New Jersey

This weekend we got a rental car and drove to New Jersey.  We had selected a small compact car like a Ford Focus.  When Tosh arrived to pick it up he was surprised to get this Crown Victoria...

 Since we were going to a beach town, we knew parking would be tight.  Luckily, we pulled up in a tank.
We went to visit our friends from Dallas. They were in Jersey at a family beach house.  We were so excited to get to see them and to know that Finn had a weekend to spend with kids!  They have a daughter six months younger than him and a son that is 3 months.

Here the kids are ready to go to the beach. They were a great duo...

 They bought Finn this cute hat...

 Finn got to fly his tiny lady bug kite...

 This is the view from the beautiful beach house that they were kind enough to let us crash at.  If you look up hospitable in the dictionary, you would find our friends' pictures beside it.  

 We got to go down to the boardwalk...

 Such a neat area full of interesting things and people...

 On the second day we were able to get more beach time.  We went out before it got so hot.

 Finn enjoyed the wagon...

Finn was a little scared of the water this time.  Towards the end he was warmed up to it and was able to stand in it with everyone for a little bit.

The ride home was interesting. Traffic was moving at about 12 mph.  Our "4 hour trip" was more like 8.  We got to drive through Philadelphia, Baltimore, and downtown DC.  

 Finn got to see a lot of bridges...

We had to make a few stops to look for post cards.  I have started a collection for Finn. He gets one for every state we go to.  We were able to check Delaware, Maryland, PA, and New Jersey off the list.  

 

We got to drive through tunnels...

Finn thought the tunnels were great fun...

 Finn had not seen the Capital because he was asleep the time we were near it.  We got him a book that talks about the landmarks in Washington, DC.  For some reason on the way home he was insistent that we go to the Capitol...

 Walking around a city versus driving will really change your perspective.  Using the Metro eliminates all understanding of where you are at.   We ended up getting a little turned around in DC.  We had 2 dead cell phones.  It turned out to be cool because it got dark and we were able to see the monuments lit up.  People pay good money for those tours...

It is difficult to photograph from a moving car but here is the Washington Monument by night...

 We arrived back to the apartment around 10.   I had to get a picture of Tosh and the Crown Vic for my dad.   Here it is...

 Finn is a trooper.  Even though it was late and he had been in the car all day, he wanted to carry the suitcase...

 Home sweet (temporary) home...

We had such a good weekend. We enjoyed being on a beach with friends.  We appreciate their hospitality and kindness. I adore them and wish I could spend much more time with them. 

Thanks for a memorable time!!