Vermont, the ninth state

Maeve getting comfy in the hotel room after a long 7.5 hour drive. 

The weekend of September 14-16th, the McElroy clan made a journey to Northfield, Vermont, where Josh attended Norwich University.  It was Alumni weekend, but it was some special than that.  Josh and his soccer team were being inducted into the Hall of Fame for being the most successful soccer team in history.  Josh and I started dating his last year at Norwich, so I had gone up several times to see him.  I did not ever get to meet this soccer team however, as Josh was no longer playing soccer when we dated and neither were most of the other players. It was a really fun weekend, and I know it was great for both Josh and his parents to get to see all the players and their families again, now with their new families.  The wives met and chatted on the sidelines and kids and puppies played together.  It was a beautiful weekend, that culminated with a beautiful ceremony that highlighted all the hard work and dedication the men of the soccer team had, as well as the fun and memories forged.  

Pop-pop and Maeve getting ready to go to campus

Maeve was shocked to hear of all the changes to campus, including a pub on campus!

Representing Norwich with a now vintage sweatshirt, compliments of Casey and Tony.  Casey had bought this for her nephew, who is now a teenager (are we old?!)

Maeve was quick to make friends though.

View of the downstairs cafeteria area and pub

It was a beautiful day!

Maeve hung in the Ergo carrier

Steps to the architecture building 

They had a poster of the 2001 soccer team up in the lobby of the athletics department.  It made me giggle to see the picture of young Josh with his big earrings and super skinny size.

Josh in his younger days

Speaking with the athletics director

Speaking with the athletics director

So then we headed to the field to watch the boys soccer game. 

The boys reuniting

Maeve and Nan hanging out

Pop-pop hanging with Maeve too

At half time, they announced the Hall of Fame team and had them come out on the field. 

what a crew!

After the current boys soccer game, the alumni game started on the practice field.

Maeve was very excited to watch

Reaching for the camera

Playing Peek-a-boo

Chillin'

The boys kicking the ball around

The boys playing silly games

Live action!

Back in the goal!

Josh still has it!!

Beautiful day for...

Black Hawk helicopters...

The alumni with current soccer team

Do you feel the love?

Saturday night, we went to the assistant coaches house to have dinner and a bonfire.  It was the largest bonfire I had ever attended, but it was really great to hang out with not only the players, but the significant others of the crew.  Every one was reminiscing and having a great time, which is why no pictures are included ;~)

So Sunday, we got dolled up and headed over to campus.  We got there a little early, so we toured the solar decathlon buildings for Norwich.  It's great that Norwich is entering these competitions now.

Then we headed to the hall to have a beautiful ceremony.  All the guys looked great all suited up as they waited for coach to arrive.  Once Coach Friske arrived, the team felt complete, and they were overjoyed to see him again.

Winning team!

#1!

Accepting the award.  Gord gave a great speech, which made the whole room tear up!!

Maeve is so proud of her Daddy!!

So after the Hall of Fame ceremony was over, we explored Northfield a bit, returning to the infamous Western Ave.  This is where Josh lived with his two roommates, Tony and J.P. for a couples of years.  This is also where Josh lived when I started dating him.  It was a fun house, with a lot of memories.  Enough said. 

Western Ave is up for rent!!

New addition on campus

Addition to cafeteria

After exploring we returned to the assistant coaches house, Chip, to have dinner with Friske and crew.  Josh was so happy to catch up and see Friske again.  It was a good time had by all.  So we headed back to the Mad River Valley to stay at the Sugar Lodge.  The next morning, we hit our favorite breakfast spot, Paradise Deli and Market.  Yummy!!

They have a ski lift out front, which we used as a great photo op for Maeve.

First time on the ski lift!

She already loves it!

Happy Girl!

We then went to Stowe for a little bit and walked around.

Hanging out in Stowe

The leaves were just about to change!

We visited a cider press and grabbed some lunch.

That's Mommy's juice, Maeve!

Enjoying some chips...

Then we did a tour of Ben & Jerry's.  It was my first time, but Josh had been on the tour before.  I liked it!  Tuesday was a bit of a wash out, as it rained all day.  We went up to Burlington and met up with Carpy.  It was so great to see him again.  And we just hung in the hotel room that night.  The next morning, we woke up and left, but had to stop at the falls first.

Love love!

Happy with her bottle on the ride home!

See you soon Vermont!