Last year, our friends the Kadusons invited us to go on vacation with them. We originally talked about going to Hilton Head, but later they decided LBI (Long Beach Island, NJ) would be our vacation destination. We weren't nearly as excited about the location, but we were thrilled they thought to include us ! We could have gone anywhere and had a good time! After weeks of searching for houses...and waiting for MONTHS once we found a place...it was FINALLY time for our vacation!
We stayed in the lovely community of Harvey Cedars on LBI in this
fabulous shore house!
It had a huge kitchen and dining area...
a great "Great room"...and loads of space with plenty of bedrooms!
About a half a mile down the street was the Harvey Cedars play park. It was PERFECT! They had larger playground equipment for bigger kids and a smaller version for toddlers. Lexie however decided she was a big kid that day and played on the larger set. She had a ball and wore Russ out chasing her all around the play ground!
From the slide, to the swings, over to the alligator bouncy "thing", back to the slides...etc!
She LOVED this play park!
They also had a wooden boat filled with plenty of fun stations to keep the little ones busy. There was a slide, a wheel, stairs, a plank...and did I mention it was two levels? The kids had a blast on the boat!
Lexie was showing her daddy all the fun the boat had to offer!
Most days we ventured to the park in the morning, came back for lunch and naps, then suited up for the beach in the afternoon. We were a quick walk from the beach (about 4 houses in) so it was super convenient in the event we forgot something or we were getting too much sun! The first day, Lexie wasn't too sure about the beach, but after she was there for a while she seemed to warm up to it a bit. After she saw the "bubbles" from the waves crashing on the beach...we couldn't keep her out of the surf!
A minor wardrobe adjustment...I just had to post it!
It was off to the "bubbles" for Lexie and Russ...check out the video!!!
Taking it all in...
Olivia LOVES the beach too (from the confines of her carseat that is)!
She knows how to have a good time...when she isn't napping that is!
Back at the house, the garage was full of fun and exciting toys for kids of all ages! After watching the Kaduson girls give the hula hoops a whirl, Lexie decides she want to try! It was very short lived...then off to the park for another morning of fun!
Lexie and I on the alligator "thing" (thanks for the picture Russ)
Back to the beach...
Our little bathing beauty...or should we call her
Powder?
One morning we decided to head to the northern most part of the island which is home to the Barnegat Light House. The weather was beautiful which made for an enjoyable visit and scenic views!
The light house in all her glory.
Russ and his girls sitting on the bench just outside of the
lighthouse
Lexie outside the doors at the base of the lighthouse.
It was back to the park...we couldn't miss a morning at Lexie's favorite spot on the island!
Down the BIG twisty slide she goes!!
Back at the house...Olivia is relaxes on the bed...being this cute is hard work!
Thursday looked as though it was going to be a total bust!!! The skies were ominous all morning and there was NO end in sight! Since there isn't much to do on LBI indoors with kids, we decided to hit the highway and head south...the sign says it all...
That's right...Atlantic City! After looking online for something to do, we decided to take the kids to the Atlantic City Aquarium...not the casinos!!! It wasn't the best aquarium, but it was something to do to pass some time and got us out of the house!!!
Monkey see..monkey do...Russ and Lexie look for fish.
Lexie loved the step up to the fish more than the fish...up and down...and up and down. The look on her face should be a clue as to what this ornery one was up to!
Peek a boo...I see you!
After we explored every inch of the aquarium, it was time for some lunch. There were a couple of quaint little restaurants, not too far from the aquarium, so we stopped at the one with a covered front porch so we could eat outside. The food was actually pretty good!
Acting goofy at lunch!
Margo, Gabby, and Charl0tte are all smiles!
A rare photo of Russ and I (and Olivia..thanks Tara for taking the picture!)
After lunch we walked along the docks while making our way back to the cars. We found this little carriage and the girls instantly loved it, but trying to get 4 kids to sit still and look at a camera was next to impossible!!!
Friday evening we ventured to the southern part of the island to
the Amusement Park. This was a favorite spot for all of us! The kids were able to enjoy a few rides and expend quite a bit of energy! It was super crowded...but we all managed to keep our wits about ourselves and no one got lost!!!
Wheeeeeeeeeee...Lexie and Russ take a spin on the Carousel!
Still smiling even when the ride comes to a stop!
Back from the amusement park and time to pack up! It doesn't seem fair, to have to wait for months...then in the blink of an eye...vacation's OVER! We had a great time, with good friends and fairly decent weather! Looking forward to our next adventure...
Thanks again Jay, Tara, Charlotte, Gabby, and Margo for a fun filled week!!!
Lisa, Tina and Tony getting their eat on!!! Good stuff!
The happy little couple hosting a SPECTACULAR throw down!
Fun Uncle Mitch has everything under control "...and that is how you make the perfect MAGICAL Margarita girls...and questions?"
Aunt Lisa and Olivia...yes, Uncle Mitch and Miss Tina gave her up long enough for a photo!
Thanks for such a great weekend!!! Can't wait until Thanksgiving! It will be here before we know it!!
