Nathans in Newport - Part Three (more cliff walk, more mansions)

Day two in Newport started with blueberry pancakes and the second half of the Cliff Walk. We got more folks to join us that day, and headed off for another hike. This part wasn't quite as rocky or adventurous, but it was just as beautiful.After lunch, we toured more mansions, including the Breakers (amazing...that is some serious wealth).

We had lunch down by the wharf, watching a storm roll in through the harbor. It was a bit ominous eating our lobster bisque and watching the clouds build. By the time we got our check, it was pouring and we made it back to the cars just before getting completely soaked.

The evening was filled with lawn games and fun in the backyard of the house while the wedding party rehearsed for the next day.

On the day of my cousin Kat's wedding, the boys played golf while the girls toured a few more mansions (Kingscote and one of my favorites, The Elms). When we made it back to the house, I went straight up for a nap in my third floor sauna to rest up for the night to come. I had caught a cold during the week and was feeling quite drained. The wedding recap will come in the next post but we didn't take any other pictures from the daytime, unfortunately.

The morning after the wedding, we were back at The Elms so Ryan could see our next vacation home. Haha! I appreciated that tour the most, with all the interesting historical tidbits about society back then. And the grounds were amazing, despite not even being on the water.

We ended our last night in Newport with a family bbq and double sets and runs games in the dining room. The rookies proved to have beginners' luck and it was fun to challenge all the family members in our traditional card game.

Before heading to the airport on Sunday we had time for one more mansion - Rosecliff. They were hosting the annual flower and garden show on the grounds and throughout the first floor so while we got to tour a bit of the house we missed the audio and the second floor. I was bummed, too, because it seemed like this may have been one of my favorites had it been all done up.

All in all, it was an amazing trip to a truly gorgeous location. I cannot even imagine the splendor and elegance of living back in the early 1900s with the socialites of the times but I was happy to have a glimpse into their world through the mansion tours. Being with extended family made it all the more special and I cannot wait for the next occasion for us all to be together!

Nathans in Newport - Part Two

Continuing our first day in Newport...
We went for lunch at a gorgeous inn overlooking the water, Castle Hill. It was a clear, perfect day and we all enjoyed a yummy lunch (my first of many lobster meals) watching the boats come in and out of the sound.After lunch, we couldn't resist the photo opp, taking advantage of all the adirondack chairs scattered about the lawn.Later that evening, the entire family (from both the bride- and groom-to-be sides) met in the harbor and boarded the Adirondack II for a sunset cruise. I L-O-V-E the water and to be on a boat hearkens back to childhood memories, so it's such a comforting, nostalgic feeling for me.This is my new all-time favorite photo of my dad...he is a stubborn subject when it comes to smiling in pictures so to capture such a genuine burst of laughter from him warms my heart. Clearly, my love of the water is in part thanks to his passion for boating.Uncle Ryan got some quality time with Carter...Before sharing him with me.My cousin Jess and I grew up together and she is one of my closest friends, so it was great to spend the week with her and catch up in person.
Phew! That was only day one of our trip. I better speed this recap up...before I know it, I'll be needing to post about the next trip (countdown in two days!).

Nathans in Newport - Part One

After months of counting down, anticipating, and looking forward to a much-needed vacation, our trip to Rhode Island was upon us! Ryan and I packed our bags (with way more than we needed) and hopped a flight to Atlanta, where we met up with both of my sisters, brother-in-law and nephew for the second leg of the trip.

Walking through the terminal in Atlanta, I can't express how excited I was to see them walk up and join us for the journey. I always love seeing members of my family and that little man just brightens my day - I love to see him smile and react to my voice!Ryan is really great with him, too, which makes me excited for when we have babies of our own one day. (I swear Carter was happy to see us, despite his expression.)

Carter wasn't to sure about the plane to start...

But he actually did really well and slept (or at least was quiet) for most of the trip. Before we knew it, we had landed in Providence and were ready to meet my dad and uncle for the ride to our house in Newport.

We stayed in an old Victorian "cottage" right on the main drag amidst rows of mansions, gardens and historic sites. There were almost 20 of us under one roof, so it was one big party house! While it was a bit of a shock to the system to be without a/c for a whole week (esp. while sleeping in the sauna of the 3rd floor that was our room), it was delightful to stay in a place with so much charm and character!The first full day in Newport was by far my favorite one of the whole trip. Ryan and I got up early (well, early for me) and joined my cousin Jess for a run/walk/hike all the way down our road to the famed Cliff Walk and back (an estimated 4 miles - so impressed with myself!). It was breathtaking to see the historic homes set amidst such a picturesque landscape of ocean, rocks and giant hydrangea.

We got back, ready for the day, and began our tour of how the other half lived back in the day. And, man, did they live it up! My sis, Kelly, did an awesome job documenting our tours through the mansions, so I won't repeat but here are some pics from the first day at Marble House...

I was really intrigued by the extravagance, elegance and etiquette from the time period. On the flip side, this is how Carter felt by the end of the tour:

And the day had just begun - that was all before lunch! More from the trip to come...

What shopping luck!

I went shopping on a mission to find a dress for my cousin's upcoming wedding. Which, of course, meant that I had zero expectations to actually find anything. Isn't that how it always works when you actually shop for something specific?
Imagine my surprise and complete joy, then, when I found THE dress out of the first batch I tried on! Of course, it was from Bloomingdales so it was no bargain but I haven't splurged on a dress for an event in a while and I figured I would get some use out of it.The crazy lady that checked me out called the color "tangerine" but I am pretty sure it's closer to a berry pink. In fact, it's called "red berry", so there crazy lady.
I also tried a first and ordered shoes from Zappos.com after a failed attempt at shopping in person. Again, success!

Then, a gold necklace from TJ Maxx put the final icing on the cake. (Photos to come)
I am so excited for the week of family vacation and the wedding celebration but what makes it even better is how this whole ensemble came together. I will post pics of the actual event so you can see how I pulled it all off...I will do my best to pose with a bit less 'tude than the model above. Ha!

Feeling hippie (and not in a peace, love and happiness kind of way)

So...I haven't really worked out much since the wedding. Which was, um, 20 months ago. Really?! I just counted. Has it been that long already?
Anyway, I had been on such a misson to lose weight and tone that after the fact, I needed a break. A really long break apparently. And then I guess I just got used to the routine of not working out so much that I have become a major slacker.
And that has left me feeling like this:Not so much super as super-hippie. Have you seen the movie? There is a great scene where "Mrs. Incredible" stops to see her body in the mirror and stares at her "shapely" hip area while breathing out a huge, disappointed sigh as if to say "who is this girl?" My sentiments exactly.
So, today I am back on track. I am counting calories thanks to a handy app on my iPhone and I'm working out again - or at least trying. Today was running (seriously, who is this girl? ha!) and tennis will follow a few more times this week. My goal is not really to lose all that much (although a bit would be nice) but really to tone and try to avoid any impending thunder thighs. We'll see how long it lasts!

Memorial Day at the lake

One of my birthday wishes was to spend Memorial Day weekend at my parents' lakehouse at Lake Oconee. I always love spending time with the fam and thought it would be a great kick start to summer.While the weather didn't cooperate for all of the long weekend, we soaked up lots of family time and any sunshine we could get! We went out on the boat, played Trivial Pursuit, grilled out and did some serious relaxing.And, of course, we loved on my nephew, Carter, the whole time. It's so fun to see Ryan interact with him and how he handles a baby with silly faces and voices. He's going to be such a great dad someday, but in the meantime it's fun practicing as an uncle.Even Jax made the trip up (she LOVES the car and is so good the entire way up and back...all 7 hours each way!). We took her out on the boat the last day to test her sea legs and I think she did a pretty great job!She even managed to jump into the lake and swim for a bit (even if it was by accident - we're not sure, but I swear it was on her own, no pushing...although I was tempted. haha).Another great weekend with the family and such fun to extend my birthday a whole other week! We definitely don't take advantage of the lakehouse as often as I'd like, but we always talk about heading up with friends so hopefully it won't be too long before we stop talking and start driving again.

Birthday Festivities

Okay, I guess if I have to come to grips with the fact that I am another year older (and another year *gasp* closer to the big 3-0) I might as well remember the fun I had celebrating!
I was greeted the morning of with a call from Ryan in the kitchen to come see...a sweet little face with a little something for me. So adorable! She didn't want to give up the card but I eventually got it before it got too soaked.
We enjoyed a D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S dinner that evening at a well-known steakhouse right by our house. It was a delightfully long meal, with great conversation and the best company! It's so nice to have a really good dinner where you enjoy every moment (and every bite).
The next night we met up with friends at a wine bar in Winter Park and hung out for hours chatting and people watching. It was great to have a whole night to kick back and hang out with good friends.

I am looking forward to the year ahead and all that it holds. We've already got so many plans for the summer and I can't wait to enjoy the last year in my 20s!