Archives for September 2012

cape cod // or, the most pictures in a blog post ever.

September 12, 2012

Cape Cod really outdid itself this year.

This vacation is always the last trip I take before the start of a new school year. Every year it’s the best and this time around was no different. We stayed in Orleans, and it was the perfect amount of beach and relaxation. We were able to spend time in Chatham (our old stomping grounds) and we even spent an afternoon in Provincetown. Between the weather and the company, I’d say this summer definitely went out with a bang.

Like fireworks.

I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.

I loved so many of them I just couldn’t choose.

SIGH.

Oh, summer, thanks for EVERYTHING.

{all images © anna e. burns | please link with love.}

16 Comments · Filed Under: family, life, summer, travel ·

Nantucket in 33 pictures.

September 10, 2012

The island of Nantucket is something amazing. As soon as you arrive you can see what all the hype is about. I don’t know about you, but whenever I’ve though of Nantucket, I think picture perfect dream land that’s beyond my reach (it’s expensive!). Life has taken me there before– I’ve been for a weekend to stay at Zan’s family friend’s house, and I took a day trip with my friends many years ago, but this time around I got to spend a whole 5 days there. 5 days. In a house. On the ocean.

When they say it’s all about who you know, they weren’t kidding.

This trip to Nantucket happened because I was lucky enough to be invited out by the family I used to work for in grad school. Staying in touch with the families I have nannied for has been especially worthwhile for me. Most importantly, I love watching the kids grow up, getting a peak into the people they are becoming, but also, for perks like this. I spent the week with the family, and I loved every minute of my time at that beautiful place. I watched the boys quite a bit, giving their mom some time to relax and get stuff done, but I also felt like I had plenty of time to explore the pockets of the island on my own, too.

I did a little shopping (bought a classic Nantucket bike basket), spent a lot of time reading, and best of all, woke up for two of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen.

With it’s cobblestone streets and endless thing to see and do, I would argue that it’s one of the best vacation spots around. Plus the fact that you’re completely surrounded by water is something totally romantic. It’s got beaches for miles and boats and shopping and food. Oh, some of the most delicious food you will ever eat. From the ice cream cones to the chocolate donuts, my sweet tooth was the happiest.

I just couldn’t get enough of it– I kept pinching myself to make sure it was all real. I’m so thankful that I had the chance to visit this summer and I can’t wait for the day I find myself on a ferry to the island once again.

That Nantucket is a good one. A good one through and through.

14 Comments · Filed Under: life, summer, travel ·

loving on the lake.

September 7, 2012

~~9. Swim in Skaneateles Lake.~~

“Skaneateles waters shining

Under skies so bluuuuu-uue

And the white clouds’ silver lining

Paints our colors true.”

Days on Skaneateles Lake could easily be classified as some of the best days of my life.

Hands down.

Every time.

A lot of the time I wish I didn’t live so far, but mostly I’m just thankful to be able to visit.

From the clearest, cleanest water,

to the gorgeous scenery,

from rides on the party boat…

to breezy afternoons on the hammock,

and best of all, for the family that frequent there,

this place holds a special spot in my heart,

and I’m incredibly happy it’s home. ♥♥

12 Comments · Filed Under: family, life, nostalia, summer, travel ·

memories from connecticut.

September 5, 2012

Visiting places that remind me of my childhood is my favorite. It’s almost like going back in time, to experience the sights and sounds that you remember like it was yesterday. We used to go to Island Beach in Greenwich every summer when I was small. It’s the most unlikely place, a tiny little piece of land on Long Island Sound, but it holds some of the happiest times of my youth.

I have the fondest memories of that beach. We used to take the ferry over to the island, have a picnic and spend time in the sand, soaking our feet in the ocean and playing in the water until it was time to catch the boat home.

I still visit Greenwich every summer, though it’s very rare that we take the ferry over to the old little island anymore. We’re busy with this and we’re busy with that, and trips are often short, and Island Beach often gets overlooked most visits. But this summer, we did take the ferry on that short, breezy ride to Island Beach and I was full of nostalgia the whole entire time.

Meet my Grammy. She’s 86 and I love her to the moon…

She’s a special one, that Grammy Jean. With a sharp wit and a soul full of goodness. I’m thankful every day that she’s mine.

This day was especially special too, because we took baby Hope along for the experience. Hope is my cousin Haley’s daughter and my grandmother’s first great grandchild. It went full circle on this trip to Island Beach and I’m glad I have the pictures for the keeping…