across the brooklyn bridge {new york part ii}

Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge was one of my very favourite things about our trip- and it was accidental. We were trying to make our way from Brooklyn, where our apartment was, to Manhattan for the first time by subway, and accidentally got off a few stops early. So instead of getting back on the subway, we decided to walk over the bridge. And I'm so glad we did, because it was beautiful. The Statue of Liberty was to our left, the Manhattan Bridge to our right, the New York City skyline right in front of us, and after a long few hours of wandering Brooklyn in the atrocious heat, the cool breeze was so welcoming. Not to mention the 3$ mangoes on a stick that we devoured as we walked. 

It was the perfect way to see the city for the first time. 

xoxo - hope

we're here {new york part i}

It was late at night when we left. Just after 11pm. We drove through the dark streets to the airport, checked in our bags, made our way through security, and enjoyed some complimentary doughnuts while we waited to board.

Eventually an announcement was made and we made our way onto the plane. We settled into our seats, talked excitedly for awhile, then closed our eyes and tried to get some rest. When we awoke, it wasn't long before the plane started its descent into Toronto. 

Seeing the world from so high up, especially big cities, never fails to amaze me. It's one of those travelling things that I always look forward to. Just like the feeling I get during take off, and walking up and down the aisles to stretch my legs, and chatting with random people who sit near or next to me, asking where they're coming from and where they're headed. Flying is some form of magic, I'm certain.

When we landed in Toronto we went through customs then had a super short layover before getting on the plane to Laguardia.

Our first glimpse of New York was exciting, to say the least. And when we got off the plane and saw a "Welcome to New York" sign and our very first New York taxi? I think we about died.

xoxo - hope

sixteen in new york city

I can't exactly express how I feel right now, and not only because I'm awful at expressing myself through my writing, but because I don't really know exactly how I feel. I turned sixteen today, and although in the grand scheme of things, sixteen is young, to me it seems so very old. I'm happy, nostalgic, sad, and grateful all at the same time, but how could I not be?

 I'm writing this post from our rental apartment in New York City. We arrived this morning, and although we got next to no sleep on our overnight flight from one coast to the other, we rallied, because dude, this place is incredible.

I'll have many more photos and stories to share soon. We're only on day one and there's already so much to write, but I'm off to get some sleep so tomorrow can be just as amazing as today.

xoxo - hope

the start of our adventure

These past few days have been incredible, and we're only on day three of our big ten day summer adventure. It started on Monday when we went to pick my best friend up from the bus station then headed straight to the river where we jumped off of a fifteen foot cliff into the water below us and floated down the rapids on our stomachs for two and a half hours straight. 

Tuesday was my sixteenth birthday party with thirteen of my favourite people all in one place. There may have been some spontaneous water balloon fights, thunder and lightning storms, and some playing grounders at the park like the five year olds we truly are. Oh, and some home-made mini pizza making. Yeah, it was a good day. 

This morning we woke up bright and early to head two hours down island to my best friend Madi's house where we'll stay until we leave for New York on Saturday night. To say that I'm excited would be a vast understatement. 

On another note, I don't really have any new pictures to share because my camera is in the repair shop getting it's sensor cleaned and having just a general check up. It has been a little wonky lately with a lagging shutter and some focusing problems, so I thought I'd be better safe than sorry and get it checked out before our trip. Bad timing much?

What have you been up to lately? 

xoxo - hope

brannen lake camping

There's nothing like staying up late talking around the fire, roasting (and eating) far too many marshmallows, taking a dip in the lake, and short drives through the camp grounds countryside. Camping is definitely on my list of summer favourites.

Music by The Lumineers.

Until next time, Brannen Lake.

xoxo - hope

just happiness v.ii

- Talking about life until the early hours of the morning at a sleepover with my cousin.

- Finally dipping my feet into the html and graphic designing world.

- The engagement of my momma and her boyfriend!

- Taking pictures out in the beautiful golden hour.

- Guest posting both here and here last week.

- Book suggestions.

- Getting film developed.

- Eleven days until New York and my sixteenth birthday! 

xoxo - hope