Braver than the average parents or just plain nuts?

June was a slow blogging month because we've been so busy. I'm going to attempt to get caught up this week, backing all the way up to the first weekend in June.

Those of you who've followed this blog for a while probably read about how much fun we had last year at Ocean City vacationing. Caleb had such a blast that I've looked forward to taking him back this year and taking Dave along too this time. With a new little one though, we weren't sure how this was going to work. Originally, we planned to make the trip in August so Hadley would be around five months old. However, the more we thought about it, several factors motivated us to go ahead and make the trip sooner rather than later.

One of the primary factors was the heat. Vacationing at the end of May/beginning of June makes for much cooler days lounging outside, and we thought it would be easier for Hadley to tolerate. From last year's trip, we knew the weather was very moderate that early in the season and that the beaches, restaurants, etc. wouldn't be nearly as crowded.

Making the trip in what is somewhat the off-season is also a lot cheaper. We really wanted to stay at the Hilton again because of the kids' waterpark and the way the first floor rooms open right out to the poolside so while your little ones nap in the room, you can still keep an eye on them and get some sun at the same time. We couldn't swallow the $400-$500 price tag associated with the August rates but the May ones fit our budget much better. Several restaurants also had better pricing this time of year.

After my mom told me she had taken my sister to the beach when Courtney was only five weeks old and things went okay, I began to think it was doable. She encouraged us to go sooner rather than later and we were glad we did!

Day 1: The kids slept most of the car ride there which made traveling a breeze. We stopped at the outlets a little for the kids to eat lunch and stretch their legs, as well as to satisfy their mama's baby clothes buying addiction. Aside from that one stop and a little bit of traffic, we pretty much kept rollin'.

We checked into the hotel and then checked out the waterpark. Since we arrived in the late afternoon, the sun had gone down and it was a bit chilly so we quickly moved inside to the indoor pool to get the fun and relaxation started.

That night we hit Philips Seafood. I think it may have been the longest meal we've ever had. Between juggling the two kids and trying to pick open all those crab legs, crabs, clams, mussels, crawfish, etc., it seemed like we'd never get out of there. Courtney and my mom were a blessing to have with us, especially during the meals because they were great at entertaining and helping to make sure Caleb sat still long enough to get a some food in his belly.

Day 2: We didn't get to get to the beach the first day so we headed straight for it the next morning. As I expected, Caleb loved the ocean and the sand. Dave attempted to teach him how to make a sandcastle, and then I taught Dave :).  (What do you expect from fella who grew up in the Midwest - Love you, hubby!) Hadley lounged under our large umbrella and slept away just like she was home napping in her Pack-N-Play.

After a bit, we went back in for some more pool fun at the water park and then inside. While I had to keep Hadley covered up while we were out on the beach, finally she could show off her cute swimsuit as we lounged by the indoor pool.

And, of course, we headed to another seafood buffet that night like we always do!

Day 3: On the third day, my dad rode up with some friends to meet my mom in Chincoteague so he could join us. Some of my best memories of my dad were from my childhood vacations and I was thrilled he was able to come this time. We spent a good bit of time at the waterpark and indoor pool in the morning before he arrived and then headed for the beach where Pop showed Caleb some more sandcastle making techniques. He also helped him tote a ton of water from the Atlantic to their little play area a few small sand buckets at a time.

 

 

 

Dave taught showed Hadley the fine art of napping (which she's already very good at) and he buried Caleb in the sand. Even Mommy got in the sand to play a little but boy was that ocean cold!

As a special treat for Dave and I, my dad and sister volunteered to watch the kids so we could go out to dinner and actually get our money's worth out of a buffet.  We decided to keep Hadley with us but Caleb stayed and ate pizza with them while Mom, Dave, and I headed to Embers.

After dinner, dad ended up going to bed since he'd gotten up so early, but the rest of us headed to the boardwalk. One of dad's friends, Bo, recommended a carnival at the end of the boardwalk for smaller kids so we checked that out. Caleb was wore out and it was way passed his bed time, but he enjoyed it anyway.

 Day 4: The final day, my parents and Courtney took Caleb down to the ocean while Dave and I packed.

 

 

 

 

 

Then, we headed back to the water park and stayed there until it was time to head home. Hadley mostly just slept on the lounge chair under the umbrella again. We finally tried for the first time all trip to put her feet in the water a little. Let's just say that was not very popular!

 

 

 

 

 

Caleb, on the other hand, loved it! He went down the slide time after time, very excited about the "big" slide this year.

 

 

 

Our two wore out little ones fell asleep before we left Ocean City and didn't wake up until we were almost at our house. Our first vacation as a family of four was a success thanks to all the helping hands. When's the next trip?