July always brings Rhode Island – the most precious time of year when my family stays in my grandmother’s coastal countryside home. The days are so simple and beautiful; I treasure the familiar routines. We wake up, have breakfast, go for a walk down the dirt road and admire the wildflowers and hydrangeas, pack up lunch or eat on the deck, then head to our beach for reading, walking, and swimming. When we return home, it’s an outdoor shower – there is no better feeling after being sandy and salty – more reading on the deck, a fresh dinner with local ingredients, a show on the couch, then off to bed with open windows and the cool night air flowing in. I am content and so at peace. This summer was even sweeter with our baby growing and wiggling in my belly.
I snapped this photo toward the end of the trip, at 20 weeks pregnant – wearing my current favorite dress; it is so comfy and breezy. My bump seemed to double in size from the time I arrived to the time I left, and I felt more and more sweet baby flutters and tiny taps and kicks as the time went by. Below are more photos from this year. I hope you enjoy looking at them, and perhaps you might feel encouraged to spend a little time in New England this summer (it’s the best).
My grandmother’s house, where I have spent each summer since before I was born.
Some of the beautiful hydrangeas we see on morning walks.
The pond adjacent to our beach, with lots of swans.
On the beach at the beginning of the trip with an 18-week bump, wearing this stretchy swimsuit.
Hydrangeas at the farm where we get fresh and lovely items.
Sunset skies at the house.
My view when I wake up in the morning.
Lovely beach days.
Evenings at the house after a beach day are so dreamy.
These photos are chronological – here’s another beach day followed by a gorgeous evening, at 19 weeks pregnant.
I complete a puzzle every summer, and here’s this one’s.
A walk down to the end of our dirt road.
Isn’t the post office cute?
A small home near the beach – I love the sign.
20 weeks pregnant and enjoying a perfect beach day.
I was a little late in acquiring it, but I decided to get a rope bracelet, which they sell at the general store in town – the blue tempted me, which I’d never seen before (they are typically just white). You are supposed to put on the bracelet at the beginning of the summer and not take it off until the very end – when it has shrunk and typically must be cut off. I am still wearing mine!
I loved watching this Sunfish sail around.
A late afternoon view out my bedroom window.
My last day at the beach this year.
And my last evening at the house.
I am always sad to leave Rhode Island’s sparkling summer and long for it once I am home. Being there is simply a dream, and I feel so grateful to have it. This year, our baby experienced it with me, and next year, he will be with us! I look forward to the many adventures to come.
P.S. Scenes from last summer and summer life at home in Nashville.
