We are due in March and are so excited!! For now, we are calling our little one 'Poppy', short for Poppy Seed (which was the size he/she was when we found out we were pregnant... we also happened to have Poppy Seed Chicken casserole for dinner that night, haha). You can see more pictures here:
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| Poppy Seed |
This may come as a shock to you... but I'm not a true Southerner. GASP! I know, I know, you can't believe it... but it's true. I was actually born north of the Mason-Dixon line in Rhode Island and moved to South Carolina when I was six years old. So, while I wasn't BORN in the South, I was RAISED here. And to me, that's enough to call myself Southern. :)
Anyway, Bruin and I have been talking about taking a trip up north for a while now but things just never seemed to work out... until recently. The stars aligned and we just decided to go for it.
The trip started Friday (June 26th) with a drive to Northern Virginia (where Bruin’s parents live). We stayed the night, then went to a High school reunion for Bruin Saturday afternoon. The Richmond Robinsons drove up, too, and joined us for dinner that night.
Sunday morning, we woke up bright and early and began the New England leg of our trip. Unfortunately, we spent about 4+ hrs in traffic (some on the Jersey Turnpike and some in the Bronx) but still made it to my Dad’s house in CT in time for dinner. That night we stayed at my favorite B&B. 
our view of New York City as we sat on the Jersey Turnpike
Monday morning, we drove the rest of the way to Narragansett, RI, where my Dad’s brother has a house. He works in the city during the week (NYC) but his wife, my Aunt Mindy, and their two boys, Remy and Christian, stay there during the summer and graciously allowed us to crash there for a few days. After dropping off our bags, we headed to Newport to explore the Newport Mansions via the Cliff Walk. What a beautiful experience!! The Mansions are just breath-taking, and we had fabulous weather so it made the experience even better.
Our new summer home! :)
Tuesday was another beautiful day, so we took advantage of it and rode the ferry out to Block Island. I have fond memories of going there as a kid and I’m glad it hasn’t changed a bit. We rented a Smart Car and drove all around the island, taking lots of pictures. Then we did a little shopping downtown before taking the ferry back. 
I love lighthouses.
Unfortunately, our good weather luck ran out Wednesday. No worries, though. It didn’t stop us from taking the train to Boston and walking the Freedom Trail. We had lunch at Cheers before walking up to the North End for dessert (a cannoli, of course!!)
It rained ALL day but we still had a fabulous time.
Thursday, we decided to sleep in a bit then explore Hope Valley (where I spent most of my summers as a kid). One place I really wanted to see was Arcadia Pond. My cousin Becky and I would walk there almost every day and go swimming. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been maintained and people only fish there now. It was sorta disappointing. :( But I’m glad we went.
Me at Arcadia Pond
That night, we met up with my mom’s sisters and their families for a good ‘ole cookout. It was also my cousin Hope’s birthday and we celebrated with cake and ice cream. 
Catching up around the fire.
Friday morning, we were up and on the road early. Our plan was to drive all the way to Richmond and stay with David/Chara/Riley. Thankfully that panned out and we made great time. Saturday morning (the 4th of July) we completed the last leg of our trip and made it home in record time. No fireworks for us, though. By the time we went and got the dogs and got home, we were both so exhausted that we were sleeping on the couch by 7pm. We did hear them, though. :)
To say we’ve had a busy June is probably an understatement but it was a blast. We’re very much looking forward to sticking around town for the rest of the summer, though. :)
To see more pictures from our trip, click here:
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| New England Trip |
… a Dyson DC28 Animal, that is! It’s a long (and sorta funny) story as to how we ended up without a vacuum and thus NEEDING one… so after some research, we decided to invest in a Dyson. With my allergies & asthma and our two shedding beasts, we needed something that could really get the job done. And let me tell you… IT TOTALLY DOES. I tried her out yesterday and all I can say is UGH!! I had to dump the camber TWO times, just from our LIVING ROOM!! Now I can rest a little easier at night knowing there isn’t a new civilization growing in my carpet. :)
P.S. We could have gotten the 'ball' version but I tried it out in the store and really didn't like how it handled. I mean, it rolled around like butter, but the handle part was really heavy and it honestly didn't look as 'powerful' as this one.
