::tap tap tap::
Anyone still out there?
I can’t believe it’s been almost a MONTH since I’ve checked in with you all, and I must say, I truly appreciate those of you who have reached out to check in and make sure we’re all doing okay over here. You guys are seriously the best!
The good news is that all is going great!! We’ve honestly just been enjoying a fun and busy summer, and I took the pressure off from sitting down at the computer too often.
Summer is such a short season around here, so we’ve been spending lots of time outdoors, hanging with friends, family, and neighbors, and letting the kids enjoy some later-than-usual bedtimes. And while I certainly do miss those earlier bedtimes and extra quiet time, we’re busy making memories and that’s what matters most. <3
And speaking of memories, we actually just returned from our annual, week-long vacation to Wildwood Crest, NJ!
Once again, we totally lucked out with weather, and could not have asked for anything better. And after a bit of a rocky start on the ride down (thanks to Alex getting car sick, not once…but twice), it was smooth sailing the rest of the week.
The majority of our days started off at the beach. And this year was quite different from previous ones, since Lucas has become quite the little fish and constantly wanted to be in the water. Thankfully, between Jay and my dad, they were able to keep him somewhat occupied with lots of boogie boarding.
By the end of the week, Alex was finally starting to get brave enough to get into the water a little bit, too; but before that, we had our beach pools and lots of sandcastle-making to keep him happy.
At least for a little while…because don’t get me wrong. I can’t even begin to count how many times I heard “I’m bored” or “I don’t know what else to doooooo” while we were (trying to) sit and relax with our toes in the sand. ; )
Since Alex still naps, we’d often pack up lunches for the boys to eat down at the beach, and then I’d head back with Alex so he could nap up in the room (kiddo just can’t nap on the fly).
And then eventually everyone would make their way back up to the condo and we’d spend a couple of hours at the pool.
And for the first year ever, I was actually able to spend some time in the pool without Alex constantly attached to my hip!
I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again…vacations with (my) kids are never easy. BUT, they are fun AND improving a little bit every year, so we’re taking those positive improvements and rolling with ’em!
In addition to our beach and pool days, we also had a few outings, including a much-anticipated trip to the boardwalk.
The boys were SO excited to go on all of the rides, so we spent a couple of hours there one evening letting them check ’em all out.
And then, after promising them we could stay until it was dark so they could see the rides all lit up, we ended the evening with some Kohr Bros cones.
We also took another trip to the Cape May Zoo this year, and it was freakin’ HOT.
The boys were complaining of the heat less than 5 minutes into it, but it really was brutal and I couldn’t blame them, so we zipped through everything in lightning speed in order to find solace back in the air conditioned car!
Luckily, it wasn’t a wasted trip, and we all really did have a great time checking out the different animals. We just did it while sweating our faces off.
That same evening, my parents offered to take the boys out for mini golf and ice cream so Jay and I could enjoy a little date night!
We decided to skip our usual spot in favor of a new restaurant we had spotted last year but didn’t get the chance to visit, MudHen Brewing Co.
We arrived early enough to enjoy the tail end of happy hour at the bar, so we ordered a couple of drinks along with their BBQ Pork Dip, and goodness gracious, that thing was out. of. this. worlllld.
Then we got more drinks because…vacation. They had a “Fruitie Patootie” beer on tap, which was a blonde ale with bursts of strawberry, and it was absolutely my favorite. A perfect summer brew!
And then we eventually headed outside and grabbed a table on their patio area for dinner. While we waited, we played some corn hole, which was so fun!
Dinner arrived shortly after, so we ate that, and then we were back for a couple more intense games of corn hole.
Freakin’ Jay beat me. I was THIS close…
One of our final outings of the week was a trip to our favorite ice cream spot, The Sea Shell!
And in true Sea Shell fashion, our sundaes were prepared with no less than 5 generous scoops of delicious, homemade ice cream.
No shame in my game. Gimme allllll the ice cream and caramel topping.
I’d say by about Thursday/Friday, the kids were nearing meltdown mode, so while it’s always sad to leave the shore, it was definitely time to get them back home and into their normal routine once again. All hiccups, and tantrums, and whining, and lack of listening aside, I am so thankful to be able to take these vacations with the boys and my parents.
We’re all making memories that are going to last a lifetime, and will most certainly be topics of discussion until we go back again next year!
Jade says
Glad you’re having a good summer. I live in northern Michigan…short summer here too so I get it. What are the lunchboxes you have (the bento style ones on the beach)? My kids don’t nap on the fly either!
Courtney says
Thanks, Jade! Yes, they’re Bentgo brand, and I got them from Amazon. We LOVE them!! https://amzn.to/2YqxfTi
kati says
Love seeing your wildwood update every year. We go every year, too (I’ve been going since I was a kid) and we always go in August so your update always gets me excited for our trip! Looks like it’s getting to be a *bit* more relaxing now that your kids are getting older.
Your hair looks super cute on your date night. I know you’ve done posts on your hair products and curling your hair but any thoughts on doing a post with a couple different ways you wear your hair? I always think your hair looks fantastic!
Tabby says
Love your Wildwood recaps, I’m always interested to see where you go since we are there every weekend! Mudhen is great, they had the fruitie patutti blueberry when I was there last time and I heard it wasn’t great so I went with their drink special, pineapple margarita and it was fantastic! I will have to stop in now that the strawberry is on tap! Enjoy every second of your summer, they go by too quick!
Courtney says
So fun!! Yes, you should definitely try the strawberry and report back and let me know what you think! Also…have you tried the Wildwood Cooler?? Holy cow, that thing was AMAZING!
Sue says
Glad to see you back. I was worried something had happened. I have one question. When did your boys grow up? Oh my goodness. What handsome young men. Maybe it’s their haircuts. LOL. Your vacation looks like it was a lot of fun (and work too). I always went to the beach for vacation growing up and never realized how much work it was for my mom and dad until I started to take my children to the beach. It is exhausting but the memories are worth it.
Courtney says
Awww, thanks so much, Sue! I know, it’s crazy how fast they’re growing…and I agree, I think it’s partially the haircuts too, haha!
Lindsay @ LindsayInNYC says
How did you concoct that pool in the sand thing?! Do share!
Courtney says
All you need is a plastic shower curtain liner!! Dig the hole with a trench around it, put the shower curtain in, secure the edges, and fill ‘er up!
Ashley says
You can also get a roll of plastic drop cloths if you don’t want to deal with having to have a sandy shower curtain around. We were in the OBX last week and the little pool kept my 2 year old niece entertained for hours!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
Looks like you guys had a fun time! And that fruity beer sounds delicious. I like the same kinds of beers too.
Emily says
Glad you had fun! That pool creation is genius! We went on a beach vacation last week too and my youngest did not want to go into the ocean so we tried to make a pool and the water just kept being absorbed by the sand. Beach vacations are so fun though despite the work!
Courtney says
YES! Definitely grab yourself a plastic shower curtain next time and you’ll be good to go!
Vanessa says
Glad to see an email from you today! Love that last pic!!
Courtney says
Me too! I want to frame it <3
Jen says
I think your pictures say it all!! Love them all!! Looked super fun and great family time. The ice cream cone with all the sprinkles made me drooling. Thank you so much for sharing. As always you are awesome!!!! 😉
Courtney says
Awww, thanks so much, Jen!! :)
Michelle says
Glad you are back and posting. That pool idea on the beach was great. I can’t believe how the boys are growing.
Courtney says
You and me BOTH, Michelle! It’s crazy how fast they’re growing!! <3
Lauren C. says
Glad to have you back!! Sounds like your trip was awesome!
Julie says
Such a fun vacation! Vacations with kids are just not the same as they were before kids but still so much fun!!! We just got back from our first trip as a family of 5 (including a 2 month old) at Cape Cod. It also happened to be the first time no other family member came so it was just us! There are usually sooo many cousins and aunts and uncles there to help!
Where in Wildwood do you stay? We are looking for a trip to take in August before I go back to work and Wildwood looks like fun!
Courtney says
That sounds fun!! We stay way down in the crest in some condos. It’s nice because it’s really quiet (compared to northern Wildwood with the boardwalk, etc.) but close enough to get to wherever! If you’re looking for a good beachfront hotel, we used to stay at the Reges Oceanfront Resort!
Melissa says
This looks like it was such a fun vacation! I remember spending several summer vacations at the Jersey shore when I was younger and it always a lot of fun!
Blair says
That is one thing I don’t think I have ever heard at the beach is I am bored, we go often and stay for 12+ hours on the beach. My kids are little beach rats I think, luckily the littlest naps anywhere bc otherwise it would be rough. Glad you made memories and had some fun. It’ll get better and better each year! We’ve never tried Wildwood or any beach in NJ its either Maine, the Cape or Maryland.
Mary Burns says
Glad to see you back on here! So happy you’re having such a great summer! We’re trying to make some great memories too before Claire starts kindergarten in August, yikes!!! Have a wonderful week!!
Courtney says
Ahhh, it happens SO FAST! Enjoy every minute, Mary!!
Jill says
What a fun vacation! Like everyone else, so glad you are back – but I completely respect you taking a little time away to recharge and focus on the family. I’d love to also hear how you created the cute curly ponytail on your date night. Your boys really are growing up so fast and are so cute.
Courtney says
Thanks, Jill! It was actually from wearing the two braids that I was wearing earlier in the day (sort of seen in our family pic above). I made my mom do them the night before then slept in them and wore them all day. Took ’em out at night, wham bam, curly pony! ;)
Nicole says
I’m a Cape May girl, so I love reading your Wildwood recaps! (now I’m craving some Kohr Bros). Sounds like you had a great time. Hope you enjoy the rest of your summer.
Courtney says
We’ve never really ventured into Cape May much, other than to the zoo! Any other fun spots you’d recommend hitting up next year with the kiddos??
Michelle C says
Looks like you had an incredible time! My family and I always go to Wildwood ourselves for vacation. We are planning on going down the middle of August. I hope we have great weather just like you guys did! We are definitely going to check out the zoo as well! PS…your mom looks INCREDIBLE!!!!!
Courtney says
Thanks, Michelle! YES, doesn’t she?!? We’re so proud of her!!!
Whitney says
Your mom looks amazing!!! What a fun trip!
Courtney says
Doesn’t she?!? We’re so proud of her – she’s lost almost 70 pounds since December!! <3
Emily says
So happy to see your post and your trip looked fantastic!! :)
Wendy says
Looks like such a fun vacay :) Loved your beach outfits- adorbs! And your mom looks INCREDIBLE!!! Bravo and a huge high five to her! <3
Courtney says
Thanks, Wendy!! :)
Amy says
Where is that bathing suit with the black and white checked top from? It’s adorable!!!
Courtney says
Thank you!! It’s Cupshe brand, and I got it from Amazon! Here’s the link: https://amzn.to/2JSKC6N
Jackie says
Longtime reader here (we are talking 8 years? 9 years?)! Happy to see you are back and to hear you’re having a great summer!! I live in the Cap. District too and have a baby and a toddler. I relate to your feelings on this season!
Courtney says
Oh my goodness, thank you SO MUCH for being such a longtime reader! Hope you’re also enjoying this summer :)
meredith maguire says
That last picture of the boys is priceless! I’m imagining it black & white on a canvas!
Kelsey says
We were just in Wildwood Crest last week, too! Our kids were sick the whole week, so we didn’t get to the beach too much. But we did venture out to the Cape May Zoo (you’re right… so hot!) and the boardwalk for some rides. Do you ever take your kids to the Raging Waters water park in the back of Moreys Pier? Our soon to be 6 year old has finally reached the age where he wants to go on all the crazy water slides. I’m sure Lucas would enjoy that, too! Plus there’s a pirate ship and “kid zone” type thing in the back for the younger ones. Our 3 year old enjoyed that. Definitely worth checking out! We go back in September and we’ll have to check out MudHen based on your recommendation!
Shashaqueefa says
YAy missed seeing your posts courntey! I’m glad you and the family had a well deserved vacation! And your momma looks great! I won a hot dog eating contest 4th of July wknd without even knowing i was in a competition! I thot it was a buffet! Haaaaay