There’s just something about summer in New England.
The salty air. The hydrangeas in full bloom. Barefoot afternoons, backyard dinners that stretch well past sunset, and the sound of the girls laughing somewhere in the distance. It’s the kind of summer that feels wonderfully ordinary while you’re living it—and somehow, you already know you’ll miss it when it’s gone.
This summer was all about Sophia and Arabella soaking up every bit of it.
We spent plenty of days down in Onset, where summer feels exactly how it should: sunshine sparkling on the water, beach days, little seaside strolls, and that unmistakable Cape Cod feeling. There’s something about a New England coastal town in the summer that never gets old—especially when you’re watching your girls make memories of their own.
Back home, our backyard became its own little summer retreat. We had backyard BBQs, friends stopping by, long evenings outside, and plenty of reasons to keep the grill going. The girls spent their days running around, playing with friends, and enjoying the freedom that comes with those long summer days when bedtime somehow keeps getting pushed later and later.
And, of course, there were the golf cart rides.
Something about cruising around the neighborhood in the golf cart with the girls makes even an ordinary evening feel like a vacation. Windows down, summer breeze, nowhere to be and nowhere we needed to go. Just the kind of simple moments that end up becoming some of your favorites.
There was also plenty of time on the golf course with Uncle Ryan, where the girls got to spend some quality time with him while enjoying a little friendly competition. Family, sunshine, golf, and a beautiful New England summer day—does it get much better?
And then there was theater camp for Arabella, who is officially living out her theater dreams one stage at a time. Sophia did her first ever play too! Watching Arabella discover something she loves so much has been one of the sweetest parts of this season. From rehearsals and new friendships to all the excitement that comes with performing, she’s definitely caught the theater bug. 🎭 Sophia had the experience but she’d rather watch her sister than be in one.
Sophia had her own summer adventures, too, filling her days with friends, activities, and plenty of time enjoying being a kid. Watching the girls grow into their own little people—with their own interests, friendships, personalities, and passions—is such a bittersweet part of motherhood.
And because no summer is complete without a little adventure, we squeezed in a trip to Great Wolf Lodge. A little change of scenery, lots of laughter, and the kind of fun that leaves everyone completely exhausted by the end of the day.
There were no shortage of picture-perfect moments this summer, but honestly, it wasn’t the big things that made it special.
It was the little things.
The golf cart rides.
The backyard BBQs.
The afternoons with friends.
The Cape Cod air.
The golf outings with Uncle Ryan.
The theater camp excitement.
The spontaneous plans.
The sandy feet.
The late summer evenings.
The girls laughing together.
Living in the moment instead of rushing through it.
New England summers have a way of reminding you to slow down and appreciate what’s right in front of you. Maybe it’s the charm of the Cape, the familiar streets of home, or an evening spent outside with family and friends. Whatever it is, there’s a certain magic here that makes summer feel a little more nostalgic, a little more classic, and a whole lot sweeter.
Red, white & blue. Lobster rolls & lemonade. Hydrangeas & beach days. Golf carts & backyard BBQs. Family, friends, and two girls growing up way too fast.
That was our summer.
And if I could bottle up one season and keep it forever, I think it might look a lot like this one. 🤍
Here’s to the last golden days of summer—and to all the memories we’ll carry with us long after the beach towels are packed away and the school bags come back out.
