Beaulieu Family Bucket List - Summer 2013

I've always considered Memorial Day weekend the official kick-off to summer (even though New England weather isn't quite cooperating) and now that it's behind us it's time to start checking things off of our Beaulieu Family Bucket List - Summer 2013.

Beavertail State Park, Jamestown RI - Gorgeous ocean views, the salty breeze, the cliffs to climb down into the shallow water pools along the oceans edge.  Beavertail is seriously one of the most beautiful places in Rhode Island.  I can't wait to pack a picnic lunch, teach Olivia how to fly a kite and relax by the ocean. 

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Canobie Lake Park, Salem NH - I grew up visiting Canobie Lake every single summer, it was my birthday tradition and I can't wait to share this with Olivia.  She's going to love riding the rides, going on the train and ferry, eating the pizza and playing in the splash park.  So much fun in just one day!

 

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New England Aquarium, Boston MA - We've taken Olivia here before and she loved it.  One of the perks of my job is free admission to the aquarium and we definitely don't go as often as we should.  This summer we're definitely going to take advantage of it and visit a few times.  

 

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Boston Children's Museum, Boston MA - Like the aquarium, we've been here before and Olivia loves it, we also get in for free with our work badge which is a bonus!  Right in the heart of the city we can visit the museum and see some sights all in one day. 

 

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Boston Duck Tour, Boston MA - I've lived in Rhode Island my whole live, been to Boston countless times and I've never once been on the Duck Tour.  It's a bus/boat that drives in the street and also goes right into the harbor and gives you a tour of the city both on land and in the water.  Pretty cool I think!  I can't wait to check it out.



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Boston Marathon Memorial, Boston MA - to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon Bombing I want to make it a point to visit the memorial that's set up on Boylston Street where the tragedy took place.  Boston Strong!

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Host a BBQ - We had friends and family over for a Memorial Day BBQ and it was so.much.fun!  I can't wait to do it all over again.  I'm thinking smores, fireworks, lawn chairs, sprinklers and late nights outside. Perfection.



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4th of July Fireworks - every year we go to the fireworks show at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket - home of the Pawtucket Paw Sox.  They always have the best show and we know exactly where we like to sit!  I can't wait to see Olivia's face!



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Celebrate my 30th Birthday - Turning the big 3 - 0 this year and I want to do it with a bang.  Not quite sure what we'll do yet but it will be perfect as long as I have my family by my side.

 



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Beach Days - Olivia loves the beach and asks to go all the time.  We have so many great state beaches locally that we'll have to make it a point to visit each one!  Sandcastles, sandy sandwiches, wet hair and red cheeks!  I can't wait.



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Drive-in movie - Now that Olivia is old enough to sit through a movie, the drive-in is a must.  You pay by the car load, bring chairs and camp outside of your car while watching a movie.  It's so fun! 



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The epic horse and carriage ride...

Almost 2 months later and my daughter is still talking about the "neigh (horse) & cawwiage (carriage) ride with Mommy, Daddy and YaYa (Olivia)"

While on our annual summer vacation in Old Orchard Beach, Maine on a warm Thursday night we were wandering the streets of the main pier at the beach and across the way, Olivia spotted the huge white horse!  She loves animals with a passion so we walked right over to visit him, John was his name.

John is a big white draft horse who is sweet as can be.  We "oooh'd and aaah'd" over him.  Pet him for a few and then went on our way.  Joe saw both of our excitement over the horse and carriage ride so while Olivia and I were checking out some shops he disappeared.  A few minutes later he hurried us back outside where the carriage was waiting for us!  He surprised us with our very first horse and carriage ride.
 

It was perfect. 

The weather was gorgeous.  

Olivia was so excited and happy and kept telling us that we were on!a!carriage!ride! 

The ride lasted about a half hour.  We toured the quiet neighborhood that's hidden between the busy pier at the beach.  We could smell the salt water and feel the mist from the sea.  It really was just a perfect end to our awesome vacation.

Almost 2 months later, in the dark of Olivia's bedroom last night, is the most amazing part.  I could sense that she was almost asleep as her breathing became steady and all of a sudden she jumped up onto her knees and exclaimed...

"Mommy!  Beach, Daddy, Mommy, YaYa neigh cawwiage ride!" 

These are the things my husband and I live for.  The memories we make with her.  The little things that she remembers and loves to talk about.  Despite the trying times, the discipline and the stress, these are the moments we love the most!

 

It's been a while.

I haven't blogged in what feels like forever!   ...and now we're at the awkward phase of trying to just jump back into it seamlessly.   So, I'll catch you up on what's been going on around here via a ton of pictures!

Making adorable faces.

 

Helping with yard work



Showing off our adorable outfit of the day!



Going to see Sesame Street Live!



Enjoying the sunshine



Playing outside



...and playing so hard that you fall right to sleep.



I can already tell this is going to be a fun and exhausting summer!