Welcome to RTA!

I think it would be a HUGE mistake trying to do this drive overnight. You should do it during "normal" awake hours. This is also a full 2 day's drive, it's over 800 miles. Absolutely no way can it be done in 12 hours. Plan on splitting the drive roughly in half and make frequent stops to let the kids out to run around for a bit.

Exactly where in RI are you starting from - I know it's a small state but it makes a difference in the recommended route.