Our beach vacation

We left very early in the morning for our adventure in Stone Harbor, NJ to see our old friends Brian and Cyndi and their little one, Ava.

I think Wes is starting to think excessively long car rides are normal...He slept a lot on the ride down, which we appreciated. Shortly after we arrived, we headed to the beach, where Ava really got into the sand!

Wes loved finding shells on the beach, and running around a lot!

We loved seeing our dear friends and getting to know Ava.

We watched the sunset over dinner back at Cyndi's family's home on the Intracoastal Waterway.

The wonderful, bright sunshine made the kids wake up quite early...but maybe you can tell that by Phil's face? It was hard to be upset about the early hour with so much cuteness around, though!

We had a little photo session of Wes and Ava in their matching Stone Harbor shirts. I can't even begin to tell you how difficult it was to get a picture of Ava and Wes together...

...especially after he learned he could touch her. He just wanted to hug and squeeze her!

I think this one is my favorite.

Ava's first taste of watermelon!

Wesley and Ava were very good about sharing toys, and Wes even liked her exersaucer.

We decided to go to the beach after lunch and naps, but we managed to still get outside and enjoy the water in the morning. Cyndi and Ava led the way down to the dock.

This beach thing sure is tiring!

Brian and Ava waited until we arrived at the beach to take their naps. So sweet.

This trip was the first time Wes and I have really gone out in some big waves and we both loved it. He did get a little chilled, though, so I bundled him up and was shocked by how long he stayed and cuddled.

Some playtime before dinner. Wes is so in love with her!

The next morning, we all gathered in our bed. I read Wes and Ava a book, but I think Wes just used the book as an excuse to squeeze Ava some more :).

Then, we headed off to the Wetlands Institute to explore the marsh before we went to the beach for the day.

The Nicholson/Tucker Family...our wonderful hosts--thank you!

The ex-marsh teachers and future marsh-explorers! We love the marsh!

Wes and Ava enjoyed their new books at the beach.

We've been having a hard time getting Wes to eat lately, so I've been making him some crazy smoothie concoctions! Shhh...don't tell him there might be avocado or butternut squash or maybe even chicken in that sweet, fruity drink!

Wes learned that one of the best parts about the Jersey shore is that most lawns are made up of rock--a little boy's dream! He spent hours throwing them.

Celebrating at sunset during their last night at the beach.

Funny dinner faces.

While we all had to leave by mid afternoon, we snuck a last visit to the beach!

Wesley learned about paddleball on this trip and since it involves a ball, he loved it.

He was especially excited when Aunt Cyndi showed him how to play!

Little man, big beach

Cyndi with Wes and Ava and her brother Rob. Do you see who's being uncooperative?

SPF Uncle Brian. No reapplication needed after swimming or towel drying.

Bye-bye beach--it was fun!

On the way back home,

we stopped to see Great Grandma!