We took an amazing trip to Rhode Island to visit my best friend from college, Mel.
Mel will always be considered a best friend. She is one of those few people in life that I would consider like a sister. We just get each other.
The Ball family was moving at the end of July, so it was now or never. I was tempted by never, but so glad I decided on now. Two amazing things about the trip.
1. The Ball family was the best host ever!
2. Rhode Island is the most beautiful place we've visited!
We benefited from 3 years of their experience in the area. They didn't just suggest a beach and say 'have fun'. They took us everywhere, hung out, and had fun. They Mel even took our kids for a day so David and I could have a day to ourselves (Yes, she had 8 boys that day!). Who does that? We borrowed their bikes and took a 1 hour ferry ride to Block Island. We biked around 16 miles and explored lighthouses and beaches. It was awesome.
We also celebrated by 36 birthday. The Balls treated the adults to a quaint outdoor restaurant while Marcus watched the other 7 boys. It was peaceful and delicious. We stopped at a bakery and grabbed an amazing peanut butter and chocolate 3 layer cake for dessert. Then Mel made me a key lime cheese cake a couple days later. I still dream about it.
Here we are at what the Balls call 'secret beach'. A cool beach they found just by chance one day.
I love all the people scattered throughout the picture.
Their son, Ethan, was a born rock climber.
Their son, Landon. Mel has 4 boys like us.
Parker. He's 2 but keeps up like he is 6.
Marcus. Their oldest. Already trying out being a teenager.
This was the way back to our car...on the left side of the wall.
I can't remember this beach name, but it was right by a lighthouse. One of 65 lighthouses in Rhode Island and you see them all over the place.
The boys loved the tide pools.
The rock formations were amazing.
The boys finally found some crabs.
We stopped by this great park but only had a few minutes to play.
The boys loved Parker, isn't he cute!
It was a great trip. Very unexpected in it's greatness. It will go down as one of our favorites.
Thanks Balls! We will visit you in Washington State someday.
That was so much fun having you visit! You took some great pictures which make me miss RI. I'm glad we saw you a bunch during the last three years but it wasn't enough! Come visit! (as if it's that easy, but I have to say it anyway)
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you conquered the road trip to Texas and lived to tell about it. I laughed out loud that you made your boys dress up like cows for free food. Free food is the best!