Goodbye Summer, Maine, & John's Birthday! ♥

Hello Friends! ♥

Guess what? I lit my first Fall candle of the season yesterday morning.  Yankee Candle Spiced Pumpkin, which I got on sale at the Yankee Candle outlet in Kittery, ME this past weekend. The smell is still wafting through the house today. It's the scent of the season and tells everyone that enters, it's fall! It's my all-time favorite.  As you well know, there are a lot of pumpkin scented candles out there, but none compared to this one.  It's the best.  

We have been blessed with cooler temps this week (some might say even "chilly" in the mornings) and it's blissful. I can feel the shift happening.  We have arrived.  Finally :) 

But before I go on about THAT I wanted to share a few pictures from our weekend in Ogunquit, ME.  It's quite beautiful there, with its quaint shops, restaurants, and overall Hallmark FEEL if you know what I mean.  The beach and ocean view are stunning. 

 I did not go to the beach, but I did spend my fair share of time sitting on a balcony looking at it and taking it all in. It was very relaxing and I did enjoy being away for a few days.  I could feel the stress leaving my body and peace filling my lungs in the form of sea air. It's funny how the ocean can do that.  

How could I stop taking in this view ♥ 

 

We went with Rob's family (our annual summer trip) so there was 12 of us total.  We separated at times to do our own things but always met up for meals and games at night. Some went to the beach, some the pool, some shopping, and some of us read books while listening to the waves, only getting up to eat. 

It was super fun.  

One highlight was stopping on the way up at Nubble Lighthouse in York, ME for lunch.  We had beautiful weather!

Here is John and his two cousins, Anthony and Julia! 

I had the same delicious lobster roll I had last year (when in Rome..:).  

It's the best I've ever had.  So fresh! 

On Saturday we celebrated John's 18th birthday!  

My father-in-law picked up a tiramisu cake at a local bakery and we surprised John at the hotel.  He loved it!  

I can't believe this boy is 18!!!! ♥

I wish you knew John.  Some of you might.  He's a special kid.  Smart, funny, caring, and kind.  I'm so proud of him. 

Did I say kid? I guess I should say adult now. Wow! 

To be honest, all weekend I was fighting myself not to worry about my Dad at home.  He's been feeling great lately and assured me he'd be fine.  I left him fully stocked with meals and all the essentials he'd need.  He joked me with me I was only going for 2 days, not 2 months, so RELAX!  I called every day and he was as he said - totally fine.  Whew! 

Before heading home we stopped by a candy store (of my dreams!) that sells this yummy black liquorish bridge mix that I remember from last year.  Are you a fan of black liquorish? People either love it or hate it. 

Personally, I love it!  I have to keep the bowl out of my sight, or I will in fact, eat it all.  

We arrived home on Sunday afternoon.  I caught up with my Dad, unpacked, did laundry, sat on my bed and took a rest until dinner.  Why is riding in a car doing nothing so tiring?  Anyway, I'm glad to be home. And now the time has come.  I always use John's birthday as my time meter.  Once we've properly celebrated his summer birthday, I can turn the page to Fall. I'm so excited for the season to change.  I feel myself coming back to life once the air changes.  I love to decorate and craft and especially bake and cook in the fall.  All the things that bring me joy.  

John is in Boston today with some of his friends, still living his summer dreams. He still has a few weeks until his classes start so he's hanging on to summer, not letting one second of it slip through his fingers. A lot of his friends are heading off to college, so this week will be a long week of goodbyes.  

 I know summer's not over just yet, but it is for me! ♥

Have a great day friends!  I'm making chicken pot pie for dinner. 

 This girl isn't messing around! LOL