A Week at the Beach

We just got back from the annual 4th of July week in Ocean City, NJ. It was wonderful and relaxing, as always. No surprise that Lauren was in heaven running in and out of the waves and playing in the little baby pool alongside the adults. Sophie also had a great time digging and hanging out with Quinn and Carley and their friends ("the girls"). We lucked out with great weather, except for Hurricane Arthur, which came through on Friday for a few days, and unfortunately caused the fireworks to be cancelled. Overall a great getaway!

Lauren happy as a clam - taking a break on the beach chair

Pap Pap giving Sophie some kite flying instruction

Beach-loving kids

Nana with her 3 grand babies 

Lauren rode the Carousel for the first time...

And so did Ari.

Ocean City 2013

Over the 4th the Coughlins and Rainers had their traditional summer vacation in Ocean City. Sophie stayed with them for the entire week and enjoyed being the most spoiled little grandkid there was. Lauren and I came down for a few days at the end of the week. While the weather the first part of the week wasn't great, the weather at the end was perfect! Lots of beach sitting, cocktail drinking, book reading, bike riding, treasure burying and just relaxing.... ahhhh. I have about a million pictures, and here are just a few of the highlights.

Lauren's first real beach day. She wasn't a fan of the water, but didn't mind hanging out in her chair or on the lap of her relatives. 

 Sophie is a true beach bum. She could be down there for 8 hours straight, and still not be ready to leave. She had a blast playing by herself, making friends, and running in and out of the water. 

And what's a trip to Ocean City without renting a surrey?

The whole crew (sans James, who is taking the picture)

 After the week was over, Becky, James, Mom & Dad and all of us visited with Kathy & Dave at their new house in Rock Hall, MD. Here's Sophie helping Dave and Uncle Ed to clean a fish. She's quite the little helper. 

6 Months Old!

Lauren had her 6 month check up last week. She's doing great and getting big! 16lbs and 26 inches long. Here she is in her 4th of July outfit!

4th of July

Sophie and I spend Fourth of July weekend in Ocean City again this year. The Coughlins and Rainers got an amazing house, and we also celebrated Doug's 50th birthday! 

My cousin Holly and her son, Cameron, came to visit a few days before the 4th. Here Carly was entertaining them with Wheels on the Bus. A Sophie favorite. 

 Becky, Sophie & me

 Carley and Quinn playing with Sophie in the water. She loved the water and the sand. 

 Sophie's first bike ride! 

Me, Julie & Vicki

 Sophie digging in the sand. She loved it. And it got everywhere. 

The family picture for Doug's 50th birthday in the infamous "Wicked Hardcore" shirts. 

Laughing

Sophie has been giving us some good belly laughs lately - which when you watch you can't help but laugh yourself. We just figured out how to download videos off of the video camera, so this one is actually from July 4th (as you'll notice from her festive outfit).