Kites & Food & Mini-golf, Oh My!

The little kids and I took an early evening walk on the beach (after stopping for ice cream cones, with sprinkles, of course, on the way), and were lucky enough to be able to fly some kites.

post ice-cream/pre-kite flying

I was more nervous than the kite owners as I watched Charlie and Olivia holding on tightly to the mile-long string, but soon enough, they were flying the kites like old pros!

After the kite flying, there was a gymnastics competition, and some prime photo opportunities! 

She scored a perfect 10 on this cartwheel!

For dinner, we decided to add our two cents to the age-old (according to the Ocean City Times magazine) rivalry between two boardwalk pizza shops:

While both pizzas were delicious, our vote was split almost down the middle between Manco&Mancos yummy crispy crust, and Preps robust sauce.  To be sure, we should probably have another competition tomorrow night, and the next night, and ...

One of our favorite discoveries a few years ago, was Mrs. Brizzle's Buns in Sea Isle City -- they bake the most gigantic, delicious cinnamon buns EVER smothered in a creamy homemade icing, but get there early because they are usually sold out by the afternoon!

yummmmmmm!

It would not be a beach vacation without mini-golf, and without at least one meltdown at said mini-golf event.  Every year, after forking over $30.00 for the kids to have their Tiger Woods moment, I swear it will be the last time EVER.  What made this year's outing even more fun was the 95 degree temperatures ... arrgh!  At least no one lost an eye!

Fore!

Uh ... ooooops!

Time to go -- before the clubs start flying!!

Sadly, our week is almost over and we still need to ride our bikes on the boardwalk, eat some caramelpopcorn, explore the nature trail on the bay by our beach house, go crabbing, buy some Italian water ice, ride the ferris wheel at the end of the boardwalk ... wonder if the next family of renters would mind if we stayed another few days ...

Lazy Days & Breezy Nights

What I like about a beach vacation is the gentle rhythm of the days, the predictability of what is going to happen, and, of course, the food!

Every day begins in the same way ... after a quick breakfast, we stuff our coolers with drinks and sandwiches, gather all our beach essentials, slather on the suntan lotion and trek to the beach. Once the sherpa arrives safely with all the gear to stake out the days' sandy compound, the fun really begins.

We occasionally take a break for an ice cold treat, or some lunch, then it's back to work!

This year's beach vacation was extra special because Aunt Leigh Ann, Grandma & Pop Pop came to spend a few days with us ... we all certainly ate better when Grandma was doing the cooking!

Our lazy days end with a walk along the boardwalk ... 

... where, apparently, my sister and I are both worthy targets for the seagulls:

It is interesting how vacationing at the beach is simultaneously exhausting and relaxing, and always too short.  Our visitors are all leaving today, and we only have 2 more days left to cram in all the other "must-do" things that we haven't done yet, so I need to stop blogging, stuff myself into my swimsuit and pack the wonder wheeler!