Maybe it was because Lily slept so well every night, maybe it was because we spent a lot of time at the beach and the pool, and maybe the two are related.  Who knows?  All I know is that this kid (and this momma) had FUN.

We kicked it off with a trip to the north fork in Long Island to visit Lily’s Rett sister Maren and her twin Ben (and their mom Lena!).  We hung out on the beach, watched the sailboat races and witnessed Lily’s advanced flirting skills.  She took quite a liking to Ben and they took turns chasing each other up and down the beach.  It was as adorable as it sounds.

Next up was a family reunion in Boston Corners with Auntie Angela and co. It was a great trip – the weather was nice and cool and the company was fantastic.  Lily loved spending time with her family and going for nature walks.   We even went for a bike ride (she barely fit into the kiddie seat in the back)!

A few weeks later, Teetee Angela and her big belly came up to visit us! We went swimming, read books at the library and ate at some super cool restaurants.

We then had a flyby visit from our cousins Laurene and Steve who live in Indiana and that was super fun for the mommy.

Lily then went off and spent a week with her dad up in Connecticut.  She LOVES the water (and dressing up like a fairy).  I’m pretty sure she thinks she’s a mix between a mermaid and a fairy.  You should see this kid in the water!

A few weeks later we were both up in Connecticut as Lily was a flower girl at her Aunt Kathleen’s wedding.  This kid looked so pretty and she loved wearing her flower girl dress.  She and I had a lot of fun playing around at the farm where the wedding pictures were being taken.

Next up was another visit to the north fork where not only did we catch up with her Rett sister Maren, but her other Rett sister Ella (in purple below right – it was impossible to get these two girls together for a photo!).  This day (for both Lily and mommy) was probably one of the very best days we had all summer.  Lily was reunited with Ben and mommy got to spend time with adults who are also raising girls with Rett Syndrome (and happen to be absolutely awesome people).

And I’m not even done yet… so many more amazing things happened this summer.  Uncle Viraj came in for a quick visit, Lily spent another week with her dad at a water park, she and I spent a few days with our friends Bonnie, Stefanie and their beautiful family on Shelter Island and then we caught a plane to Florida to spend time with our family down there.  Lily sure loves her Grandma and cousins.

Holy cow, no wonder I’m so exhausted.  We were busy girls this summer and we were both so very loved everywhere we went.   I’m feeling really grateful that we were able to make such beautiful memories with the most amazing people.

Love to you all.

C and L