Bradley Beach, New Jersey 2009

There is a good reason for my absence. We spent a week in Bradley Beach, New Jersey for some fun and sun. It's our 3rd year going there and we love it. A big thanks goes to our wonderful hosts, Rose and Marc. Rose is a wonderful cook and made us many wonderful dinners while we stayed with her. I managed to make only one meal for them, but it was successful. DH and I had a great time grocery shopping at Wegmans. That place has everything and I found it overwhelming at times.As you can see, Melody took to the sand like a fish to water. She had so much fun playing in the sand and just walking around the beach. She would wander off to explore while DH followed her from behind.She was wary of the huge waves in the beginning. This picture is so cute! Here she is ready to run the other way when the waves came.She was laughing from the excitement of the waves when it came crashing in. The last time we spent on the beach, DH dug a hole and the waves would fill it up, then she jumped right in and played. She didn't even mind that the water was freezing that day.
The Macaroon Shop was on my list of places to visit this year in the Jersey Shore. It did not disappoint.
I bought the Coconut Macaroons and the Almond Macaroons. Delicious! Plus they freeze very well. I have a few left in the freezer right now. After I publish this post, I am going to head downstairs for the cookies!
Veronica is enjoying her first purchase from the Ice Cream Truck. This particular truck only sold Italian Ices. Her shirt and face was blue after she ate it. Her grandma, Rose, worked wonders to get the stains out.Here is Jen (Veronica and Penny's mother) playing with Napoleon and Penny. Napoleon always manages to squeeze himself into a lot of photos. Caesar is off somewhere trying to keep cool from the heat.Penny is just adorable! I forgot what is was like to have a baby around. With 3 kids at one time at the beach house, it got pretty crazy loud when they would start whining or crying.
On our last day, we walked on the boardwalk to Asbury Park. When I was there last year, it was still in development, so it was great to see all the new shops and restaurants that opened up there. Don't quote me on this, but I think the above pic was where parts of The Wrestler was filmed.DH and Melody inside a glass studio. I had a great time wandering into the glass and pottery studios, galleries and small shops in Asbury Park.Melody with her first ice cream cone. The flavor was Toasted Almond. She almost didn't know what to do with it when we handed it to her. But she learned quick!