Off the grid

The Gergi have just returned from 6 days in Martha's Vineyard. While you always wish for a longer vacation, I'm happy to say the Vineyard worked it's magic and rejuvenated us in that time. Since the girls had this week off from school, it seemed like the perfect time to go. However, it was hard (for me) not to have had a day off since April! In the years past, we typically would make it up to MV at least 4 times between Memorial Day and Labor Day for long weekends. As the kids are getting older, we're realizing that may transition to one or two longer visits. 

The Vineyard is a special place. It's an island, and it can be a challenge to get there but once there, you truly feel like you are off the grid. Add to that, our family house is on Chappaquiddick, the small island off the main island. There is lots of privacy - it's quiet, serene and just beautiful. In addition, we do not get great phone service, so we are forced to disconnect a bit. I honestly didn't know anything about MV before working at Vineyard Vines, and then dating Brian. All these small little towns, that are unique and charming in their own way, make up this very beautiful little island. 

If you've never been, I've pulled some photos for you to see what it's like. Here is a map of the island:

This is the "ferry" that we have to take from the main island, over to Chappaquiddick. There aren't any restaurants, stores, etc. on Chappy. So, for coffee, restaurants, shopping and the grocery, you have to take this ferry to and from!

                   This is a picture I took of the Edgartown Harbor while I was waiting for the ferry. 

Our private beach, just a short walk from the house on Chappy:

The view from the docks in town

Some beautiful pictures of Edgartown:

After two crazy flights with the little ones earlier this year, and then an interesting experience with Brian and I traveling separately with one child over the 4th, I'm happy to say this was a big improvement :) We had a fairly easy drive up on Tuesday, and our ferry ride was a breeze. Today, was a bit busier and more frazzled, but still the girls did great - phew. I'm hoping we might be over that hump. In between those two outings, was so much fun. We crammed a lot into every day, but still managed to squeeze in naps and decent bedtimes. The first day we went to the beach, the second day we spent at the fair, then Brian had a golf outing, and I had some mommy time, we had a great date night, a birthday celebration and one night we went out with friends. It was a blast!! Oh, and I should mention that Madelyn came down with Strep the day  before we left, and Anna developed it while we're gone - never a dull moment, right? ;) Oh well, some medicine and a little rest and we still made the best of it. 

Here is a picture of the girls from last year and Anna's first visit to the beach:

This year, they had SO much fun entertaining each other and playing non-stop

Pics from the fair: (M wasn't into any of the rides, but she was obsessed with the slide!)

Breakfast on the pier watching the boats and people fishing:

A (little blurry) night out with friends :)

Perfect beach day! (and "day" = the 2.5 hours we lasted)

Birthday celebrations for Mommy

Cloudy afternoon fishing adventure:

 Her first time fishing, and she caught one!

I am so thankful for this time together as a family. Our little unit is my world, and getting to just be with them, is so special. I cherish that time, and I'm already looking forward to the next trip! Hope you had a great weekend, soaking up the last bit of summer!