Goodbye Old Saybrook...

     The summer has been full of so many high points.  I asked Audra to tell me the highs and lows of the summer.  The high points were too numerous to count.  She spent a lot of time relaxing at the beach with her friends and she ate way too much pizza.  A low point this summer, and last summer too, come to think of it, was this...

Audra is not happy.

Yes, a broken phone.  Audra has had too many experiences with broken phones.  So many, in fact, that Big Tex (her dad) and I don't even acknowledge a cracked screen anymore.  It was my decision not to get the screen replaced because she was having a lot of trouble with her phone holding a charge all summer.  Fixing a cracked screen, on an older phone, might just set us up to waste a bunch of money.  It may be just dumb luck, but as soon as I replace a cracked screen, some other fatal problem crops up, and I am forced to buy a new phone anyway. Darned refurbished phones!!  Anyway, I decided that I needed a new phone, or actually a new camera, because I am really enjoying blogging and appreciate clear pictures when I am reading my favorite blogs.  Audra made the argument that I should buy the Iphone 7 plus because it has a new and improved camera feature.  To her advantage, I would give her my old phone, and all would be right with the universe once again.  That's my girl, a problem solver!!  I do feel like the pictures are amazing on the new camera.

     The rest of the post will chronicle the last day at the shore.  I zipped over to the Big Y and picked up steamed lobster for dinner.  At $7.99 per pound, we were able to have an incredible feast.   My family has put up with me hosted me all summer, so the lobster is the least I can do to repay the kindness they have shown me.

Mom loves her lobster.

This is the first year Audra pulled out the meat and ate the whole lobster.

Audra and her crazy aunt. 

We took a ride to the beach after dinner for sunset and social hour.  I asked the squad to meet us there for our last sunset together.  We crowded around and got as many pictures as possible before it became too dark.  I'm gonna miss the squad tons!

Me and Audra

Mini Squad

Lauren and her beautiful girls.

Beautiful Karen rushed to get back for our photo session.

Andrew didn't want to get into the picture.  I think he's tired of being the only boy!

Laurie and Steve

I see we have a photo bomber!

Left to right: Lauren, Heather, Me, Karen and Jenna with Chloe as the bomber.  Sadly, Liz is missing from this one.

I am still getting the hang of the new phone camera and don't understand why the pictures looks great on my phone, but once I transfer them to my computer and ultimately the blog, the pictures aren't as clear.  If anyone can tell me why this is happening, please post a comment below. 

Goodbye Summer of 2017!!!

Hunt Breakfast at Griswold Inn

Mom and Audra at The Griswold Inn
Audra's outfit is from the American Eagle Outlet in Clinton
(Funny how the belly button wasn't showing when we bought it, #lifewithateenagedaughter)

     I am thrilled to be able to take you on this fabulous tour of an historic country inn that has served the community for over 200 years!  The Griswold Inn is located in scenic Essex, Connecticut.  The Inn has been in existence since 1776 and has been serving the Hunt Breakfast, a buffet style spread fit for a king, which was started by the British when they occupied the Inn during the War of 1812.  We were celebrating my father's 78th birthday yesterday in style and were wrapped in the 18th century architecture and exquisite Maritime decor befitting this Yankee treasure.  Although we didn't stay at the Inn, I'm told it has 33 charming rooms that have beautiful views of the water along with centuries old antiques that furnish the now modernized living quarters.

Omelet Station  

Variety of Salads/ Check out the pictures on the wall

Breakfast was served: bacon, eggs, sausage, scones, biscuits

Complete with live music!

Mary and Dad

Audra, Uncle Carmine, Aunt Tina, Joann

My sister, her husband, my nephew and his wife and new baby Josephine Rose

Cousin Luke, Aunt Tina, Uncle Carmine, and Dad

We are just getting acquainted, so in case you are wondering, my husband John, and daughter Amanda are missing.  You will be hearing from Amanda in upcoming posts because she is devoting the next two years to mission work and I actually started this blog so we could partner and share her journey.  You will meet her soon and I couldn't be more excited for you to see the shining light we call Amanda.  My hubs will be joining me in Connecticut before heading back to Texas at the end of the summer.  Can't wait for you to meet him!

Previously, I showed you the outfit I planned on wearing to the party.  I have a shot of it and loved the pencil skirt with the understated black top.  I changed the necklace and wore a cream, woven necklace with shells hanging from braided twine.  A nod to the nautical theme of the day.  Anyway, enjoy the pictures.

Laurie, Dad and Me

The reason my skirt looks tight!

Stay tuned because I am working on a really special post that I am asking a guest to write and you won't want to miss it.  I don't want to give any more detail because I don't want to spoil the surprise.  Alright, here is a hint. It is the anniversary of the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey circus fire that occurred here in Hartford, Connecticut.  That's all I'm saying.

Beach Happenings

I just wanted to share a couple of sunset pictures from our vacation spot in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.  I grew up in Connecticut, but have lived in Texas for the past 22 years.  We escape the Texas heat and stay in Connecticut for the entire summer and I feel so blessed to be able to spend the time with our friends and family.  My daughters feel a part of this wonderful community and my youngest wouldn't spend her summer any other way.  As they say " A bad day at the beach is still better than a good day at work!"