Long Beach Island!

We spent our first week of July on LBI. We look forward to this week every year. It was a little different this year since Mimi wasn't able to be with us each day, but we still got to see her for part of the time, which was really nice.

We had some nice beach days. The kids don't get in the water to play as much as they used to, but it's still really relaxing to sit by the water and listen to the waves crash against the shore. 

We used to live right down the street from a Rita's Water Ice, but can't get it where we live; so we decided to go for a treat one night. A storm was about to roll in, so we needed to order quickly! 

More beach time.

It's always fun to do some shopping in Bay Village.

Enjoying some down time. This week is always one of the most relaxing weeks of the year. And this house is very easy to relax in.

Jane came out in the middle of the week and we decided to go for a walk on the beach that day. 

 

This is one of our favorite burger places on the island.

They've got really good shakes too!

Sunsets over the bay. We probably take this same photo every year, but we love a good sunset.

I always look forward to my day with Jen. We eat lunch together, do some window shopping, and spend the afternoon on the beach. We talk for hours and hours and never run out of things to say. I'm so thankful for our friendship and our day together every year.

Curtis found a new sweatshirt! Thanks for the spending money, Mimi Jane!

After leaving LBI, we made our way over to Ocean City to visit with some more friends: the Krott Family!

We were there for the Fourth of July. . . 

. . . and got to watch fireworks on the beach. 

Me and another one of my Jens. I have so many friends named Jennifer/Jenny/Jen. Andy and the kids somewhat joke that that's a prerequisite for being my friend. 

Bella and Taylor. Bella is starting to collect Taylors. Her roommate is also named Taylor and of course Sam's last name is Taylor. 

Time to head back to Indiana. This kid always could sleep in the car really well. 

Another wonderful week at the shore!

Curtis's Birthday

Curtis turned fifteen at the end of June.

Andy started his day with a hearty breakfast. . . 

. . . and a special breakfast drink. 

Mabel was happy it was Curtis's birthday. 

We went to Rascal's Fun Zone to do some go-carting. 

And some mini-golfing.

Our final scores were:

Graydon - 41

Bella - 42

Curtis - 45

Andy - 48

Karen - 51

Our wristbands were good for two hours and we were out of time after mini-golf. We considered bowling, but it cost extra and it was more than we wanted to spend, both in time and money. It turned out there was an abandoned lane that had ten minutes left. Perfect! Curtis got to bowl for free! While we were sitting there, we found a card left behind that had a little bit of $$ left on it, which allowed Curtis to also play a basketball game. Bonus little gifts for our birthday guy. 

Our newest 15-year-old!

We went out to eat at a restaurant called BJ's and their dessert speciality is called a Pazookie. We all enjoyed a few bites and it was delicious. 

The next day, we went to an Indians game. It was a social gathering for Andy's work. We got to meet his boss and a few co-workers.

We were all a little too tired and full on Curtis's actual birthday to eat his cake, so we did it that next night. Can't beat homemade ice cream cake! 

The morning after, we left for our annual trip to the shore!