the shore

I've been told by a friend that if I want to lay claim to being from NJ I can't say, "going to the beach," rather it is "down the shore."   Yesterday, we went down the shore with Dexter's classmates as a celebration of the end of the school year.   I think it is safe to say we all limped along to this finish line, and a day at the shore was just what we needed to kick-start vacation.

I took over 100 pictures of our time - mostly of the kids - so you'll have to bear with me as I overshare once again.  We went to Ocean Grove, a small beach in an old Victorian town in southern NJ.  It wasn't too crowded, or too crazy, and wasn't too hot.  We went supplied with food and toys and blankets and prepared to campout for the day.

Kyalo loved it...

 (alternate title 'twins')

. . . except when he didn't:

It took him a while to enjoy letting the waves splash up on him; I guess it freaked him out for a bit at first.  By the end, though, I was able to get him to jump over the waves and 'chase' the water as it flowed out, and to 'run away' as it 'came after him'.  The giggles that ensued while in the water were priceless (I thought I got video, but once again I think I forgot actually press the play button. Perfect).

All the kids had a great time!

 Joel and Sophia

 This is Maithry, Sirisha's 19 month old daughter.  I think she is stunningly beautiful.  

 Rua

The best picture of all the kids I could get. Sophia's hidden behind Kyalo, and none of the kids are actually looking at the camera.  But there you have it.  Also, please note Kyalo's legs buried in the sand.

sandy, sandy, sandy

 Gabe and Rua

one of my favorites of the day

Also, I think we may be seeing the beginnings of a love story. . .

And once again, Rua took charge.

You might remember that Hurricane Sandy blew through here in October last year.  While a lot of the shore has been restored -- it being a vital part of NJ revenue in the summer, after all -- the recovery hasn't quite made it to Ocean Grove.

Maybe it will be restored by next summer.

We ended the day with a couple of us getting ice cream.  As we were packing up, I asked Kyalo, "did you have fun at the beach?"  his response was, "ice 'ream."  After we got the oft-requested ice cream, I asked him again, and he said "yes!"  Couldn't have a good time til he got his ice cream, I guess.  

I'd say that all-in-all it was a great day!  I even have my signature behind-the-knees burn to show for it.  I really love this group, all so different, joined together by the bonds of dentistry. We always have so much fun together.  We're already thinking about our leaf-peeping trip to VT/CT/upstate NY for the fall.  Something to look forward to.

Now, let the vacationing commence!