@ the beach, day 3

Our day started with a 4 mile walk along the boardwalk. Cora did it all without rest and she did great!

 We passed a children's festival, where Cora chose to have a butterfly painted on her face

 We saw some rather creepy renditions of Bert, Ernie and Dora

 Cora wrote the "O" in her name on the beach before the waves took it away

 walking along the boardwalk towards the Mummers parade

 chatting up with the Mummers

playing the "Beer Barrel Polka"

 Emi clapping along

Cora's first Ferris Wheel ride -- she was by far the bravest!

 HEY.... Emi had to walk home while Cora took over the stroller!

@ the beach, day 2

This morning my sister and I were able to take a 4 mile walk on the beach while the grandparents watched the girls. It was wonderful! 

 Making a sandcastle with Sofu (which has been MUCH anticipated since this vacation was planned)

Aunt Becky showing Emi how to rake the sand

 She really got into it and ended up covered in sand by her own doing

Watching everyone in the ocean, Emi's still unsure about the water...

Heading home before the rain

@ the beach, day 1

What a beautiful day! We only spent a couple of hours on the beach and we were grateful for the umbrella, so far, no sunburns... we're looking forward to tomorrow :)

 Emi passed out in my arms

 Playing with legos brought by Oba and Sofu (Becky playing, that is...)

 Welcome Oba!

We've arrived in OC, NJ!

 our residence for the next week, just a block off the beach

 can you tell they are sisters?!?! OR THEIR PARENTS children?!?

 Emi's fascinated with the birds

 hosing off the sand

 chilling on the balcony before dinner

 just a pose (Cora walked the ENTIRE boardwalk without a complaint!)

dusk on the boardwalk

Now in Philly

We flew to Philly yesterday to meet up with Aunt Becky and Uncle Jim before heading to the Jersey Shore today for a week's vacation! We're so excited to spend time with family and finally dip in the Atlantic Ocean! Looking forward to Greg joining us on Wednesday, of course! 

In the meantime...

ice cream!!!

 reuniting with our old buddy Foster Angus!

 playing doctor with Emi (Aunt Becky taught her how to use a stethoscope -- she even listened to Foster's heart murmur!)

 AND all of Aunt Becky's stuffed animals 

 now time to groom

 Cora gets her nails painted for the first time

 ta-dahhhhh!