a quick trip to Newport, Rhode Island!

We’re coming out of hibernation, truly, I feel it. When I’m at a playdate, suddenly my friend and I are pulling out our phones and bookmarking different restaurants that lend themselves to visits in the springier weather. I’m putting my finger in the air each and every morning and determining whether the windows can be open a crack–maybe even flung open as wide as they go. I made turkey and cheese paninis on sourdough (a win not only because paninis are delicious but also because having a certain three year old say “panini” it turns out is very, very cute) and the boys and I ate them on the deck in the sun. All that to say, the long awaited spring seems to have finally arrived and I think I can say confidently, we’ve seen the last snow. (Now I’ve gone and done it; probably jinxed it.)As a result, adventures are now knocking at our door. I want to go everywhere. I also want to stay in my own sunny backyard. My mind is a bit restless. A bit is an understatement. I want to do all the things and I want to do them all right now. Parker and I have made a list of what he’d like to accomplish this summer. Everything from ice cream downtown to bike riding to visiting the mushroom pool to having a lemonade stand. The last is where I not so subtlety suggested he think of a place he’d like to donate his earnings. “How about to people who are helping to save the elephants?!” Having just watched a documentary with them on elephants, it felt like a natural suggestion. We’ll see. Steve had a conference at Yale Divinity School last week, and we decided to cap it by meeting in Newport, Rhode Island after he was done. His Mom’s generous offer of her Marriott points made it even sweeter. We met there Friday morning and took off on foot, the Marriott being a perfect home base as it’s right in the middle of things.   My friend Jordan suggested Diego’s, and since hunger was growing and the restaurant was right in front of us as we were strolling along, we went for it. Thoughts: delicious food (their signature fish tacos were really good; put aioli on something and I am all over it), guacamole was delicious too, huge portions (too big), great ambience (right on the water), awesome drink menu (having been suffering from what I can only assume is seasonal allergies, I was sneezing and blowing my nose a lot so I thought a spicy peppery drink might help alleviate those symptoms (is there any science to back this? I have no idea.)). I ordered the spicy Paloma and it was spicy, great waitress, central location. I would call it a win for sure. Parker brought his camera along. Sweetest little tourist I ever did see.Still wearing my wintriest gear without actually wearing a jacket. Bare ankles. May have been a mistake (it was chilly), but I’m stubborn and don’t want to see, touch, wear my jacket for the next couple months.  William was a week out from his wisdom teeth removal when we were there; jaw was finally starting to loosen up! All in all, no complications, and a whole lot of ice cream and yogurt. (Lindsey was in MN for spring break with her cousins and grandmother; had a fabulous time despite the snowstorm that arrived two days after her!)The Breakers behind me (and a few pictures back) which, along the famous Cliff Walk, was one of the most spectacular of the homes (we didn’t see them all). Vanderbilt owned and gosh they had a lot of money. We’ve visited the Biltmore in Asheville NC several years ago which is also absurd and gorgeous and Vanderbilt-owned. We didn’t take any tours because we were there such a short time, and I really didn’t know that it would be worth it to do so with two little ones (I’ve heard it’s expensive!). Fun fact: Cornelius Vanderbilt II purchased the grounds in 1885 for $450,000. That’s a lot of money now let alone in 1885!Salve Regina! Who knew their campus was basically WATERFRONT. Maybe you did. I however did not. What a spectacular location! Steve reading plaques while kids flitter about. I could fill an album with these pictures. Walking along the wharf and following his nose straight in The Cookie Jar.As always, you guys give the best recommendations. We were there too short a time to visit them all, but worth noting as they were repeat suggestions:

Flo’s Clam Shack / Pasta Beach / Goat Island / Castle Hill’s Great Lawn for sunset viewing and a drink / Servant’s Tour / Norman Bird Sanctuary / Clarke Cooke House / Green Animal Topiary Garden / Rosemary & Thyme for breakfast (stuffed croissants!) / renting scooter cars (this would be a blast in the summer time)

Thank you so much for all of them! Feel free to add any more to the comments!