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Are you planning any summer trips? Last week, we headed to Cornwall, England, to visit my aunt and grandmother. We really lucked out on the weather — especially since June had been super rainy (or, as my aunt said, “quite grotty”). Here are a few highlights…
My grandmother, nicknamed ‘Milly,’ is turning 89 this summer, and we want to soak up as much time with her as possible. My aunt Lulu has lived with her for the past year, to help out, and they are the sweetest roommates. “I’m crazy about her,” my aunt says.
Our basic routine was to spend the days hitting up the playground, fishing or crabbing, and eating our weight in ice cream.
Most evenings, we had “drinks o’clock,” where neighbors come by for wine and snacks.
And Alex and my aunt Lulu made gin martinis, their annual tradition.
I was mostly behind the camera but Alex pulled me into some, too. #momstaysinthepicture
For Anton’s sixth birthday, which fell during our trip, we headed to Lantic Bay, a nearby beach.
Anton’s mind was blown when he spotted and pet a JELLYFISH. “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh,” he kept saying. “It’s squishy and cold! Oh my GOSH.”
Afterward, we had strawberry cake and ice cream. Anton can be a little shy, so I loved his sweet expressions when he was the center of attention.
Another evening, my dad and I went out to dinner, just the two of us. It was so nice to get some rare one-one-one time. We went to Fitzroy, a new restaurant across the harbor. The bright food — like carrots with goats curd, and a half lobster with potatoes — exploded with flavor. I also liked how they wrote your name on the table before you arrived for your reservation. Such a welcoming touch, don’t you think?
Our boat ride home!
On our last day, when the English cousins were heading back to school, we snapped this photo. How cute are their uniforms? They’ve all grown so much since last year.
Of course, as always, not pictured were jet-lag meltdowns, sibling squabbles, long travel days and other tricky moments, but all in all, we had such a magical time. I was grateful for another chance to see my grandmother and I already feel homesick for it. We grew up coming here almost every summer, and it’s my favorite place in the world. (It was my ‘happy place‘ to imagine when I was in labor with both boys.) We don’t know how much longer we’ll all be able to be together like this, so it felt bittersweet this time, in the most meaningful way.
England, we love you. Xoxo
P.S. Past summers in England — including when Toby was a teeny baby. :)
