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Now that the unofficial start of Summer has passed with a bang of a long weekend, my head is officially in to summer plan mode! It’s been really interesting around here when it comes to planning, since we are still about midway through our home renovation. The interior of our living space is now about 98% complete, but we are currently finishing the Reno on my office building, as well as beginning the build on the addition to our house. The addition is going to incorporate a garage, gym, and an office to the structure of the current house. As I type this, we have a house-size hole in our backyard, which was dug by an excavator that was extremely warmly received by a certain two year old I know. LOL.
As maddening as it is to live through construction (we currently two porto potties making our yard look extra glam), we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our living space is almost, almost, almost finished! We have a newly constructed front porch that we absolutely love, and the weather is starting to turn and allow us to take advantage of the short walk to downtown Westport and all the awesome outdoor space that this town has to offer. The entire Martino clan has been in pretty great spirits!
Today I thought I would share our Summer plans with you guys– we want to enjoy Westport and Connecticut as much as possible this season, but we still decided to venture out for a spell to get some adventure in. The only big bummer of the summer is that we decided to nix our annual trip to Maine this year. As much as we LOVE going, it just seemed like the time to enjoy the house in Connecticut that we’ve put so much money and energy in to instead of leaving town. Maybe we’ll regret it, but I’m actually looking forward to being mostly local this season! Here are our firm plans…
Compo Beach
One of the big perks for us of moving to Westport is being so much closer to the beach! Compo beach is so awesome, and great for kids. I also really like the snack bar! I’m a total beach person, even more so than the pool, and I’m really looking forward to getting the sun and surf back in to my repertoire. There is a playground on the premises that is really fun for kids of all ages, too. Fun Fact: Kyle helped build it when he was in high school!
Camps
The kids are doing some camps this Summer! Marlowe is trying out a horseback riding camp (I wanted her to spend some consistent time on a horse before I give in to riding lessons this fall), is doing Karate camp, and will be returning to Farm Camp for a week this year. Major will be returning to gymnastics as soon as his leg is all the way better– and he does a music class as well. Both kids are taking swim lessons at Goldfish Swim School!
An Italian Homecoming
By now most of you know that I am 3/4 Italian, spent a big chunk of my childhood in Italy, speak Italian, and even went to University there for a while! I also majored in Italian Studies at Brown. So, imagine how disappointed I’ve been that I had yet to bring my children to see the homeland! Lol! We decided that this summer, the time has finally come! We’ll be visiting in June, beginning in Rome and then heading to the Amalfi coast for a week and a half. I’m soooo excited and will definitely be taking lots of pics while there!
Croatia
On the tail end of our trip to Italy, Kyle and I will be jetting off to Croatia to attend one of my best friend’s weddings! It’s sure to be a super fun and chic time– and I can’t wait to see a part of the world I’ve never been to before!
Small Town Fairs
July in our area sees a ton of small, local fairs hit our area, and I couldn’t love them more. Last summer, Kyle and I got a sitter and hit up the fair like teenagers in love– playing all the games and going on all the rides together. It was such a blast, and we are definitely recreating it this summer! I also happen to have a mini roller coaster queen on my hands! Marlowe and I love going on the coasters and scramblers together.
Special Mommy-And-Me Trips
Marlowe and I go on a special trip together for a night away just the two of us every Summer. Last year, we went to Ocean House and had the best time! This year, Major gets to have his own trip– since I promised him we would start it up as soon as he was potty trained! I plan on bringing Major to the Thomas The Tank Engine Theme Park in Massachusetts (there is also a dinosaur park attached!), and Marlowe and I are still working out a plan. I’m thinking that spending a fun day and night in New York City might be a cool plan, with a trip to the American Girl Store worked in…or possibly Newport, RI! Let me know your suggestions for good road trips to a great hotel and destination!
Entertaining At Home
Kyle and I love entertaining at our house, and now that our home is going to be newly renovated and decorated, I can’t wait to show it off! I’m dreaming up lots of fun dinner parties and cocktail hours– plus I want to try a clambake this year!
Marlowe’s Birthday Bash
We always go all-out for our little August baby’s special day! I loved her birthday party so much last year I think it will be hard to top it…but this year it’s going to be SO fun! I came up with a hilarious theme that I can’t wait to bring to fruition. Plus, it’s going to be our first big bash in our new house! It makes me emotional thinking of how many family celebrations we will enjoy here, and to think it’s all just beginning….
What are you most excited about this summer?? Share in the comments below!
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Photographs by Julia Dags
Summer 2019 = magic! I plan on spending lots of time at the beach, hiking & riding my bike on the bike path! Also, NYC which is such a blast. I just visiting the NY Botanical Garden and Bronx Zoo. Both in one day! ??????
First trip to Maine and first time with our 1 year old on a plane! Leaving next week-we are from Texas, so excited for the cooler weather!
For the girls trip with Marlowe, Castle Hill Inn in Newport RI – many of their “rooms” are mini beach bungalows!
I’m going to Italy for the first time this fall and would love to not only see your pics but some advice/travel tips!
Your plans sound amazing Eva. Just magical.
As I am in Australia we are coming into winter. However, we do have a little warmer days than what you may experience in winter i.e. no snow.
I love winter though and as it includes my birthday on 5th July, this year I move to the big 4 0!!! We have a group of us going to Bali, Indonesia to celebrate mine and another’s milestone. Travel is amazing.
Nothing beats Newport in the summer!
Now this is quite a full organized summer! As we live in the middle of Europe (Very small country named Luxembourg), Mallorca is very easy to reach (not even 2 hours flight). We spent at least twice a year some days there. Have a nice summer 🙂
We recently moved to CT and we love Compo Beach I just absolutely hate that the town makes it nearly impossible for most non-Westport folks to enjoy it during the warm months ($65 a day!).
Sounds like a great summer!! Will Major be out of his cast in time for Italy?
Very jealous of your Italian trip!
Best Pasta, Pizza and Wine I have ever had.
My only tip would be, if you eat in the main squares you will pay more than the back roads. But sometimes it is fun and worth it.
My favourite place in Rome was by far The Pantheon, it has such a lovely calm feel to it.
So far this year I’ve been to Oz and planning a trip to Sorrento for later in the year. The world is such a great place 🙂
I also LOVE the pantheon. I grew up half in Rome, so it will be so special for me to bring the kids to see it.
Isn’t travel the best?!
We just kicked off our Summer with a trip to Italy (my very first time here). We’re in Taormina, Sicily and LOVE it! (It doesn’t beat Greece though, for me). Your plans sound dreamy, can’t wait for all the Amalfi and Rome photos. While you’re in Croatia if you have time go to Plitvice Lakes. Enjoy your summer!!!
Wow!!! Have so much fun!