I mean look … YES, visiting New York is always about getting my kids together with their family. But let’s be honest. It’s mostly about sister time, whenever and however we can get it.
Happy July, friends!
We just got back from two weeks on the east coast, including one week in New York and one week in Maine. We had the best time. We haven’t spent that much time all at once back east since we had kids, and can I just say … it was a friggin’ delight. Sure, Chris had to work (including one three-day stint in another state), and I had to keep up with some work, as well, but for the most part, it was so lovely and stress-free to have that much time together. It’s for sure something I plan to do again in the future.
See? Cousin time! (Plus Linus. ) The most fun!We came out when we did to throw an MS fundraiser in honor of the 10th year of our mom being gone. We made resin trays — which came out beautifully — but more than that, it was such a lovely celebration of her life, and the best time catching up with so many amazing people.My sister’s new house has a pool, and you best believe we took advantage.We spent father’s day at Gardiner Brewing Company with some of the best dads in the business.We roll deep as far as kiddos go, and the men are more than happy to jump in and do their fair share. It’s not something we take for granted, ever <3My sister and I snuck away one night for happy hour at Blu Pointe on the Newburgh Waterfront. It was so great.My sister’s face here is indicative of what it was like to watch the new Toy Story movie with seven children, four of whom were five and under. Movie was super cute, though!
After a week upstate, we drove through New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire to get to Maine. Although the traffic was gross, it was worth the pain!
My sister’s friend has a gorgeous house right on this beautiful lake!We had the sweetest little week here.Our first couple days were filled with rainbows. I can’t help but think our mom had a little part in that <3Rainbow Exhibit B.S’mores!Took the canoe out with some kiddos!We stopped by Fluvial Brewing, which was nine minutes from where we stayed. It was super hot, but a lot of fun!Chris finally fulfilled a lifelong dream of cooking lobster in Maine. And it was so yum.Walking distance to an ice cream shop is also clutch.On Tuesday we took a little field trip with these ridiculous cuties in tow.Our first stop was Maine Beer Co.We so cute <3Then it was off to Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park with these cuties <3It was so stinkin’ beautiful. Such a gorgeous wooded area, access to walk down to the water, we saw an Osprey family and their nest. Totally idyllic.Grace’s love of photography has grown on this trip, and it’s adorable.Then we were off to the Taste of Maine for dinner!Look at this 3-foot behemoth!Such a fun day!Story Land in New Hampshire was also a fun way to break up lake time. The water park, especially, since it was a 100-degree day.Tea cups always hit.Everyone loved the roller coasters, even the little ones!We stopped to buy homemade maple syrup on the side of the road on the way home. Obviously! We could even see the tree that was tapped to make it.We spent our final few days on the east coast at our friends’ upstate rental in Woodstock.We even got to stop at Magnanini Winery on our way there from my sister’s, which is where Chris and I had our wedding celebration with my New York family and our New York friends.We also got lunch at Cub Market on the way, and it was so good!Fourth of July weekend spent here. Can’t complain.
And now I’m back at my computer in Colorado while the rest of my family has 6.5 hours left of their flight to Australia. I can’t believe I let them go without me! They’re going to have the greatest time, though, and I have two press trips while their gone, so I know the time will go by quickly.
I hope you guys are having the best summer, staying safe and cool! Until next time … bis bald!
