Ruple Farms - where a full-time working mom of two manages her mini farm: July 4th - Alexandria Bay

If you know me, you'd know that one of my absolute favorite things to do is be on a boat. I love being on the water and my kids love being on the water.

For the last few years, we've gone on a summer vacation with a few friends of ours. Last year we took a hiatus because Steve ruined it for everyone (Jen - look! I'm talking shit about my husband! OMG! TROLL).

But this year we were invited again. Me and the girls spent 4 glorious days on the St. Lawrence River and it was amazing. Just like it was 2 years ago before my life fell apart.

After getting home from Hawaii, this was the next thing I was super excited about. Another condo right on the water and right in the middle of Alexandria Bay. Close enough that we could walk to town. The same condo building, just the other side.

I was in charge of snacks.

Feeding 13 people is a big deal. Out of the 8 kids between our 3 families, there are SIX boys. Ranging from 9 (10 this year) to 15. They eat A LOT.

All the candy.

The girls and I packed up and headed out the door pretty early Thursday morning. I wanted to make sure we got up there in time so no one had to wait for us to go on the boat. That's one thing I know about boating. When the captain says "10am" it means IN THE WATER READY TO GO.

The drive is about 2.5 hours and I was expecting a lot of traffic and it was not bad at all. I got there with no issues.

Once we got up there, those 8 kids went to work to put everything away. It probably took less than 10 minutes.

Then we got on the boat. My favorite part.

This view 💖

Andy and his boy, Jake

Emmy and her boy, Jake

Potter's Beach. Such a nice boat ride to get there. There's rocks to jump off of, a beach, lots of fun stuff for the kids to do.

The two big boys, Jake and Kenny. While we're anchored everyone took turns taking the JetSkis out.

There was a new Boba place in town! So grateful for places that have stuff my girls can eat.

I got new Birks! And I'm SO SORRY about my feet. Ugh.

Looking so old these days...

There is nothing like seeing fireworks this close. They set them off at Boldt Castle and they go off literally right above our heads. So many boats in the water in the dark makes me SO nervous. But, what a fucking view.