We had a wonderful time at the beach last week, it's always great to get away from the real world for a few days to relax and recharge. There was great weather, great company, a great condo .... pretty much a great week all around!
Mike grew up mostly going to Bethany Beach, DE and since Pittsburgh is a great stopping point for us in our landlocked state (every decent beach is 10-12 hours away) it was a natural choice. As an added bonus, this time we were able to pick up Grandma and Grandpap to join us in a week of fun in the sun. We went to the same beach last summer, during the same Labor Day week, and loved that the weather was still warm, but not hot, while the rates were cheaper, the beach was less crowded, and the restaurant waits were basically non-existent. Until we're slaves to a school schedule, we plan to vacation around this time each year.
Anna dipped her toes in the water a handful of times during last year's trip and I can say she neither loved nor hated the experience. This year was a different story, she L.O.V.E.D. the entire experience ... the beach, the ocean, the sand, and the seagulls ... she loved it all. If we'd let her, or if the seagulls hadn't tempted her away, she probably would have stood at the end of the surf for hours on end letting the waves roll over her tiny toes. After a couple of days she really got into playing in the sand, with the help of a "hole" dug by Mama. She loved the pool as well and even found the courage to jump off the side and into Daddy's arms.
All this said, what I think she loved the most was the 1 on 1 time with her grandparents. She loved having an "audience" at all hours of the day, from the time she woke up until she went to bed. She and Grandpap took many a walk on the promenade and the beach, while she and Grandma walked into town most mornings and took several trips a day to see the dolphins in the lobby. Mike's parents left a day early to stop on the way for a visit with old friends and when we returned that evening after an outing to the Ocean City boardwalk and dinner, Anna was VERY disappointed that no one was waiting for her with smiles and open arms in the condo. Sigh. Just boring old Mom and Dad. Of course Mom and Dad loved having in-house baby-sitters for 5 days, which allowed us some extra beach time and a date night! It was a win-win-win!
I hope you enjoy seeing our week in pictures, in the meantime I'll be busy planning next year's trip : )
 |
| Fun in the sand!! |
 |
| About as long as the sunglasses stayed on : ) |
 |
| Diving to Daddy! |
 |
| Inner-tubin' and enjoyin' life at the beach! |
 |
| Chasing seagulls and waves, all at the same time! |
 |
| Meeting new friends! |
 |
| We saw real dolphins in the ocean, but Anna loved these guys more : ) |
 |
| Ocean City Boardwalk fun on our last night ... Daddy won me a stuffed froggie! |
 |
| Sunset at dusk ... LOVE this. |
2 comments:
Rough life, huh? Looks like you guys had a great trip and it makes it so much easier when your children actually like the water and/or beach! Colin just found his love this summer and I think that was due in large part to Brooke's, Sidney.
Also, I totally agree with going during off-seasons for as long as you can! This was our first (and last) time going in mid-May and it was wonderful!
That is one awesome little girl. I'd normally be surprised at a kid loving the sun so much, but then I remember her parents and it's like duh. It's a family tradition!
Post a Comment