beach vacation

Oh, how I love the beach. Like, really, really love it! It's just so therapeutic. I love the sights, the sounds, the feel of that ocean breeze. I can leave all my worries behind and just relax. It is my favorite vacation spot by far. I don't think I'd mind even living there. Except for the fact that living at the beach is probably very different than visiting the beach. But still...I can't help but imagine. :)

This year I decided that enough was enough and we needed to go. This was little guy's first beach experience and that alone was enough reason to go. And although hubby has been to the sea in this part of the world, he had never experienced the beach in the US, even with all the years he lived there. I myself grew up going to the beach but it had been years (I'm talking about a decade!) since I had been there. It was our time to go!

Some cool things about our trip...My sister, her hubby, and my nephew were able to go during the same exact time. And my Mom had already planned to come along with hubby, little guy and me. Then in a last minute decision, my step dad was able to join us as well. It was so nice being there with family. We loved it so much that on our last full day, hubby started chanting "One more day!"...hehehe...and yes, after checking for room availability at our hotel, we ended up staying one more day. I sure wasn't going to argue and little guy was all for it. My sis and her family were able to find a room too. So it worked out great!

Here's a mini photo album, if you will, of our lovely trip...

A seagull looks on as people set up their beach umbrellas on the sand. Most mornings, we woke up, ate breakfast, and headed straight to the beach where we spent most of our day.

This is a beautiful scene right in our area on the beach. We had to be careful not to swim near these rocks though. What you can't see is the lifeguard who sits right off to the left ensuring that swimmers do not get too close.

Our hotel, which was oceanfront, right on the boardwalk, with balconies (my three conditions during hotel planning). The staff was wonderful at this hotel. We also enjoyed the Bistro downstairs for breakfast everyday and even a couple of our dinners. We will definitely consider staying here again.

The famous boardwalk. I believe this is about 3 miles long, lined with shops and food. In the morning hours you can ride bikes, and there are plenty of bike rentals along the boards. We did enjoy a family bike ride on a four-seater one morning. I love the boardwalk and can't imagine not staying on it during a visit to the beach.

The famous Candy Kitchen...the best salt water taffy and fudge (in many, MANY yummy flavors). They also have many other delicious treats such as chocolate covered pretzels and strawberries. Off to the right is one of my fav shops, Sunsations, perfect place to find souvenirs and tees. This year I bought a tie-dyed blanket, which feels like a big comfy hoodie, perfect for those lazy, chilly days of winter.

At the beginning of the boardwalk is the pier where you will find lots of fun things to do including an amusement park (as shown here). We took a walk down there one morning. There's so much to do.

Also at the pier, Ripley's Believe It or Not, full of interesting facts and things. Little guy thought this shark going through the building looked pretty cool, it moved too. :)

There are several of these play areas set up along the boardwalk. Great for small children to play on.

And yes, the seagulls, again. There is no shortage of these guys. They are not shy at all. And if you have the courage to share some Thrasher's fries (the famous fries @ the beach), or some bread, you'll find yourself surrounded by seagulls. I swear they have radar...lol.

Every time I look at these and the rest of our pictures I say to myself, "Oh yes, we must go back again next summer!". I truly hope we do!!! :)