With a new cousin joining the Shea-McCracken family, we decided to spend a week at the beach in Rhode Island this summer. The kids absolutely adored getting to spend some quality time with Baby Max and Mallory.
We took a lovely day trip to Newport and cruised the harbor on a boat. Gavin also got to visit the old time baseball stadium in Newport. He really wanted to stay for the game after seeing the warm up session.
On the one rainy morning, we did a little hike around a national wildlife preserve. Molly was very brave leading the way through some narrow trails. If only, she was a little taller to break the spider webs before her parents got to them!
On the Fourth, we visited Watch Hill and participated in their super cute holiday parade down Main Street. Gavin was all decked out with his tri-corner hat.
The highlight of Watch Hill was the old flying horse carousel, which dates back to 1876. In fact, Grampy remembers riding it as a kid. (No, not back in the 1890s!) Towards the middle of the ride, a device holding metal rings is lowered, and the kids try to grab the metal rings as they pass. There is one brass ring, which secures the winner a free ride. Gavin really enjoyed trying to get the brass ring and leaning a little too much getting Mom excited!
Gavin loved going to the Theater by the Sea to see a performance of "How I Became a Pirate." What a special birthday gift from Grammy!
Of course, we spent time hanging out at the beach. These pictures were taken on our last evening. The kids were really hamming it up as Mom and Dad tried to get some special beach pictures!
The kids also spent time watching, playing, and helping with Max. He was such an easy baby at the beach -- sleeping the whole time! It must be those soothing ocean sounds.
