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One {August 2017}: The Total Solar Eclipse of 2017 Edition

Oh, my. I see my blog posting has gone entirely off the rails this summer. Many photos exist, so I hope to catch up soon.

In the meantime, it is time for this month's One post! At the end of August, my entire family (immediate and extended) trekked off to Wyoming to be in the path of the Total Solar Eclipse. Now, we've known we were doing this since Christmas of 2015, when we received eclipse viewing glasses from my uncle, together with a save-the-date because...science. And outer space. And total solar eclipse! And WHY NOT!? It was also my dad's 70th birthday that same week, and we have lots of small babies in the family, so it really was a spectacular hurrah and a perfect reason to get together. And it's always a good idea to head West. 

I had lots of fun taking pictures and pulled them together into this compilation - my "one" shot for the month to be sure. I've included a few closeups of the eclipse at totality because it really was very cool to see. Enjoy! Then please take a spin over to the midwest to see what captured Jessica's eye this month. 

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75 Days of Summer - Week 2

75 Days of Summer - Week 1

75 Days of Summer/Backyard Magic

Day 1 of 75.

Summer has arrived! While our move derailed my 75 Days of Summer project last year, I have decided to give it another go. Throughout this past year, I have begun work on a project I am calling "Backyard Magic" - we have a lovely yard and spend a lot of time in it, so it was either get inspired or put the camera away. We shall see what the summer brings. 

To kick it off, a small cheat - this afternoon in the sun preceded our first technical day of summer vacation by just a hair, but close enough. 

75 Days of Summer - Days 32-37

I'm not entirely ready to admit defeat but this summer project has taken a hit in terms of both quality and quantity. Lots of phone shots sprinkled in, but I'm hoping to finish strong and start to catch up a bit while I'm at it. This post is from a week in late July - bad weather, sick kid, a night out for me and another splash in the pool for good measure.

75 Days of Summer - Days 18-25

We packed a few adventures into a short week at home, then I was off for a quick trip to L.A. to meet my new niece! 

75 Days of Summer - Days 13-17

Days 13-17. Back home and up to our regular routine. Sun, fun, books, friends and a date with mom where someone had a double dose of chocolate. 

75 Days of Summer - Days 9-12

Vacation comes to an end in the Lakes District in Northern Italy. We spent a day near the gorgeous Lake Maggiore, and another in Lugano, Switzerland, because why not pick up a country for the kids while we're in the area? Next up, a return to the playgrounds of New York with a quick trip to Los Angeles tossed in for good measure...

75 Days of Summer - Days 6-8

75 Days of Summer. The project continues, and the posts continue to lag. Vacation photos are coming to an end which will greatly reduce the volume of these updates! Here, a look at our last few days in Puglia. 

75 Days of Summer - Days 2-5

We are so very lucky to have wonderful friends in our lives - and then in an unnecessary effort to become even MORE wonderful, one of them decided to rent a gorgeous villa in Puglia to celebrate a milestone birthday. This trip has been in the works for almost a year, and we wouldn't have missed it for the world. 

Our first few days were spent relaxing by the pool, swimming in the sea, investigating a nearby grotto and watching Italy in the Euro 2016 Cup.  

8 Days a Week - July

For this month's edition of Eight Days a Week, a few different views of the Ionian Sea. The camera escaped with only mild splashing. Please head over to the Pacific Northwest to see what the ever talented Meghann Prouse found this month.  

75 Days of Summer - Days 67-75

Friends, I do not claim to be going out with a bang here, but today, on this very last day of the calendar summer, my 75 Days of Summer project has reached its end.

A few take-aways:

1. I would love to spend my life traveling. 

2. Kid adventures are the best. 

3. It's time to get back into the city with my trusty camera.

4. Don't expect a 365 project out of me any time soon. 

Thanks so much to those of you who have stuck with me through this summer diversion. Your emails and messages kept pushing me forward when I was ready to call it a day. Encouragement with a hint of guilt - a powerful combination.

Happy fall!

75 Days of Summer - Days 57-66

My childhood memories of summertime spent with my grandparents have stayed with me as among the happiest and most vivid of my early years. My kids are so lucky to live closer to their grandparents than I did, and seeing their special relationships develop (on both sides of the family) is a highlight of being a parent. The joy of summer visits like the one we just had are almost impossible to reproduce in images. Yet, I still try. An abundance of snippets from the trove of pictures I took while up at Grandma and Pa's house: Days 57-66.

75 Days of Summer: Day 56 - The Erie County Fair

At this point, it's really a matter of pride. I shot 75 days of summer, and I will post 75 days of summer. Even if it kills me. And I know what you're thinking - one measly day? But how often does one get to go to a real County Fair? In fact, this may have been my first. We had a blast looking at animals, watching the pig races, eating the most unhealthy food imaginable and riding a truly incredible assortment of rides that go around and around in a circle, designed for people under 46 inches tall. Highly recommend.

75 Days of Summer: Days 54-55

For the record, 75 Days of Summer is officially over. After today's back to school pictures, the camera is being given a much needed rest. Plus, I'd like to get caught up on the rest of our summer adventures before fall begins.

Resuming from where we left off: Days 54-55. After a few days of solo time with grandparents, we joined our little adventurer and crashed his party. Like him, we think Grandma and Grandpa's place is the bee's knees.