The Beach!

Spring Lake, New Jersey.

Who knew this was such a beautiful little town!?!  We found it online, looking for a quiet, beach town close to NYC.  We had no idea just how perfect it would be for us.

Walking down Main Street.  We arrived after dark Tuesday evening, so didn't see the area until we walked into town the next morning for breakfast.  What we couldn't believe as we walked, was that house after house, and block after block of this town was immaculate.

Porch fun - just before we hit the beach.

Ready for some beach fun.

Look at those faces.

These waves were surprisingly strong, and the water got deep fast.

Ready to dig.

Andrew was buried multiple times.  

Flying kites!  Love these expressions - the worried older brother, the slightly annoyed younger.

Our hotel.

Just flying kites and holding hands.

Will fish.

Andrew face.

These two.  They couldn't get enough.

And then built an awesome sand castle.

Will loves his Daddy.

And of course we had to dig a hole.

Caden took a turn at the kite (and notice - even the beach patrol boats are pretty!)

And then they played football.  For a long loooong time.

Will and Abby made a masterpiece of their own.

Ready to head out for dinner.

Ice cream!

Followed by a sunset walk on the boardwalk.

Choo choo train Will.

Lovin his daddy.

Classy ladies (rockin the bow and men's coat).  And Jen's beach hair makes me happy.

Our crazy crew.  Love these precious friends.  So much fun.

Crazies.

The next morning - yummy breakfast at the hotel.

Crazy us.

The tide was low, which made for an insanely fun sand bar island. 

Will ran like this...

for hours.

Caden became the shell hunter.

I think we came back with more than twenty of them.  Now looking for good craft ideas - we might make candles??

Brothers - filling in our hole from day 2.

Just a little glimpse of one of the streets as we were driving out of town.

On our way home we took a quick stop at Dave's alum,

University of Delaware!

It was the perfect place to stop and stretch our legs (and eat a quick dinner!), and fun to show the boys where Dad went to college.

Precious.

What an incredible gift this trip was.  Such a perfect way to start our Summer, and full of so many moments we will never forget.  The amazing sights, friends and sweet family time - we can't even begin to express how grateful we are.