Hamilton, NY - July 4th weekend - 2026

 A few days before the July 4th weekend, we headed north to visit Andrew, Jen and their family in their new house north of Philly. After staying with them overnight in Wyndmoor, we continued northward to Hamilton where we stayed with Michelle, Seth and their family. Andrew, Jen, Carter and Sawyer drove up for our family reunion over the long weekend, staying at an AirBnB not too far from Hamilton. It was a wonderful few days spent celebrating the Fourth of July, Linden's 4th birthday and a great summer get-together.

Two-month-old Julien with grandpa!

The two brothers.

Reading time.

Entertainment time!

All eyes on Julien - including Millie.

Cater, Linden and Sawyer: Taking play very seriously!

Grandpa and Linden: post-ride break.

First trial 💏👦!

Sawyer's turn 😀👍!.

Perfect 👍💗!


July 3rd -Birthday party at the park two days before Linden's birthday.


A must-have: pinata!






The birthday boy and his cupcake.


With Uncle Andrew and Julien looking on.

🎆🎇🎉

Hamilton Village Green is packed and ready for the annual July Fourth Parade.


Parade spectators.


More spectators.


And many more...😊😉.

Yes, it actually rain on the parade!. Some of us cut it short and ran home in the rain, while others toughed it out to the very end. I can't remember the last time Hamilton got the rainy Fourth of July parade, but it definitely made this year one to remember! 
💧💦⛆🌊🌀


July 5th ~ The birthday boy is ready.

Everyone says "cake"!

Happy 4th Birthday, Linden!💙💛💚💗

What a wonderful weekend! We had a great time sharing many laughs and fond memories. Until next time. ~ Love you all 💓!!

Eileen's Wedding - The River Mill, French Camp, CA - April 2026

 We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Manteca, in the Central Valley, for two days while attending Joe and Eileen's wedding along with Mark & Gayle, Mary & Kevin and Christina.

Cheers to the bride and groom at Michael David Winery for lunch, ahead of the wedding later this evening.

💓💓

The River Mill in French Camp is a stunning setting for weddings and receptions. The venue features beautifully manicured gardens, and a tree-shaded walkway that opens up to an picturesque space for an outdoor ceremony.

A beautiful ceremony - The bride (Eileen) and groom (Joe) with the groom's parents.

The newlyweds - Mr. and Mrs. Maes.

For the celbration that followed, the venue has elegant indoor event spaces for the reception.


The wedding party.

Wedding party reception line.

Here come the beautiful bride and handsome groom.

Cutting cake.

Wedding guests.



The ceremony was absolutely beautiful and so special. Eileen and Joe, it was an honor to celebrate your wedding day with you and family. We wish you both a lifetime filled with love, laughter and endless happiness!!

💕💑💏💕

San Francisco, CA - April 2026

 A beautiful, clear day exploring San Francisco's main attractions. 

The Presidio and the Golen Gate Bridge:

The Golden Gate Bridge from Presidio National Park.

Taking the scenic route on the bridge.

View of the city from the bridge.

Leaving the Presidio on a clear day.

The San Francisco Bay, its iconic piers and Fisherman's Wharf :

Pier 43 with the Coit Tower in the background.

Fisherman's Wharf.

Yep! You can't visit SF without getting the famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl!

Making it to Pier 39.

Pier 39.

Leaving the waterfront, we continue to the next stop: "Palace of Fine Arts"

Palace of Fine Arts.


Palace of Fine Arts, a massive Greco-Roman-style landmark with open rotunda and colonade.

The "Palace" sitting right next to a beautiful and peaceful lagoon, was built for Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915 to exhibit works of art.

~~~~~

We also made a stop at the historic Ghirardelli Square, test-drove the legendary curves of Lombard Street, and finished the day taking in the breathtaking, panoramic views of the skyline from Twin Peaks.  

The iconic Columbus Tower (Sentinel Building) and Transamerica Pyramid on Columbus Avenue dominate the San Francisco skyline.

Looking up from the bottom of Lombard Street.

Houses on Lombard Street.


Cars coming down Lombard Street.

View from Lombard Street.

                                                                    Twin Peaks overlook.

Close-up view from Twin Peaks.


Panoramic view of San Francisco skyline.

                                                 ~~~~ // ~~~~~ // ~~~~ // ~~~~