The Stanley Cup

The other day, the Stanley Cup came back to the Vineyard! Michael was selected to do the police detail, which meant that he got to have a super up close view of the cup itself. I had been so disappointed when he wasn't able to see it the last time it came here.

It was at the hockey rink, which was obviously very crowded, so I didn't get too many good pictures

Felix Neck

My BFF, Ronda has been spending the summer here this year and I couldn't be happier about it! We have been trying to get together as much as we can, which is a little more difficult these days, with our work schedules conflicting.

Last week we took the kids to one of our nature preserves here, called Felix Neck. There are many walking trails there, but we didn't want to push our luck with that, especially being so close to nap time.

It was really cute to watch them in the explorer room. There are a few different fish tanks, so they got to see turtles, frogs, crabs, fish, and a whole bunch of other local critters.

There is a live feed owl cam in the room, the owls live in the eves of the building. While we there, one of the owls laid an egg!

The kids got to touch and explore all sorts of things that you would find along the shoreline at the beach, and things that you would find in the woods. They had such a blast!

The Trances take on Troy, NY

Two weeks ago, we all piled into the car and headed to Michael's hometown of Troy, NY. Michael and I left the boys with Baba and Gigi and headed four hours west, to Geneva. One of his buddies from college got married in a beautiful castle that was nestled on the edge of Seneca Lake.

Unfortunately, due to an allergic reaction to the smell of the seafood in the air, we weren't able to stay for the reception.

I still had such a fun time. It was the very first time that I was away from Isaac overnight, and besides bursting into tears before we even turned the car on, I think I did pretty well! The whole area was simply breathtaking.

Beach Beauties

We have been very blessed with so many gorgeous beach days this summer, and we've been lucky enough to be able to enjoy them with friends and family. It feels like each day gets a little bit better than the last. These are really the days we'll remember!

Farmers Market

I still can't believe that until this summer, I hadn't ever been to a Farmer's Market here. We've been trying to get to as many as possible. I love seeing all the local farmers offering their best of the best.

Family Day on the Pond

My sister has become a master at paddleboarding these days, and she asked if we would like to join her. Ian was a natural and took to it right away! Isaac and I were in a kayak together and Michael took the other kayak. He wanted to try his luck with fishing.

We had so much fun, it was a beautiful day, full of lots of laughs. I can't wait to do it again!