Family Vacation and Back to School

As I type this, Susannah is navigating her first day of High School while Sarah Avery braves her first day of Middle School.  Where did my little girls go with their hair bows and snaggle tooth smiles?  I'm so happy for them because they are both excited about new adventures, but man, does time fly.  Before everything kicks back into high gear, I wanted to document our family vacation to New England.  We rented an apartment in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, a coastal town near Newport, Rhode Island.  We had such a fantastic week exploring this beautiful region.  

We celebrated the completion of the 9 hour drive with a waterfront dinner at the Sail Loft.  

We spent our first day at the local beach. Although it is closed to tourists, our Airbnb hostess was gracious enough to lend us her car with entry stickers.  

The water was so refreshing, which was great on the hot day. 

The sailboats were so picturesque. 

That evening, we walked to town for an ice cream and sunset over the harbor.  

Day 2 was amazing because Peter's friend Matt took us out on his boat.  

We spent the day with Matt's friends on this uninhabited island owned by the Forbes Family.  

Jet skis were a bonus.  

Day 3 we took the ferry to Martha's Vineyard.  

First stop was this famous dive bar for lobster rolls and beers.  

Then it was off to the famous Jaws Bridge to jump. (Disregard the sign that clearly says "no jumping."   

Hot and tired and so happy.  

Day 4 we went to Newport, RI to walk the famous cliff walk that offers views of the coast and the mansions. 

The entire 3 miles offered cool experiences, like this tunnel.  

We finished our walk and enjoyed another lobster roll lunch and some souvenir shopping before heading back to Dartmouth.  

Day 5 was an early morning so we could catch the commuter train to Boston.  

First stop was the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, site of the world's costliest art heist.  

Susannah loved it so much, she declared that she wanted to go to college in Boston.  

The museum was super unique and beautiful.  This is a portrait of Mrs. Gardner.  

After a walk through the park and a quick lunch, we headed up to the top of "View Boston" for some spectacular views. 

We walked through the lovely Boston Commons next.  We were so lucky with perfect weather. 

The adorable bookstore, Beacon Hill Books, was our next stop.  

After dinner in the North End, we strolled back towards the Charles River, pausing at this Holocaust Remembrance.  It was an absolutely fantastic day in the city.  

We opted to spend our last day relaxing and shopping around town.  We finished the week the way we started, with a dinner at the Sail Loft. 

And one last evening stroll through the harbor.  

And now we are home, school supplies are purchased, and a new school year has begun.  

So proud of these beauties.  I know they will have an awesome year in their new schools. 

I have two weeks left before my classes begin.  I hope all of you are having a happy, healthy back-to-school season!