Family and Fall

The family

This past weekend my small family met up in Quechee, Vermont at my Poppy's condo for a brief family reunion - and by reunion I mean 11 people (I am not entirely sure that number counts as a "reunion" but for the sake of the story, let's go with it).

This is the first time that my sister and I have introduced boyfriends to the extended family at the same time, and it was a blast. Everyone got along so well, and I personally think for the rest of our lives my sister, Justin, Erik and me will be the four best friends that anyone could ever have in all the land.

This is how I feel about Fall in New England

The trip started in Boston, which is by-far my favorite city outside of Nashville. Yes, my sister lives there which definitely influences the amazeball-factor, but since spending time exploring the different neighborhoods over the past few years, it is one of the few cities I truly miss upon leaving (with the exception of Disney World, which I miss all the time, every breath I take, every move I make). I also have had the intentional pleasure of visiting when it is not winter, which likely skews my idealized perception since winter is not my friend. And it will continue to not be my friend until Princess Elsa's ice castle becomes apart of that whole deal.

But I am starting to wonder if Fall in Boston would make it all worth it.

I grew up in CT until I was 15, but I had forgotten the undeniable magic of Fall in New England. I was probably too busy learning Britney Spears choreography in my bedroom with a boombox and a full length mirror to even notice how lucky I was to grow up in a Thomas Kinkade portrait. From the crisp air to the vibrant colors of the changing leaves, to the football teams that don't completely suck (not like I watch football, but if I did it would be awesome to care about teams that didn't completely suck....).

And as for Boston, the city itself with all its rich history, versatile architecture, stunning harbors and super cool sisters is the perfect combination of charm and beauty. If it didn't endure a never-ending snowpocalypse from November - May, I would definitely consider living there. ANYWAYS - I digress.

After an awesome day in Boston with my sister, Justin and my parents, we drove 2 1/2 hours to Quechee (sadly in the rain) belting out every song to XM's The Blend (which might end up delaying the whole put-a-ring-on-it scenario, but love is blind, right?). We arrived and spent a lovely two days with my Poppy and his wife Claire, my Aunt Linda and Uncles Hardy and Ronnie. We went apple picking, played corn hole, walked through the streets of Hanover and Dartmouth, checked out some antique stores (during which I drank a pumpkin-spice latte in the doorway choosing liquid heaven over old stuff I can't afford). And of course, we enjoyed a delicious variety of cheeses (among other foods I topped with a variety of delicious cheeses) every step of the way.

It was a delightful weekend and an exciting precursor to all the fun we will have this Thanksgiving, and all the many years to come. The morale of the story: New England in the Fall, family, XM's The Blend and cheese assortments rock. The end.