So, the weekend kind of started last Tuesday, ha! Tuesday night we headed over to Dads house for the evening so we could kick of the 4th of July activities.
Wednesday morning the boys got up and played golf. The girls hung back and the kids played outside and the babies napped. We had some lunch and then headed over to the pool. It was packed but we were finally able to get some seats. We all enjoyed the water because it was really hot. We bought Mary a battery operated fan so it could sit on her stroller and keep her cool in this heat.
Henry and Charlie hung around for the fireworks while Mary, Maggie and I headed home for the night. I ran around the house finishing up the laundry and getting our bags packed to head to NJ the next day.
Thursday morning our new bed arrived and we had friends over. I worked while all of this was going on.
After that we packed up and headed out of town to our annual 4th of July picnic in New Jersey.
Friday, we took the kids to the Land of Make Believe in Hope, New Jersey. It's a really old family park but the kids had a blast. They rode some rides when we first got there and then we headed over to the water park area.
Henry was fearless in the waterpark. If the big kids were doing it, he was going to do it too. It was so fun taking him down the water slides and having him run through the pirate ships. Mary even got to ride on the lazy river.
After the park, I had to make a pit stop at Hot Dog Johnny's. I think in NJ it might be a rite of passage to eat there before you die. It was nostalgic for me. We used to drive by it on our way to our Grandparents in PA. Apparently, my dad never stopped because well he is unAmerican and doesn't like their hot dogs. My mom must have made him stop because I remember eating there many times.
We had birch beer and hot dogs. Henry on the other hand had strawberry ice cream and I must say it was the best strawberry ice cream I had ever had. We took Rt 31 home and it really was a like a trip from my past. I have no idea when the last time I was on that road but I remembered a lot of the sites on the way.
Friday night was spent making dips, putting up tents and just getting ready for Saturday.
Saturday morning came and I woke up in a rush. It was 7:45am and there were no children to be found. The fishing contest was starting in 15 minutes and the kids were sleeping. About ten minutes later they all came down and we rushed them out of the house. Henry won for being the youngest fisherman and Jeffrey won for the biggest fish.
After that there was the sand castle contest and the Doo Da parade. Mary decided she needed she nap so she slept while the parade got lined up. She won for the youngest participant in the parade. After the parade there was a lot of eating, drinking and swimming. Henry enjoyed all the activities and especially getting to ride on the ponies.
After dinner there was a raffle and the fireworks. We ended up winning three of the raffled items. Henry picked a fishing net and a boogie board. We gave one raffle away to his cousin Jack who picked some water toys. The fireworks were fabulous or at least that is what I was told. Mary, Maggie and I were up at the house so I missed them again.
Are you tired yet, because we haven't even gotten to Sunday......Sunday morning everyone slept in, well most of us. Mary woke at 6am, had a bottle and then slept until 8:30am. It was nice to get some extra sleep. We had our usual of bagels and bacon. Jersey bagels are the best and I sometimes think it is one of the reasons I can convince Charlie to keep road tripping to NJ ;)
The morning was a whirlwind and we ran out the door around 10:30am. We were headed to a park picnic with all my besties. It was the first time in over a year we have all been together. It was great getting together and watching all the kids play and run around. Thank you, Kimberly and Michael for putting the picnic together.
Look at this group......
It was the perfect way to end the perfect trip. We already miss everyone and are looking forward to doing it all again next year!
