Fireworks and Fun!

This year, we were scheduled to head to Sunset Island, on July 5th, for our annual beach trip with the Levys, Shafers, Nelsons and John Albers.  Luckily, L'ie Bear and I were able to head to the Eastern Shore on July 2nd and Chad followed the morning of July 4th.

The Bear and I spent a few days cooking for both a Fourth of July cookout and for our beach trip.  Then on Thursday, the 4th, we all headed over to Sarah and Kevin's house for a BBQ.  They had plenty of delicious food, water balloons, bubbles and even a kiddie pool for the Bear.  It would be an understatement to say that everyone got wet that afternoon!

After spending the day in their backyard, we all went to take in a Shorebirds game.  Chad and I met at that stadium 15 years ago, had our wedding reception at that stadium nearly 8 years ago, and have not been back since.  It was time to take L'ie and get some photos!!

The Bear enjoyed riding the carousel (she went on it about 8 times), we shared some dippin dots (flash frozen ice cream), and topped off the night with a great fireworks show.  We were not sure how L'ie would do with the loud fireworks, but she really enjoyed them...thank goodness.

Learning how to properly splash in the pool

Getting wet!

With Aunt B (Sarah)

Another ride with Kevin

Hanging out in the seats for a bit

Grumpa makes a good back rest!

Eating some chocolate Dippin Dots

Family shot in front of the concession stand where Chad and I met 15 years ago

Fireworks!!

 

So much fun.

The following day, Chad, L'ie Bear and I headed to Sunset Island, in Ocean City, for a long weekend with our friends.  The set up is perfect.  It is a gated community, with a private bayside beach and multiple pools.  There were even activities for the older kids, so Elizabeth Shafer could get a break from the young kids and all of the adults.

We stayed until Monday morning and spent quite a bit of time down at the beach.  The Bear especially loved playing in the sand and sitting at the edge of the water.  On Sunday, the Levys rented two paddle boards and everyone enjoyed giving it a try.  Some of us were much better than others, but it was still fun (despite all of the falling).  We even put L'ie Bear on the board and let her have a go.  Of course, the board was in a few inches of water, but she still had fun.

This year, Chad and I brought the "You Got Summered" t-shirts for the group.   They featured a picture of all four of the kids.  Grandpa did the drawing and he captured their personalities perfectly.

Plus, I really like to listen as L'ie points out the different kids on the shirt.  There is E (Elizabeth), Rella (Ella), Atchu (Matthew) and You (L'ie Bear). I guess we kept calling the L'ie Bear drawing "you", when we pointed it out to her, so now she thinks the person is "you", instead of L'ie.  Pretty funny!

The adults

The kids

L'ie at the beach

She loved being in the water

Playing with Chad and John

Playing with the sand

 

E and Chad on the paddle boards

On the paddle board with Chad

Matthew also went for a ride

Snack time!!

Watching a movie on our last morning

 It was a great vacation.  Every year as we all plan out this trip, Chad and I always agree to just do a long weekend.  And every year, once we are actually at the beach, Chad and I always agree that we should have opted to stay a week!  The kids are at the point where they can interact with each other, but it usually takes L'ie Bear a few days to be comfortable around everyone.  And now that we have kids on this trip, the packing/unpacking takes a lot longer.

But it is worth it.  This annual beach trip is always a great break for Chad and I.  We are able to spend time with friends and enjoy good drinks, food, stories and laughs.  Hopefully this is an annual tradition that I will continue to blog about in future posts.