Our Little Getaway!

Let me just start by saying a huge THANK YOU to everyone that made this very necessary mental holiday possible for us; Mr. & Mrs. West for watching the girls, Barb & Pacheco's for taxiing the girls everywhere and taking care of our beloved Casey! After having sick girls and a sick husband for slightly over a month, I was more than ready for a little break. Luckily Roger had to go on business to Rhode Island, so I was happy to tag along. We hadn't been back to Rhode Island in over 11 years! I was a little nervous that I might not know my way around or that I might get lost, but it's amazing how your mind works. It was as if we had never left. A few things had changed here and there, but for the most part it was just as I had remembered it. It was a really sentimental time for me because this is where Roger and I met and basically grew up. So, without further ado, let me give you our little tour of the city we love. . . .

This is the sign you see as you enter Federal Hill. This is the Italian section of town and where Roger and I called home for several years. You will never find an area with more charm that this. It is wonderful mix of history, tradition and a new generation of modern trendiness. We loved it then and we love it now!

This is DePasquale Square in Federal Hill. Here you will find some of the best Italian restaurants in the city as well great live music in the evenings.

This is DePasquale Square at night!

These are our new friends Tim & Ann and Holly. We had such a fun time - Can't wait to come back!

Another thing I love about Rhode Island is that you have a Dunkin Donuts on every corner. Love my Iced Coffee!

This is Riccotti's where you can get the BEST grinder in Rhode Island. I had been craving this sandwich for several years. I had actually wondered if they would send one to me fed ex. After all the wait, let me tell you that it was everything I remembered and more!

And this my friends is the Riccotti's grinder. I know that at first glance it might look like any other sandwich. But don't be fooled. Riccotti's has some kind of special pepper sauce, then top that with some special oil and vinegar, the best italian meats and cheeses and fresh bread and you're in heaven. After a few bites, the oil and vinegar begins to seep into the bread for a semi-soggy spectacular treat. It can be a little messy, but well worth it.Don't take my word for it, try it yourself!

This is the house on Brayton Street that we lived at for two years. We lived on the third floor. Our landlord was a very sweet lady from Italy that lived on the first floor, and we have many wonderful memories of having coffee and cake with her or her made from scratch eggplant Parmesan. I miss her. Anyway, the house was built in the late 1800's and the original owner of the house was John Brayton - hence the street name!

Side view of our house on Brayton Street

This is Waterplace Park, which by the way is where Mr. Roger Brooks proposed to me on those very steps. I love this park and the amazing view of the city!

This is us at our other favorite park called Prospect Park. It also offers a great view of Downtown Providence.

Our last night there we got to stay with our dear friend Jenn (Or Jenny-Beth as we like to call her in Dallas). This is a picture of her in her most amazing bathroom that I so love. Hers is an historic house and I just fell in love with all the charm and character it has to offer.

This was our last night. We made it back to DePasquale Square - great time with old friends. Thanks Bob & Jenn - We had a great time!

Our last day in the Ocean state, we had to make it out to the beach. We drove to Newport.

This was my best "I Heart RI".

After a great day at the beach, sadly, this is us leaving as we cross over the Newport Bridge. It was an amazing time, but it was definitely time to get back to our girls. As much fun that we had, they were never far from our thoughts and I can't wait to come back here with them next time!