Why camp OUT when you can camp IN??

That's what we said when Tropical Storm Danny threatened to wash out the annual Deerfield family camping trip. Luckily for us, this year's trip was to be held in Hope Valley, RI (a mere 4o minutes south of Provy)- and so, with the realization that we would be camping in 2-5 inches of water, the sounds of mama Deerfield's disappointed voice drove us to concoct a desperate plan.

With little more than a half hour we sprung into action and created "Camp Cozy Toes: An Urban Campground". That's right, camping-IN...we pitched tents in various rooms of the apartment, slept in our sleeping bags, cooked outside - and even had s'mores.

On Saturday, the rain kept us mainly indoors watching movies, eating and drinking. Sunday, however, we had a better day and we got to enjoy some time on Aquidneck Island. We had lunch at "Flo's Clam Shack" and walked a good portion of the Cliff Walk along the coast. The giant waves that Danny brought with him made for a good time watching the surfers along Ruggles Avenue. We even had a few minutes to get some ice cream before seeing mom and dad off.

Camp Site #2: Liz + Tony's Tent

Camp SIte #1: Mom + Dad's Tent

Liz and mom, what a cute couple!

Sampling Rhode Island Red Chowder at Flo's Clam Shack.

Mom and dad on the cliff walk.

Iron work gates along the cliff walk.

Some of Danny's big waves.

Invasion of the MEAs!

Megan Elliot Avery and Miles Eli Anthony, that is!

We were fortunate enough to have the entire Middlebury Gemignani brood down in Lil' Rhody for a beautiful weekend full with old favorites and new adventures. It was wonderful to see everyone - here's the proof:

Megan enjoying a stop at the playground with Uncle Tony
on their walk to get the morning bagels.

Megan helping get groceries for dinner - look at her "tiny" cart!

Megan visit's "Lulu's Beauty Salon" to get dolled up for an evening at waterfire.
(Note the alternating red and pink polish selected by Megan herself : ) )

Liz and Rebecca pose with Tony's award winning* gourmet grilled pizza!
(*well, he hasn't exactly won an award - but it's damn good!)

Tony and Megan flying a kite at Brenton Point Park in Newport, RI

Miles says "Fight the Power!", at Brenton Point Park.

Megan, looking especially cute after stuffing her face with chips.

Aren't they just the cutest?!!

Caa---ute! Need I say more?