Homesick

That about sums it up.

All You Need Are Friends. . .

As we all might know, I started my first real big girl job last Monday. It was full of power point presentation after power point presentation. Lots of policy and procedure stuff, and an overload of information to say the least. I thought I was doing fine (mentally) with all the listening and learning. Come to find out half way through the week, I had myself a good cry. All I wanted was someone to vent to and listen to my sorrows (minus Adam, I think I used up all my complaining time by Tuesday). I had pretty much had it with my week, and was so happy when Friday came around. Not only did this mean the blessed weekend, it also meant I had friends coming to visit me! Real live, flesh and blood friends who knew me and didn't need to know my back story. I was so lucky (and Adam too) to have Amy and Tiffany Breinholt come for a quick visit. They were on vacation in NYC and took time off to dash over to RI for a few days. I tell you, it was just what the doctor ordered. There was plenty of giggling, talking and happiness to last me at least through this week of power points and training.
We had a good time taking "senior pictures" touring around Providence, Jamestown, Newport and Bristol. Most of all it was good just being together. Thanks girls for coming to visit, you've made me one happy girl!

Tif dared me to ride the lion at the Vanderbilt's mansion. I did.

"The Breakers" Vanderbilt mansion

Rosecliff mansion

Essex Steam Train and Riverboat

Life is good! We booked a tour down to Essex, CT to take a ride on a steam train and riverboat.
We started the adventure by boarding Engine 40 on platform 9 3/4. Just kidding! This isn't Harry Potter! This is real life. In reality we boarded the first class car (we are classy folks). There were nice comfy chairs that swiveled all around for a great view of all the scenery.

We rode up the tracks through the forests of Connecticut, through all the beautiful fall foliage. Sadly, it was rainy, a bit foggy, but still really beautiful.

Next, we made a stop to board the river boat "Becky Thatcher". 10 awesome points for anyone who knows who Becky Thatcher is!

We rode up the Connecticut River and saw some cool things along the way. Like an old opera house, cool bridge, old houses along the river. Oh! And a castle. It's called the Gilet Castle (no relation to the razor). He was an actor back in the day.

Finally, we got back on the train and headed back to the station. It was such a fun day!

Newport

On Tuesday, we left Adam at home (he had school) and went to Newport, RI for the day. Newport is a very touristy town, so it was super quiet on Tuesday. A lot of the shops were closed for the season, but it was still a really cute town. We made a stop for lunch and then walked down to the dock to smell the ocean air.

Drove around Newport until we found Fort Adams (closed for the season), sat by the water and enjoyed the beautiful weather.

Then we drove by the Newport mansions. I would really like to tour them one day, but no one wanted to spend $30 to see someones richie house. Maybe next time. I'm so excited to go back to Newport and take Adam with me.

I Think I'll Go to Boston

After 2.5 months of living out in RI, we finally made it to Boston. It only took having three guests in town to finally get us there.
First off, we are so lucky this week to have our really good friends Jenna and Justin Potter at our house. They are on a whirl-wind tour of New England and have made us a priority by stopping by for 3 days. It's amazing having friends around!
The happiest news of all, my mom decided to come to RI seeing as I still have one week left of freedom until work starts. It's been so nice to have her here. Granted, she just got here 2 days ago. Nonetheless, I love my mommy and am thrilled she's actually here!

Now, on to Boston. First we made a quick stop by Kimball Farm (somewhere North of Boston) so that Justin could relive a childhood memory, and get some tasty Kimball Farm ice cream. I've got to say, it was some pretty tasty ice cream. It was a cute little place. We walked around and enjoyed the 83 degree weather.

Then we went to Boston. We parked the car, and headed for the Freedom Trail. What is the Freedom Trail? some of you are asking. It is a nice red line painted, or bricked into the road all around Boston that takes you to places where American history was made. It was a pretty long walk, but it was well worth it. It was fun to see so many historical sites, but also to get to see so much of Boston at the same time.

 We started at Boston Common...

 Saw some old grave sites, and old tombs...

Saw Paul Revere's grave...

Went by the Holocaust Memorial. It was so simple, yet so powerful. There was a glass column for each camp, and then the numbers of all of the prisoner's on the glass.

 Went by Mike's Pastry (not on the trail). They have super amazing cannoli's! Holy cow!

Went to Boston Harbor...

 Saw the USS Constitution...The camera can not do it justice.

And finally, to Bunker Hill, where we finally enjoyed our amaretto cannoli from Mike's Pastry. There were other historical sites we passed along the way, but I either can't remember what it was or there are no photos. It's a lot of stuff to take in, in a few hours. We will definitely have to go back to Boston.