more adventures

This trip was planned at least 3 years ago -maybe 4. Previously, I had visited my Aunt Laura & Uncle Barry & cousins Andrew & Alexandra each year for a few years in a row and it was always marvelous!

 But then life happened and the next trip there didn't.

 Of course I was there at least twice a year with the family-- and saw them even more frequently -- but it was never this trip that we always talked about. Just me. Just them.

 Three-ish years passed. I got my license, finished high school, turned 18... all those milestones... even planned to visit them this summer now that school was finally behind me. Yet this trip still didn't happen.

 Jesus knew what he was doing though:) He always does. 

We eventually worked things out this fall. This trip was finally happening!! Tons of excitement on both sides!

Then I arrived and it rained 5 of the 7 days I was there! Poured rain.

 This wasn't how it was supposed to be! It was supposed to be dry and sunny so we could carry out all of those adventures we had planned to do together for 3 years! 

Such a bummer to say the least! 

But then we realized that what was most important was that we were together. Talking, laughing & loving together. Those things mattered most;) 

We managed to fit in some great adventures despite the rain and made marvelous memories. 

Car time with Uncle Barry. Pumpkin ravioli at the new tavern. Duets with Andrew. Gelato at Rosso's.  Exploring small towns and making jewelry with Aunt Laura. Watching Roman Holiday & The Coins in a Fountain {both set in Italy}. Lunch with Baba. An invigorating midnight walk.  A gorgeous family beach photoshoot. Reading with Alexandra. Cooking with Andrew... to name a few. And of course my aunt and I talked about Italy ALL.week.long! She & Uncle Barry had just spent 2 weeks there + my dream has always been to go there = both of us super happy to talk about it all day long! {or rather- she talk, I listen}

I love each one of them *so* much and can't wait for our next week together!!

oooh! Have I ever mentioned that Aunt Laura and I are birthday buddies? And furthermore, that we've never been together on our birthday?! You can bet we have our wheels churning to fix that problem this coming year!

Here's a LOAD of photos from the week!!

 Exploring Tremont... fabulous old part of town filled with art galleries, wine shops, boutiques & classy restaurants.

 Aunt Laura's grandparents helped build/establish this church!

 We talked to this artist for quite a while... he was commissioned by a group on the East coast to paint this portrait. So cool!

Driftwood. I adore it.

 Gorgeous Lake Erie sunset!!

 Authentic Italian gelato at Rosso's!

 sketching out simple jewelry designs

 Crafting metal jewelry with Aunt Laura

 Aunt Laura's pendant was fabulous!! She has the perfect classy meets artist style. Simple but statement.

 Love me some Anthro;)

 my first visit to Charming Charlie's-- talk about overwhelming!!!

Caribou Coffee is like Starbucks but they still keep the awesome feel of small town coffee shop while being franchised. 

 Isn't he a handsome dude?!

I was really in love with their napkins and cups. Love all the doodling, notes and blurbs!