#3 & #4 The beach and icecream

We drove to New Jersey to Island Beach State Park for an afternoon at the beach.  We thought that there would be fewer people at the beach if we went on a Thursday afternoon.  Honestly, I would hate to see how many people there would be had we gone on a weekend.  Umbrella's were strewn everywhere my eye could see. 

These huge umbrella's made me feel like a beach novice.  I really need to get a true beach umbrella if I want to fit in with the Atlantic coast beach bums.  However, this cute little beach bum had a blast playing in the sun and the sand. 

 

She got a chance to put one of her birthday gifts to great use.  She loved using the little shovel and rake to scoop sand into her bucket. 

 

It took a couple of tries before she was brave enough to let her feet touch the sand.  Every time we tried sitting her in the sand, she would pull her legs up as far away from the sand as she could.  Later, when she finally got up the courage, she loved the feel of the sand between her toes and fingers.  She was interested in the water, but not quite brave enough to sit or splash in it. After the initial shock of the cold water splashing over her, she would giggle every time the tide came in. 

 

 

We took a break for lunch where Eliza (really, she pushed the button) took this awful picture of me. 

She got in some loving daddy time. 

And I got some snuggles too. 

 

Then... it was back to the water for the dad and the girl.  Mom, enjoyed reading a book under the shade of her umbrella. 

The weather was very nice.  It wasn't too hot - in fact the temperature was just right.  Jumping in the cold Atlantic Ocean was refreshing but not necessary to stay cool.  We really enjoyed this beach.  It is clean and family friendly.  Next year, we'll probably camp at the campground.  I also liked how you paid per vehicle instead of per person like most other beaches.  The cost was double for us because we are not New Jersey citizens.  Still $12 for our whole family to enjoy the beach was worth it. 

 

 

I used the indoor shower house to rinse Eliza off before leaving.  I couldn't bear to put a diaper over her sandy bum.  I can't imagine how uncomfortable and itchy that would be.  The girl was having too much fun to get a nap in at the beach.  Seconds after being strapped into her car seat, she was zonked.

Our little princess slept through our #4 fun activity, stopping for some Jersey Shore (and very expensive) ice cream. 

This was a treat because we rarely go out for ice cream.  I prefer to get a half gallon of ice cream for less than a medium cone at the ice cream shop.  However, every once in while, it's a nice thing to do.  Way to drive, pose, and eat your ice cream at the same time Bruce.