Although I absolutely love the fall, I’m a little sad to admit summer is over.  Three things really defined the summer of 2009 for me: a road trip, baseball (particularly the Phillies), and Wildwood.  With cameras in tow, my husband Rob and I went on a trip to visit family and on the way to Massachusetts, we made a pit-stop at Mystic Seaport.  I absolutely fell in love with it.  I am anxious to see this place when fall foiliage is at its peak!  The homes and the landscape views were breathtaking.  I took a bunch of photos before we headed back onto the road.

We also went to a few great Phillies games this summer.  There are two games in particular that were just phenomenal.  The photos below are of the game against the Cincinnatti Reds, where the Phils scored 10 runs in the first inning!!  They won that game 22-1 and it was unforgettable.  There was a gorgeous sunset from our seats and Rob was seriously content watching the team play so well!  We were also at at the game last week when they clinched the division title.  I’m so glad that we were there for the celebration.

Summertime is full of celebration, and for me there is no better place for that than Wildwood.  We spend a lot of time down the shore with family.  (Cheese Alert!!) Five years ago, Rob and I sat and watched fireworks on the beach for the first time together.  We both knew that night that we’d be watching fireworks together from then on.  This is an annual tradition that I look forward to every year.

This was an inspirational summer for me.   (Watch for second helpings of cheese)… Looking at these three things, I realize how truly American these experiences are.  Although America isn’t in the best shape right now, the reality is that it could be much worse.  There are still opportunities out there and I’m determined to make the best of it.  I’m so grateful for what I’ve been given and the lessons that made me who I am.

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

-Winston Churchill