Ocean City, 2011

I was very, very fortunate this summer and had a week of vacation in Ocean City, New Jersey.  Melissa rented a house for all of us.  It was located about one block from where my parents always rented and we have so many wonderful family memories in that part of town.  Jen and Jeffrey stayed all week.  It was a mother's dream to have that kind of time with her children.  We were relaxed and we just had fun.  After the last year of pretty intense stress, it was just what this family needed.  

We arrived on Saturday afternoon.  We usually run late for things and I was pretty proud that we were able to achieve our goal of getting on the beach our first day.  It might sound small to you...but, believe me, it was the first success of the week!

That night, we just settled in and Michael cooked a wonderful scallop meal. 

Even though we were just relaxing, that first day on the beach really wore out Stephen.  Aahh...the sleep of a child.  Nothing like it!

The next day, Michael was heading home.  (He isn't really a beach person!)  He wanted a photo of the three rugby players together in their rugby shirts.  So, here it is...Three Generations of Rugby!

Later, on the beach, Stephen lost one of his many (many) sand toys.  He came over to explain to his mother that his watering can was washed away in the water.

Melissa asked, "You want me to search the whole ocean?"  Yes, he did.  It did give us a good giggle.  He soon forgot and played a little more...

On the boardwalk that night...

I got to shoot a lot of photos and it was great practice.  I have to work on cropping out body parts in candids.  I think that means I have to get faster at shooting.  All in all, I was pretty happy with most of my photos.  The last night  we were in Ocean City, the kids were awesome and let me takes lots of photos.  

After the sunset, we went to the boardwalk.  Check out the moon!  

Then we played a little mini golf.

When did they start having bands on the boardwalk in Ocean City?  We were singing about pina coladas and people were dancing.  

Even though my family usually runs when I have my camera, Stephen was in such a good mood, he actually jumped into my photo!

Jen got feathers put in her hair.

Then we went on the big ferris wheel.

By the end of the week, Stephen was asking, "Mom, can we just stay home tonight, put on our pajamas, and watch a movie in bed?"  We actually tired him out!  He loved every minute of it!


The last day on the beach, Ellen joined us for the day.  Ellen and Jen took a nice walk together.

I am already looking forward to next year!  It is definitely times like this that make me so thankful for my wonderful family and so proud of them.  They are each so different and so amazing in their own way.  I am very, very blessed.


Thanks, Liss!  You gave us the best week!!