Hello friends! I can’t wait to share my recent adventures with you all. This past weekend, we wrapped up an amazing two-week journey that took us from Brooklyn to Cornwall, England, and then off to see friends in Italy. It’s been a whirlwind, and I’ve got some fun photos to share along the way, so buckle up! 💖
The Journey Begins
Okay, but can we talk about the trek from Brooklyn to Cornwall? It’s quite the expedition! We kicked things off with an overnight flight to London, then picked up a rental car for a five-hour drive southwest to my aunt’s cozy house. But honestly, every minute of travel is worth it when you finally arrive. The moment you roll into her village, it’s like stepping into a movie — those winding country roads suddenly open up to a breathtaking harbor view. Pure magic! ✨
Lulu, my aunt, always welcomes us with open arms, drinks, snacks, and those huge, warm smiles that instantly make you feel at home. We kicked off our first night with a bleary-eyed but happy family photo, and let me tell you, the boys were beyond excited to reconnect. Anton was especially thrilled to see his cousin Jimmy, who is basically his English twin. They’re like two peas in a pod, diving into the water and munching on salt-and-vinegar chips like it’s their job! 🥳
And can we just take a moment to appreciate how fast they grow? Toby finally caught up in height with his cousin Bo! There’s this height wall where all the kids mark their growth, and as toddlers, they inch their way up, but once they hit their teens, it’s like they sprout four inches overnight! It makes me nostalgic just thinking about it. My sister’s late husband, Paul, used to measure his height in the morning and evening just to prove that we shrink a bit throughout the day. Crazy, right? 🤔
Seaside Fun and Family Bonding
When the rain decided to take a break (because, you know, it’s England), we hopped onto a little boat and set sail into the ocean. If you peek over the side, you might just catch a glimpse of jellyfish gliding beneath the surface. The boys were fearless, swimming from the rocks to the boat like it was the most natural thing in the world. And my dad? He didn’t bat an eye when I told him boat shoes are the new cool trend! 😂
As for those rainy days? We embraced them like true Brits and hit the beach anyway! Lunches were all about those quick bites — whether we grabbed something on the go or indulged in fish and chips with mushy peas at the local pub. And let’s not forget our epic card games! We played a LOT of Go Fish. What about you? What’s your go-to card game? Always looking for new recs! 🎴
One afternoon, we were graced with a visit from Julia Bird, the queen of seaweed art. I was thrilled to meet her, and we had such a lovely chat about life and family. She even had the sweetest way of saying goodbye: “I need to walk the dog and go for a swim, so I’m going to love you and leave you.” Isn’t that just adorable? 🌊
Reflections and Memories
Evenings were spent outside, chatting and watching the boats drift by. The sky doesn’t darken until around 10 p.m., which gave us plenty of time to soak in the beauty. As I lay in bed one night, gazing out over the water, I couldn’t help but reflect on how many summers I’ve spent in Cornwall since I was seven. Sure, there have been a few years we missed — money was tight, or life got in the way — but these annual trips have become a heartbeat in our family story. 💓
My grandparents’ yellow house has always been a constant, a familiar sight amidst the changes of life. And while writing this, I realized that it’s the little things — the cousins, the wet suits, the fishing lines, and even half an avocado in the fridge — that make these moments so special. There’s a certain charm in the routine of it all.
Of course, no family trip is complete without a little chaos. We almost dodged a stomach bug that made its rounds among us — or as Toby called it, “the disease.” Just when we thought we were in the clear, I caught it from my brother on the drive back to London. But hey, every adventure has its ups and downs, right? That’s just part of the family vacation charm! 🌧️
Thanks for joining me on this journey down memory lane. Cornwall, we love you! And stay tuned for my Italy recap coming soon! Xoxoxo
P.S. Over the years, I’ve made countless trips to England. What’s your number one travel tip? Let’s swap advice! ✈️
