Beaching it...end of summer

There is no place like Cape Cod/Martha's Vineyard during the summer in New England.  We receive a barrage of guests and visitors who come to enjoy the beauty and pleasure that Massachusetts has to offer. Each summer, we take a week to enjoy our 'special house' -- to decompress, re-energize and have some fun! This year, we shifted our family plans a bit and planned a trip with our very good friends, the Schmiedels, whose daughter Colleen is one of Abby's dearest and long-time friends. We hiked, we beached, we ate and drank, and swam and baked in the sun. We played games and read and played Wii...and even visited a vineyard for good measure.

At the vineyard, Alec wants to taste everything... :) 

Aramis knows the rules though..no touching! :) 

Daddy lays down the law and reminds everyone the rules...

First afternoon at the beach was all about exploring...

and checking out the temperature of the water..which was, for once, super warm! :) 

During our travels, we became Mass Audubon members and toured some properties. One had an awesome boardwalk that led to the ocean and at low tide, you could find all sorts of cool creatures including Fiddlehead crabs, shrimp, horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs and razor clams. Kids loved it!

While on the Cape this year, we really had an opportunity to explore the sandbars/reefs--walking nearly a mile out into the ocean and discovering wildlife galore! The water was beautifully warm and all the kids got to really experience the best of Cape beaches. It was a truly memorable vacation that was enhanced by the company we kept.

Our pool became quite the focal point...and we found it difficult to pull the kids out to go do other things. No surprise there....

What better way to relax and enjoy the sun than in the arms of your Papa?

And, as the summer came to an end, our trips to the beach did too, but we can all look back at our empty chairs and know how gorgeous the weather, how awesome the adventure, and dream of the summers yet to come.