Dancin' down them dirty, dusty trails...: October 2016

New York State Festival of Balloons

Quick post about a happy day! My mama and I drove upstate for a ladies weekend over labor day and made it all the way to Dansville for the New York State Festival of Balloons. Back in 2012 I was lucky enough to go on a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, Turkey but this was equally special. I have been seeing ads for this festival on the New York City subway for years, so I was very excited to finally witness it!

The festival happens every year over labor day weekend (first weekend of September). It is very dependent on weather, and as much as they try as hard as they can to lift off, they really can't if it's, say, windy. Even if, say, you don't think it is that windy. We got there Friday evening in time for the 6pm launch, but due to the wind they delayed until it was determined that conditions were unsuitable for a launch. However the hot air balloons were still blown up and put on display! The next morning we woke up at 5am to get to the 6am launch....which actually happened at 8am (yes we slept in the car!) and was a sight for happy, sleep eyes =)

Friday's 6pm Launch

Mama had never seen hot air balloons!

Saturday's 6am Launch

Hearts

Exploring Nantucket with Mama!

Yes, yes it is true, I went to Nantucket again this summer. Listen, it's a great place! I have a wonderful friend there, and she and her sweet husband were pregnant with their first baby. So naturally I had to go! And bring my mom this time! ...The reality is that this was my 5th time on Nantucket. Lindsey showed us around every day and almost every moment. We barely saw Aaron because he was working so much

1: Me and Lindsey in summer 2009 blueberry picking =)

2: Fall 2010 cranberry picking.
Technically this was on mainland, but we did go to Nantucket for the day.

3: May 2014 - These two lovebirds got married!

4: Summer 2014 - vacation on Nantucket!

5th Time on Nantucket!

Hi! Welcome!

I want this tree house.

Where else am I going to see 200 baby chicks!?

First time seeing purple peppers!

Mama and I stayed at the Hawthorn Inn. First time ever I stayed at a hotel on Nantucket.
Let me tell you, NOT CHEAP! Thanks mom.

Reunited and things look a little different ;)

The only time I went to the beach this summer.

Lindsey and I took my mom to pretty Siasconset.

Sconset

Tall women or short houses?

These two really like each other.

Favorite Sconset Bluff house

Mama is very happy.

Friends for 10 years. Plus a great tree.

Look at those lillies!!

Finally made it to the Nantucket Whaling Museum

Detailed carvings on whale bone

Nantucket Whaling Museum

The Russians approve of this island.

Oh, right, 6th time on Nantucket was October 2016:

Because Lindsey and Aaron are parents now!

Day Trip to Quebec City

The drive from Montreal to Quebec City was about 3 hours, so Eda, Owen and I were able to get there early enough to have a full day and evening in the city! While we got to walk and see a whole lot of Montreal, we did not have the same opportunity in Quebec City. However, we did notice that Montreal was beautiful and interesting all over, while Quebec City's culture seemed to be targeted to the almost Disneyland style of it's old city. However, we got to check out Montmorency Falls and Ile d'Orleans, an island borough of Quebec City. Afterall, what would a trip with Dasha be without some nature views?!