Woods Hole photos

Cape Cod Vacation

We've been on multiple trips over the past few months, but our trip to Cape Cod in July was by far the most photogenic, so I'm going to share a BUNCH of photos. Afton and I had not been to Alex's brother Nathan's new house yet, and we were impressed by the peaceful retreat we had heard about. George the dog greeted us and helped give us a tour around the expansive grounds, including the bee hives and chicken coop.

beekeeping, dog, chicken coop in woods

The house itself is an interesting combination of traditional Cape Cod and Frank Lloyd Wright-esque modernism.

house in the Cape Cod woods

There was so much space to explore outside!

evening walk in the woods

Such beautiful natural sights to see!

summer flowers in nature

And of course, chickens. Everyone thought it was hilarious that I wanted to take pictures of the chickens, but... look at them! What photographer could resist?!

chickens in the woods

We did a lot of good eatin' during our stay. Of course, we had delicious chicken and eggs, but Liling also made some tasty sushi! 

eggs, sushi, whole chickens (food photos)

We were a little nervous about how George and Afton were  going to get along, but they were fast friends. 

baby girl playing with uncle and dog

One afternoon, we all took a wonderfully peaceful walk along the beach in Falmouth.

nature and architecture details on Cape Cod hike
sailboats and kayaks on Cape Cod

Such gorgeous views!

pier, water, rocks, clouds, sky
Cape Cod coastal landscapes

We thought Afton's red, white, and blue whale romper was pretty perfect for a Cape Cod Fourth of July.

baby girl in patriot whale romper for Cape Cod 4th of July

We spent that day enjoying downtown Woods Hole.

charming architecture in Woods Hole, Massachusetts
nautical fun in Woods Hole, Massachusetts (boats, pier on Cape Cod)

This patriotic cutie even enjoyed fireworks (from afar) for the first time that night!

baby girl July 4th photos

Another day, we took the ferry to Martha's Vineyard.

ferry to Martha's Vineyard with beautiful blue water and sky

We sampled the obligatory local chowder...

New England clam chowder

...and took in the adorably charming scenery.

charming architectural details on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

One of my favorite parts was visiting the grounds of the Campmeeting Association, also known as Wesleyan Grove.  I spent a lot of time exploring the  Tabernacle...

Martha's Vineyard Camp Meeting Association sign, church, windows, chairs, John Wesley quote

...and the gardens nearby.

summer flowers on sunny day

I could have spent all day admiring the many colorful "gingerbread" houses. What an idyllic place to live!

colorful "gingerbread" houses on Martha's Vineyard

Afton got to ride her very first carousel, which happens to be the nation's oldest. She loved it! 

baby girl on Martha's Vineyard antique carousel

Until next time, Martha's Vineyard!

water on Martha's Vineyard

We were happy to meet back up with Nathan and Liling for a relaxed picnic by the water that evening.

boats and family picnic in Woods Hole, Massachusetts
sailboats and peeling pain on rowboat

On our last day, we headed to Hyannis Port, and I got to check something off my bucket list: whale-watching! It was awesome.

whale watching on Cape Cod

What a wonderful trip!