Spring Break {Part One}

The kiddos had off last week for Spring Break. To be honest I am not sure who was looking forward to it more - we were all in need of a nice break. No school, no PTO meetings, no field hockey or lacrosse. The only bummer was that Hubby was not able to take any time off. So last Monday the kiddos and I packed up the car and headed North for three days.

Our first stop was the Jersey Shore. (And no it is nothing like MTV makes it out to be!) We had a nice time chatting with my Gram and filling her in on all the things we have been up to this year. Then we took a walk up to the beach.  

The boys wasted no time at all. They had their shoes off, feet in the sand and digging for treasures in 10 seconds tops! I just love their enthusiasm but I do wish that beach "treasures" didn't smell as much as they do.

One little sad note about our time on the beach was that I was reminded that B is not a little girl anymore. The little girl that would have not minded the cold sea breeze and digging in the sand is gone. But at least my tween was sweet enough to let L chase her all over the beach.

All in all it was a perfect start to our Spring Break. I even convinced the boys to stay out of the water. I call that winning!

Jersey Shore

This past weekend B and I took a trip up to Jersey to visit with my family. Before we knew it we were at the Shore since there was no traffic at all.  For all those not from Jersey, we call all of our beach towns "the Shore". Once you at the Shore you might take a walk to the beach like B and I did with my father.

I have to be honest and say that I could not believe all the damage still left from Sandy this past October.  My uncle sent us all updates and photos. My Gram had to abandon her home until right before Christmas.  My mother told me that it was unlike anything she had ever seen at the Shore. With all that info I was still not prepared for what I saw.  

There was none of the old boardwalk left in Avon. None at all! I have walked the boards in Avon for my whole life and it was truly heartbreaking to see that there was nothing left. But in true Jersey Spirit, the beach was louder than normal. All of the cranes were working and the beach had a bunch of construction workers.  

I could have been sad that I didn't get to walk the boards or feel the sand but I was not. The Avon beach front might not be at its best and many small business have a very long road ahead but so many people are working to make the Shore even better than it was before Sandy. We call that being "Jersey Strong". We might get knocked down but we always come back stronger than ever!!!!