Jersey with the Fam

We have thoroughly enjoyed our time visiting with my parents in Jersey. My parents live in a small town near the Jersey shore and we tried to visit the beach as much as possible. Rand also had a great time just running around my parent's property and playing with his cousin Heath who was able to come down from Brooklyn. 

Here are some of my favorite pics of Rand at my parents house. I do hope we get to visit again soon... but with Rob.

 Rand loved helping Grandpa mow the lawn.

World War II Veterans Memorial Park

While we are visiting my parents, its been fun taking Rand to the parks I grew up playing all. This one park was reconstructed about 10 years ago. The centerpiece of the park is a monument to the Veterans of the Second World War consisting of a bronze statue of a WW2 infantryman, affectionately referred to as the “Grunt,” and seven granite walls dedicated to each branch of the service.

Around the park is a maze of walking trails and a playground with pieces resembling WW2 military equipment.  You can also find some vehicles and equipment from the war along the pathways.

Seaside Beach

I grew up at the Jersey shore and since we lived in Germany, I have have greatly missed the ocean. One of the first evenings we arrived in Jersey, my parents took us out to Seaside to show Rand the ocean. At first, Rand wasn't a fan of the sand but LOVES the water so he gave in to the sand and now loves it too!

We all had to chase after Rand who kept running into the water. 

Jersey Mike's, beach trip and ice cream... Best Day Ever!

Today we had fun outing with my Dad and Pop-pop. We went out to Point Pleasant to have lunch at Jerset Mike's sub (#13, Mike's way) and ran up and down the shore nearby.

After collecting shells and chasing waves, we headed over to Hoffman's to get some homemade ice cream. Rand loved seeing all the flavors and picked (and devoured) a big bowl of chocolate ice cream.

Camden Aquarium

Today we took a drive out to visit the Camden Aquarium... oh and that is my mom with Rand, not me ;) I know, we look like twins. 

 I suggest going right when they open. It got very packed within an hour after we arrived. I also recommend buying your tickets ahead of time online. When we arrived we made a B line to the kids area. Rand had the floor to himself before we backtracked and Parking was $10 and tickets are around $27 for adults and kids ages 2-12 are $20. 

On the top floor is a great little interactive kids section. 

Address:

1 Riverside Dr 

Camden, NJ 08103

New Jersey

I just got home from a last minute trip to the States for my Nana's funeral. She has been battling alzheimer's for a long time now and last year moved into a home to get more help and assistance with everyday things. It was a bittersweet trip but I am grateful I got to see my family and celebrate the wonderful life my Nana had.

My parents live close to the beach so we took advantage of the beautiful weather and went to the shore a few times. At first, Rand did not like the sand but soon fell in love and I am excited to go back next summer to jump the waves with him.

 Rand had such a good time visiting my family!

 Here are some more of my favorite pics during our time in NJ