Happy Birthday America

Alternatively titled, "Puke Free is the Way to Be." Because, my friends, that is the truth.

We have been treated to temperature surpassing 100 degrees here in the Garden State, and there is only one way to take full advantage. So, we jumped in the car at 7:45 this morning and headed to the shore. We got off the parkway, devoured breakfast at IHOP (that doesn't make us ghetto does it?), and were frolicking in the sand by 9:30.

Tessa, beginning of beach day

Linley began content in the sand, while Ryder and I eeked our way into the water (that's us in the background, eeking).

She is my sun goddess.

Within minutes Ryder was neck-deep, giggling with each wave that he had to swim through. I was obviously a little excited for him. Also obvious, I was feeling patriotic today. I am nothing if not festive.

Soon enough, Linley opted to join us in the water. Never more than shin deep, but that is progress people.

Miss Tessa was back to her perfect form. She stayed completely content in the tent for 5 hours. All she needed was a sippy and her snacks. Not a peep. Sadly, she is not a fan of the sand or the water. As in, guaranteed blood curdling screams will ensue. My goal by end of summer is to have her happy with her butt planted in the ocean. I am not optimistic.

Tessa, end of beach day

We left the beach at 2:15, and arrived home at 3:15, majorly patting ourselves on the back for smartly avoiding any hint of traffic on possibly the busiest beach day of the year. We were then smacked in the face by a smoking hot house and no electricity. Talk about a warm welcome (I am so freaking hilarious).

We hurried and bathed and showered, then headed for air conditioning. At the mall. Naturally. Allen ran around with the kids, while I shopped. Again, naturally. Then we filled up on grease and shakes at Johnny Rockets.

Came home to a still hot house, only this time to the sweet sound of a/c. Now Tess is sleeping, and the kids are watching a movie/resting up for a raucous night of fireworks in town with daddy.

I, however, we will lying by a fan, completely comatose.

I honestly don't think days come better than this. Summer, I love you so much I could marry you.

Note: Allen was at the beach with us. And received equal billing in pictures. He, however, refuses to let me post pictures of him without his shirt on. This the man who works out five days a week on his body of steel. Humble he is. He probably wishes I shared that trait.