Here Comes A New Shelmet

Not that anyone reading this blog cares about what Cheryl and I do when Zoe's not around, I wanted to mention that we took our annual trip down to Delaware Seashore State Park. We had a great time camping, hanging out on the beach and visiting Ocean City, MD. While we'd still like to take some time off with just the two of us, we're hopeful that next year we can take Zoe out camping for her first time. Maybe we'll go to Delaware Seashore State Park. Maybe we'll just pitch a tent in Mimi and Joe Pop's backyard. We'll see how it goes.

To finish out the week, we just spent the weekend at the beach. There were still lots of things to do. We played soccer, as well as used a soccer ball as a beach chair. There were still lots of sand castles to build and people to bury, as well as sand to be stood on and then jumped on. Along with that, there was still lots of time to just walk in the ocean, spin over the water or dance on some rocks. But, at the end of a long week that was full of rides and games, friends and family, beach and ocean, not even a jackpot pile of tickets can put a smile on a tired girls face. The awesome part is, we've only been home for a day and already Zoe is asking when we can go back to the beach. Being one of the places that I would go year after year as a child, I find it incredibly rewarding that I am able to do the same thing with my daughter. The best part it, she seems to enjoy it even more than I did. If you'd like to take a look at all the pictures, the Sea I...

The rest of the week was jam packed as well. On the second day the Carusos came down from Long Beach Island to spend the day at the beach with us. I had purchased a small, inflatable raft and the kids really liked riding it over the waves. That is, until they bumped heads. After that we just spent some time digging and playing in the sand, as well as doing a little Ring Around the Rosey in the ocean. Once we washed off outside, we got into some dry clothes and headed to the boardwalk. The kids enjoyed playing some games and riding the rides. The next day we just happened to go to the library and they were having a superhero day with activities for kids. Zoe wanted to get her face painted and we have never seen her sit so still in her entire life. She loved the butterfly and was happy to jump into the ocean with it. Thankfully there weren't any tears when the saltwater completely washed it away. Cheryl's friend Amy also paid us a visit with her husband Graham...

We had such a great time down the beach again. It was awesome to see that the pipe was no longer on the beach, since it sounded like it would be there all week. The first day there we decided to head down to Wildwood to go on the rides. One of the first things Zoe wanted to go on was the swings, which was amazing considering she's not too thrilled about going on actual swings at the playground. She loved it! After that we stopped to get some ice cream. She wasn't happy to share with me, but she shared all the same. We then went on one of my favorite rides, the Seagul Cycle, followed by the Ghost Ship. The Cycle is a track ride that is pedal powered. Think of a peddle boat on a metal track that goes above a water park. The Ghost Ship is essentially the automated version of the Cycle that follows a similar track in the opposite direction. Both are lots of fun. After that is was even more rides, followed by some games where at least one prize was won. Towar...