stone harbor, 2018.

When we said our goodbyes and drove away from some of the cousins this year, after a yummy pizza dinner at Poppi’s in Wildwood, Parker sat in the back of the car and began to cry. Through big tears he told us how much he was already missing his cousins. I texted Kate, “Parker’s already crying.” She texted back, “So is Quinn.” We decided we absolutely have to get these kids together more often. It’s our responsibility! (And a plan to do so is already in the works.) That’s my Mom and my cousin Colleen! I mean, it’s just a week of beach fun, boardwalk, pizza, hanging out at my Mom and Dad’s pool, laughing, listening to music, playing games. We saw Incredibles 2 in Stone Harbor on one rainy day, had a talent show at my parent’s house while Motown played in the background, ordered Wawa hoagies for the beach, boogie boarded together, and shared time over Mack n Manco’s pizza in Ocean City. Quinn, sister Kate, and Nora I grew up in New Jersey, and spent a lot of time in Ocean City and Sea Isle during the summers. There was nothing quite like having all my cousins together in one big beachfront Sea Isle house. We’d play spoons, have obstacle courses on the beach, get slathered with Water Babies sunscreen, eat Pop Ice by the handful, lay in the hot sand–especially up by the dunes when you’re chilled from just getting out of the water, and watch movies at night. It was total magic.  Giving our kids the same thing that was so precious to me as a child is the best. Watching their anticipation as the Jersey shore rolls around every summer, and the fun they have while there is so reminiscent of my own childhood.  Denis Emmett and Anders Emmett! Matching hoodies and all. We love you, Jersey shore! See you next year!

P.S. One more NJ post coming actually–a video!!!!