These are the Iverson girls (Autumn is not pictured because she was behind the camera - but she is definitely one of them). They are some of the most incredible women I know. They are amazing wives and mothers, and they know how to make things happen! One of the best things they ever made happen was this girls' trip. We got it in our heads that we should all take a trip to Newport, Rhode Island -- and in spite of the odds (new-ish babies, LOTS of kids, house remodels, PTA involvement, senior mission, health challenges, etc.), we were all able to make it on the trip!
We stayed in this cute little cape just outside of Newport. It was SO New-Englandy everywhere we drove in this area. It made my insides ache a lot because I really do feel like I was born to live in New England. It's like the whole area has an extra glaze of beauty poured over it. New England just glimmers.
Maybe I was emotional because I also was leaving my baby for the first time. I weaned him just in time to go. I definitely cried when Ben texted me this picture of him and Archer.
One of the most lovely things to do in Newport is to tour all the mansions. Some of us had done this before, but we always had toddlers in our company, which made the mansion touring considerable less enjoyable. This is part of why we wanted to come to Newport. Katie and I were dying to experience it without little ones! I mean, you can see how child-proof this room is, but still...
I believe these pictures were taken at The Breakers (Vanderbilt mansion). As you can see, we got to enjoy every little detail of our audio tours, uninterrupted. Hooray!
I liked little details like this butler/maid bell that reminded me so much of Downton Abbey.
Likewise with this kitchen. I mean, isn't it just to die for?
This is Marble House - another of the Vanderbilt Mansions
As you can see, it was real marble-y. Apparently I can't remember any of the historical details. But it was really interesting and fun to learn about!
This was inside The Elms (built for the Berwind family). We all decided we prefer the decorating style of the Elms to that of the other mansions we saw. It is much more classy and sensible and less gaudy. We loved this ballroom.
And this standing shelf in the kitchen made me happy because it looks like something people are trying to replicate nowadays with the "farmhouse" style.
Behind the mansions is one of the most beautiful walks in the country - The Cliff Walk. Between the two days, we covered most of this 3.5 milk walk and had some great conversation while we did.
Just one of the many gorgeous views from the Cliff Walk
We debated on what do do on this day, but we ended up taking a ferry to Block Island. I'm so happy that we did because it was the best day ever!
The ferry ride was windy and gorgeous...
...and then we were greeted with THIS view when we arrived at the island.
I mean, a land straight out of my dreams.
Right?
We rented bikes so we could get around the island. I was pretty proud of Mom Iverson who was terrified because she hadn't ridden a bike in 30 years! It took her a few minutes to get used to it, but she was amazing.
I felt bad making her do it, but this is my happy place. And I suspected it would be everyone else's too. I don't think anyone regretted it!
As you may have noticed, we got really good at posing a bunch of us in front of all sorts of beautiful spots. This was at Southeast Light. L-R: Me, Katie, Kara, Autumn, Andrea, Mom.
Walking down to see the Mohegan Bluffs.
This was GORGEOUS and so relaxing. We dipped our toes in the water and took in the ocean breeze.
Back on the bikes.
We biked a lot that day. Our last stretch included a lot of uphill climbing through some beautiful scenery.
And we were rewarded with Dale's Lemonade and Payne's Donuts!
We explored the town a little bit and bought salt water taffy and other souvenirs for our families.
Nobody wanted to say goodbye to Block Island or Newport. It was such a lovely setting for a rejuvenating trip for all of us busy mamas.
Autumn and I had a little detour in Boston before flying home because we had both flown into Boston and taken the train down to Rhode Island. I gave her a whirlwind tour of Boston, and we walked all over the city with our suitcases! A little taste of Public Garden...
... and Beacon Hill... was good for my heart.
And a little taste of Mike's Pastry was just what Ben needed to make him feel that being a single dad for a long weekend was totally worth it. I'm so grateful to Ben for letting me go on this trip. It was absolute perfection!
