First Harvest!

Tonight, right before dinner, Grace noticed that there was a pepper in our garden that was ready to be harvested. "Can I pick it, Mama?!" she asked.  Clippers were quickly found and we all headed down to the garden to witness the first harvest of the season!

An Evening With Friends

Last year, Ben and Sarah started their annual Beer and Bacon Fest.  Today was the much anticipated second annual Beer and Bacon Fest, and everyone spent the day coming up with what yummy treats they would create to bring with them.  We all gathered this afternoon to partake in what was sure to be a fun filled evening!

We made BLT salad. 

What a fabulous way to spend such a gorgeous summer evening!  Everyone clearly had a great time.  Beer, bacon, face painting and dear friends.  Could it be any better?!  Honestly, I don't think so!  We are looking forward to next year's Beer and Bacon Fest already, though I think it's safe to say that none of us will be eating bacon any time soon! 

{This Moment}

{This Moment} - A SouleMama Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. Have a delightful weekend, friends!

The Perfect Way To Start Our Day

Our day began with a little blueberry picking.  It was a mild morning. Perfect in every way.  It called to be spent picking blueberries and we happily answered.  

"Mama, do you know that I was born in the blueberries?!"  And while she may not have been born in a blueberry field (which would have been truly delightful and totally fitting for this sweet soul) she was indeed born during blueberry season.  She has been blueberry picking at this lovely farm every year that she has been on this Earth.  After all, it wouldn't be summer without a trip to Indian Head Farm to pick blueberries!

Rockin' the sunglasses.  Just because she can!

There are blueberry muffins (or maybe pancakes) in our future tomorrow morning, and lots of wonderful blueberry goodies throughout the fall, winter and spring.  I think we might make one more trip to the blueberry fields just to make sure we have enough blueberries to get us through to the next blueberry picking season. It's always a delight to have a little reminder of the summer during our cold New England winters.  A promise of things to come!

Fun In The Sun

The boys took in the scenery,

while the girls' had their morning swim lesson.

Once swimming lessons were done it was time for more swimming,

followed by some lunch.

Then it was back into the lake.

Snack is very serious business!

It was the perfect way to spend this absolutely stellar day!  Any day spent at the lake is always wonderful, but it becomes fabulous when spent with dear friends!  

July Birthday Celebration

On Saturday we gathered to celebrate all the July birthdays in our family.  We have done this each year since Grace's first birthday, and it is always one of the highlights of the summer.  In the span of eleven days we have four birthdays, and since my Mom's birthday is the last one (and happens to be today) it seemed only fitting to make this our blogpost of the day.

The day began with a gift for Grace (and Emma) from Dave's parents and sister and her husband.

A new sandbox!  The girls have missed having a sandbox since they outgrew their turtle shaped one.

There is so much more room in this one (and the cover that goes up and down too is fabulous)!  The girls can't wait to show their friends the new addition to the yard!

The four July birthdays are: Dave (on the 15th), Grace (on the 16th), Grant (on the 19th) and Mom (on the 26th). Emma is serving as the stand in for my brother who was unable to join in the celebration this year.  We missed you, Grant!

Gifts for Gramma from her girls! 

Grace was so excited to have a new bike basket and bell for her fabulous new bike! Thanks Aunt Kaitlyn (and Eric) for making that dream come true!

Kait's gift to Dave (spending time golfing and skiing with her)!

It was (as always) a very special day!  The time spent together and memories that are made are easily the best part of the celebration!  Many happy birthday wishes to everyone celebrating a birthday this month. May this be your best year yet!