We really had a fantastic time in NJ. We spent a few days with Carl's parents in Whiting, and then 2 weeks at the beach--Schoa Beach (between Ortley and Seaside Heights). What a blessing it was to spend time together, with friends and family, take a trip to New York City with Maike and family, play in the ocean, go to the boardwalk, take the older girls to Camp Iroquoina, and relax!
Carl's dad celebrated his birthday while we were there.
Here's Uncle Steve and Romeo.
Don't they look alike?!
Uncle Steve, Aunt Cathy, and Carl's sister Carol came over too.
Grandma loves her grandkids!
Grandpa loves his grandkids too!
It was so nice to catch up with friends--here we are with Joci (my college roommate) and kids.
My friend Clare also came with her dad to visit for a day.
The Smiths stopped by for dinner.
Cousins Connor and Elliot are lots of fun.
My beautiful sister, Maike, and I.
Casino Pier Boardwalk rides...and then an enormous pizza!
Trey and Elliot
Off to NYC--we took the Staten Island Ferry, took the subway to Grand Central Station and dropped off the Copeland's things at their hotel, zipped back down to Battery Park, grabbed a hot dog off a cart, boated to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, walked to Ground Zero, grabbed some dinner to go at a pizzeria, said "Bye" to the Copelands, and took the Staten Island Ferry back to the car.
Carl and Carol
The Delaware Water Gap is behind the girls--that's where Carl and I got engaged up at the top. We stopped on the way home from camp and put our hands in the Delaware River.
Maggie invited some friends to come to the Spring Lake Lagoon for a party.
We went to Cattlemen's to celebrate on the actual day...we had coupons from when the kids and I went on a field trip there.
Trey loved the ribs!
We were thrilled to have Fred Barton come and visit us for a couple of days. He is our friend from our days at DTS and lives in New Zealand.
We took Fred to Armstrong Woods, Goat Rock, and Screamin' Mimis :) It was a bit windy at the coast.
Our 11th Annual Neighborhood Picnic! What a blast!
We hung out and ate, played with water balloons and bubbles, held babies, and when the sun went down...
...made s'mores!
