look no further than blissfully uncrowded Chester. It's located on the slopes of the Green Mountains, with the Williams River passing through. In Chester, you'll find charming inns, stone houses, quaint churches, swimming holes, covered bridges, and farm to table restaurants
Chester is best known for its Stone Village and Chester Village Historic Districts. The Stone Village derives its name from the plethora of granite houses in the area. Chester Village gives off a classic Federal and Colonial aesthetic.
Chester is also home to cute boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and some fabulous restaurants. There are some beautiful artisanal crafts at DaVallia Art and Accents and handcrafted jewelry at Sage Jewelry and Gifts. In the summer, Chester hosts concerts on the town green. And the Weston Playhouse puts on terrific theater.
Where to stay in Chester: Inn Victoria, Fullerton Inn, Stone Hearth Inn
Where to eat in Chester: Free Range Restaurant, Heritage Deli & Bakery, Pizza Stone VT, Alice's Restaurant
Last Tuesday (June 15) Anna officially graduated high school. It was the most beautiful ceremony, and we were thrilled that it was live, in person. Honestly, there are so many emotions to put here in this space. The one that comes to mind is pure joy. My cheeks were tired at the end of the night from my huge smile all afternoon. Before I try to begin to tell the story of graduation day, a few thoughts.
“For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 -
We all know that verse. It’s on plaques and baby cards, it’s sung at churches and read at milestone moments. - But my daughter has lived it.
She started off abandoned and alone. She lived her first year and a half in an orphanage unloved and without a family. -
But on her high school graduation day we celebrated her victories.
From unable to crawl or even cry to be picked up, she was “behind” in every possible way. -
But then we were a family and His promise came true. -
So we celebrate her past, her mighty future, her hard work and her heart. We celebrate who she is and who she will become. We celebrate that promise coming true.
“For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 -
Abigail was my light tester...
And since Anna couldn't have a live pinning ceremony for National Honor Society I was able to do the pinning myself.
Beaming with happiness on this celebration day.
A few at home pictures with Scott and I and our baby girl.
and some family shots too. I am so blessed they are mine
Best friends for life!
Anna decorated her cap for her next adventure... College of the Holy Cross! I love the bright sparkly purple and the pearl edging. She downloaded the same font and the Holy Cross logo, used her cricut machine and make stickers - came out so awesome!
When we arrived at the ceremony the sky started looking very dark and the wind was really picking up. Everyone was checking their weather aps and radar. We were blessed that it never rained. It poured and poured just streets away, but we sure did get a lot of wind and clouds for a bit before the ceremony began. This beautiful backdrop all blew over!
The photo above shows the seats for the graduates - all organized with water bottles for them. We arrived at 3:30 for a 5:00 ceremony. We had tickets (bracelets - you can spot mine in all of the photos). There were four for each family. All of Anna's grandparents were able to attend just not in our family pod on the turf - they were on the bleachers. We were so impressed with how wonderful it was organized. I was also so glad that as many wanted to attend, could.
Scott, Abigail, and I were in the first row of pod - waiting, excited, happy (and watching the clouds and weather).
The storm was so close that we weren't sure they would be able to hold the graduation but it blew by just as quickly as it rolled in. And all of a sudden, that moment came! The graduates marched in.
I want to remember forever the sound of that song - we all know it - but it was extra special for our family because it was prerecorded by the Solisti orchestra. So Anna played in her graduation march. Pretty spectacular! Here is a link to that.
Hearing that start was so spectacular. Abigail hopped up on her chair to try and capture what she could.
I ran to the side to capture these photos.
And there she was, all grown up.
The clouds rolled away and the sky opened up to bright blue. That wind died down and all I could think of was that Anna was in that sea of blue graduates - and it made me so proud of her.
We loved how the principal organized the entire event. We loved his genuine enthusiasm and knowledge of each senior. He greeted Scott and I as we waited for it all to begin that day. {This high school principal's daughter will be a student in Scott's middle school next year} He is warm and personable and we are thrilled that we will be Abigail's principal next year.
Our favorite speech was a student speech - so powerful (the link is here) I also loved the Board of Education speech - lovely - and loved how she thanked teachers (the link is here)
And then it was time for Anna to officially graduate!
My very favorite part of the ceremony was when the principal had them move their tassels and then 💕 he had them turn around and face their families. The crowd cheered and stood. It was so powerful and amazing. Loved it so much - that is when the tears fell for me. 💕
And just like that it was over, caps flew in the air - such a magical moment.
Anna found us right away and we got those happy, candid photos that are full of emotion. I could are less about the angle of the sun or the background - I just wanted to capture the pure emotion of joy!
We walked off the turf so that we could find the grandparents. I have taken Anna and her daddy walking off from every graduation - elementary school, middle school, and now this!
Lots of hugs all around
Anna loved her graduation - she was beaming, proud, and excited about her future. We are so grateful for this night, and will hold it in our hearts forever.
Creaky floors, I loved this little bookstore that had the 'shop around the corner' feel. 
