Parents visit RI & CT

So we've been a little distracted, and Ben's been pretty busy so leave it up to me to try to recall what we did over a year ago. :) Here goes:

Ben's parents made it out to CT Oct 15-18 in 2010! It was their first time visiting CT and Bob's first time seeing NYC. With NYC so close, they first traveled to NYC during the work week and we had the weekend to enjoy time together. It worked out pretty perfectly. Ben always has a list a mile long of 'things to do' when anyone visits (after all there is a LOT to see and do within a New England). Friday we relaxed and hung out at home/went out to dinner at PlanB burger bar (by far our favorite restaurant). This place ALWAYS satisfies our bellies and taste buds, and that's coming from a couple midwesterners that are pretty particular about their meat. :) It's a staple to take any visitor to dinner there, as we're sure it will be good 100% of the time. We discussed all the options of things to see and do at dinner that night and finalized a game plan. I'm sure Bob & Gay were a bit exhausted after trekking around NYC, but Ben was excited nonetheless to show them his favorite place - Newport, RI.

We've taken several trips to Newport and have done something new each time, and it never disappoints. It's clean, beautiful, pretty quaint, has gorgeous real estate (our eye candy), and just had a laid-back feel (especially compared to NYC). This particular weekend was the annual seafood festival at Bowen's Wharf & marathon which finishes right along the shoreline, literally right on the beach. It was a little chilly in the AM, but by noon it was truly perfect fall weather.

At Bowen's Wharf with the Newport bridge in the background. Yes, we're silly but Ben and I get so giddy to ride on this bridge. We love the views! Plus, I don't have a picture... but there's a mini island that just big enough for... say... an outhouse? or maybe just room enough for a 1 person snow angel, but it's adorable and is for sale. We always joke about buying it.

We arrived! We checked out the marathon runners and some stranger's dogs at the beach. Yes, I've been know to play with other stranger's dogs since I don't have a dog of my own and thankfully my mother-in-law joined in on the dog fun. I'm sure it's rather embarrassing for Ben (sometimes) but I'm happy he patiently waited while we played. And... we meandered for a bit until we started the CLIFF WALK.

 



 


We checked out a few of the mansions. The cliff walk is 3.5 mi (one way) and we didn't have quite enough time to look at ALL the mansions. After our feet slowly started to hurt, we decided it was time for some more beach and seafood. The sandy beaches of Newport are unlike anywhere else (at least in New England). The sand feels like silk between your toes. We walked along the water with shoes and socks off after our cliff walk.




Look closely and you'll see 2 tiny people in comparison to the gates (at the entrance of THE BREAKERS).

 Fresh lobsters!

We had candy dipped apples, New England clam chowder, regional beers, etc. Daylight burns quickly in the fall and before we knew it was time to head back to CT. We spent the rest of the weekend relaxing and catching up, making dinner at our place (flank steaks off the grill and hearing an owl outside our place), touring UConn, and taking walks back in the Devonwood area. It was so nice to have them here to SEE some of the things we talk about all the time. Unfortunately we didn't get pictures of the foliage while Bob & Gay were here. It was just starting 'peak' time. The fall is our favorite season and I'm confident that New England has the MOST beautiful fall. What a great time to come and visit! Thanks for making the flight and sticking through all of our crazy requests. I'm sure you both went home and slept for a 3 days straight. :)

Happy Halloween/Happy Snow Day!

Ok, ok... so we are a little behind in posting our entries. We've been a little lazy lately. Nonetheless, we should post about each of our respective parents visit to CT. I am done with my entry. Ben just has to complete his now :o)

My parents were able to make it to CT for the first time over Halloween wknd. Before I absolutely forget what we did, I better publish it! First off, CT is my favorite in the FALL! Actually, fall is my absolute favorite season! With all the trees and their beautiful colors - who wouldn't love it? Sitting at a stop light, being stuck in traffic, running errands is FUN now - with all the pretty scenery to sit back and enjoy. I was hoping our parents could make it out specifically during the fall to share its beauty. While there were several things on our 'to-do list' with our parents we had to improvise bc time was limited, naturally.

Above, is a picture we took along our 4 mile walk right by our townhouse. Ben & I love walking through the gorgeous neighborhood that extends behind our place and couldn't wait to show our parents the HUGE houses and colorful landscape.

In route on our walk.

Just another nice photo opt. Note: Mom is a FAN of Dunkin' Donuts now (a New England must-have).
Not quite 'beach' weather, but we were bound and determined to take my parents to the beach for another walk - followed by some fresh seafood. Dad tried the New England special: Lobster Roll! He's hungry for more, next visit. haha. I LOVE them too! Poor Mom (allergic to shellfish) can't indulge in lobster and butter on a toasted hot dog bun.

For some mom/daughter time...my mom also showed me how to make her famous apple pie! Since Ben & I were away from family for Thanksgiving, the holiday was going to feel a bit 'weird'. Ben & I discussed our families traditional meals and we were going to miss my mom's apple pie, among other things...like our families too! We used the fresh apples Ben & I picked the week before my parents arrived. (The apple orchard was also an adventure that should have been blogged about! Maybe I'll add those pictures someday too, completely out-of-sequence?) Anyway, it was sad to see them go back to NE - but I'm so happy we got some great pictures and shared good memories of our first fall in CT!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
-OR- should I say...Happy snow day!! After all, it's Feb 1st now and due to all the nasty weather I'm home and updating our blog (FINALLY)! It's been SOOOOO great to have 2-3 day work weeks! I'm loving the snow! It's so beautiful too!