Christmas at Blithewold Mansion (even if it’s just for 20 minutes!)

Blithewold Mansion in Bristol, RI holds a very special place in my heart.

On June 30, 2001, we held our wedding reception there! It was a perfect, beautiful sunny afternoon. It was everything I wanted my wedding reception to be… and then some!

After having 4 sons, my husband wanted to shower me with a VERY special baby shower when we found out we were having our 1st daughter. He chose Blithewold because he knew it held such a special place in my heart.

And so… after having my 1st daughter, my mother asked me on Victoria’s 1st Christmas if I would ever love to start a tradition with “just the girls!” Every Christmas season we would head to Blithewold and tour the mansion to see the gorgeous decorations. I thought it was such a perfect idea! Not to mention, my mom and sister are (as they call them) Bristolians, so it was extra special for them, too!

That 1st year, back in 2013… Victoria was 6 months old. It makes me tear up to look at these photos because she was experiencing ulcers on her head with her hemangioma. She had to be bandaged up for 8 weeks. She was a trooper though, loving every second and smiling the whole time!

2nd year, 2014… Victoria was 1 1/2 years old! She was walking and just a little bullet around the mansion! I think we lasted 10 minutes. Quickest tour ever!

3rd year, 2015… my “big” 2 1/2 year old little girl. Talking and laughing and chasing after her cousin Brian (who joined us that year!). Like the previous year, we weren’t able to stay long, but we went and enjoyed and embraced the fact that we had toddlers!

And now… this year. 2016. My 3 1/2 year old little beam of light and joy and heart and happiness. She’s my sidekick.

My best friend. We hold hands and laugh and have conversations. This year baby Eve joined us for the 1st time! Truly – a GIRL DAY for all of us!

This year was special because she really took some of the scenery in this time. She loved the trees and the lights and the garland. She loved walking around and seeing each room. We made it about 20-30 minutes this year, which is EPIC for us!

But the best was just being together. Enjoying each other’s company. Really living in this beautiful moment.

This tradition. This great tradition that my mom started and will continue to do each and every year.

If you’re in the Rhode Island area, I highly recommend you check it out!

For more information here.

About Audrey

Audrey McClelland has been a digital influencer since 2005. She’s a mom of 5 and shares tips on her three favorite things: parenting, fashion and beauty. She’s also a Contemporary Romance Author.

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