The first day

Sunday, August 30, 2009
The first day of vacation is always a challenge. So much to do, so little time. First there was the ferry ride. It's so nice to have someone else do the driving! Here are two of my sisters, April (l.) and Brenda enjoying the ride.

Once we arrived, the kids could not wait to get to the boardwalk. Mostly for the sugary treats that awaited them...
...and the rides. The swings are a perennial fave with Harper.
and the games...
Heading back to the rental house after a fun first night!
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A sign of the times

Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Today while out and about picking up some odds and ends for our vacation, I noticed that not only were there Halloween decorations on display but also wrapping paper and ribbons for Christmas. Are you kidding me? It's the end of August. Why do retailers insist on wishing the summer away?
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A surprise and some horses

On Saturday, we had the pleasure of celebrating my nephew Geoff's 30th birthday at Monmouth Park, a horse race track here at the Jersey shore. What made it even more fun was that the party was a complete surprise to Geoff. So much fun!

Monmouth Park
Here's the unsuspecting birthday boy (in the white shirt) approaching the party.

Geoff and his wife Patti
Partygoers
In the home stretch Harper enjoying the festivities and patiently waiting for cake!
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Getting excited

Thursday, August 20, 2009
The annual Coleman Family vacation is rapidly approaching. My sisters and I and our respective families including spouses and children and some super close family friends head to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware for a week of R&R. It seems as though we start the countdown to the next year the moment the vacation ends the previous year.

I grew up spending summer vacations in Rehoboth. I have so many wonderful memories of my childhood vacations there, and I absolutely love that I can create many of those same memories with my own daughters. The kids are bursting with excitement. I just hope they can hang on until next Saturday! Last night they began packing. 10 days in advance. That never happens. Can you tell that they can't wait to spend a week with their aunts, uncles, and cousins?

We usually drive from New Jersey to Delaware, but this year we'll be taking a ferry. We'll board at the southern most tip of NJ, Cape May and disembark in Lewes, DE and drive a few more miles to Rehoboth. The girls are so excited about the ferry. Plus, two of my three sisters will be following in a car behind us. It's going to be tons of fun!

I can't wait to take pictures!
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The Avalon Annual

Monday, August 17, 2009
Since we live at the beach, my husband has difficulty justifying packing up the car to spend the weekend at a different beach. I obviously have absolutely no problem with this. In fact, I'd do it every weekend. I love adventure.

This past weekend, we packed everyone up for a trip to Avalon, New Jersey, one of the most scenic resort towns in the state. Better yet? We went to visit friends who live in suburban Philly but have a summer house in Avalon. This was our second annual trip to Avalon to see our friends, and it never disappoints.

Before heading to the beach, we enjoyed pizza for lunch. Once we hit the beach, we couldn't keep the kids out of the ocean. The water temperature was close to the upper 70's and the waves were perfect. You don't get many beach days like that here on the east coast.

We had to bribe them out of the water with candy necklaces.

Waiting for the ice cream man.The buckets didn't get much use.
After the beach, we sat down for an awesome dinner.





And a team photo.

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New ears

Thursday, August 13, 2009
Two weeks ago while we were browsing a jewelry store, Harper had a brilliant idea. She wanted to have her ears pierced. I knew the day would come. She had wanted to do it a few months prior but had soon forgotten about it. I've never put limits on the ear piercing thing. My mom wouldn't allow me to do it until I was 10, but my stance has always been if the girls feel they are ready for the responsibility, they can do it.

Obviously at 3, Harper isn't ready for the responsibility, but she was ready to endure the procedure. Since the store we were browsing doesn't actually pierce ears, we had to go to Claire's. Here's the play by play.
In the chair and ready to go. No trace of fear.

Wow! That was quick. And much to my disbelief...NO CRYING!!

Cute little ears.

Overly excited about her new ears!

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Wordless Wednesday: Summer fun

Wednesday, August 12, 2009
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A sweet surprise

Tuesday, August 11, 2009
These popsicles look good enough to eat. But...they are soap! How cute! I'm always looking for cute little things like this for Emma to give to her friends as birthday gifts. Gifts like this are always so much fun, and girls love anything unique.

Delish! Buy one (or more!) here.
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Wordless Wednesday: Sweetness

Wednesday, August 5, 2009
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Saying goodbye to July

Monday, August 3, 2009
It's hard to believe that July has come and gone. Where does time go? I thought I'd post some of my favorite pictures from the month since I've taken a summer vacation from Friday Fotos.

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