July 2026: Weddings, Fireworks, Rock Concerts....and Gas Lines

July 2026 was one for the record books! Not only did the country celebrate its 250th birthday, but our family also celebrated a milestone of its own as Andrew and Carlye were married on July 5. What better place to celebrate than just outside Boston, surrounded by the history of the American Revolution?

The Fagella sisters, their families, and the Virginia contingent gathered at a beautiful beach house for a weekend that quickly taught us one important lesson: modern weddings are no longer one-day events! Between dinners, gatherings, and outings, there was something happening every day. We're fairly certain Andrew managed about four hours of sleep the entire weekend.

Thanks to the holiday weekend, we enjoyed multiple nights of spectacular fireworks over the beach. July 4 featured a backyard BBQ with enough food to feed a small army, plenty of music, and lots of time catching up with family and friends.

When the big day arrived, New England delivered perfect wedding weather. The ceremony took place in a picturesque Catholic church that looked like it belonged on a postcard. There was one memorable moment when the priest realized he didn't have the correct book, quietly wandered off in search of it, and left Andrew and Carlye standing at the altar facing a church full of guests. For a few minutes, everyone wondered if the wedding might be postponed indefinitely! Thankfully, the priest returned triumphantly carrying not one—but two—books, and we are happy to report that the marriage was successfully completed.

After the ceremony, the wedding party climbed aboard a charming trolley to visit several photo locations before everyone gathered at a historic Revolutionary-era hall for the reception. An outstanding DJ, an open bar, delicious food, and a packed dance floor kept the celebration going until the very last song. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the happy couple.

Of course, every great trip needs a little adventure. Ours came on the flight home, when thunderstorms turned the trip back to Virginia into an exercise in patience. Flight delays gave us a few unexpected hours to explore Providence—although "explore" might be generous since it rained almost the entire time. Four hours later than planned, we finally made it back to Washington between storms.

Other July Adventures

• Heat Wave: July started with record-breaking temperatures. Fortunately, we escaped town while many local Fourth of July festivities were canceled because of the heat.

• Livin' on a Prayer: Theresa met up with a longtime friend for a Bon Jovi concert at Madison Square Garden, with a little sightseeing around New York City mixed in. Seeing Bon Jovi at MSG was special enough, but the city was still buzzing from the Knicks' NBA championship and the recent Taylor Swift wedding, making for an especially fun atmosphere.

• Neighborhood Excavation Project: Washington Gas has begun replacing all the gas lines in the neighborhood. At this point, it feels like every street—and now every front yard—is under construction. We're looking forward to the day when the orange cones finally disappear.

• Wolf Trap Crew: Anna and Theresa have both been moonlighting at Wolf Trap this summer. Ironically, despite working at the same venue, they still haven't had a shift together.

• Borrowed Dogs: We've enjoyed dog-sitting for neighbors whenever the opportunity arises. It's not quite the same as having Benny around, but it's a welcome excuse for extra walks, tail wags, and puppy companionship.

Just like that, July has come and gone. Summer seems to be moving at warp speed.

Look out, August—we're ready for whatever adventures you have in store!