Caroline and Grandma played with some new additions to the duck armada.

After fighting us about going home to eat lunch, I told Caroline that if she put her head in the water we could stay at the beach a bit longer. I didn't think she'd actually do it; luckily I hadn't defined what "a bit longer" meant, so we left seconds after this soaking.

Caroline enjoyed splashing around at the "famous" Jersey Shore this morning. A few days after this visit, medical waste shut down some of the beaches nearby - just like when Cheryl and I were her age. Ah, memories.

This is Cheryl. Despite Caroline's initial reservations about even touching the ocean water, after a few minutes of watching other pre-schoolers revel in the surf, she decided to try dipping her toe in the water. She absolutely loved jumping in the waves. She kept telling me that she was having a "really great time". She was absolutely gleeful, and it was super-duper cute.

After visiting with Caroline's cousins, we went over to Seaside Heights for fireworks, ice cream, and a carousel ride.

We met Caroline's first first cousin Adelaide today. Unsurprisingly, she was terrified of me.

We're driving to upstate Jersey to visit with my sister and her baby (they flew in from Utah) at my cousin Megan's house. Caroline is saving her energy for some swimming and trampolining.

Cousin Catherine gave up her duck collection to Caroline. Now the tub floor will be completely covered with rubber ducks - my plan is complete.

Caroline cruised around the lawn this morning with some neighbors.

We all went to the beach this evening, and, in a bizarre coincidence, everyone wore jeans and white shirts.

Caroline and the laptop she plans to accidentally pack up and bring back to NC.

We drove to New Jersey for the week. Caroline loves holding her cousin Casey.

Caroline at SciWorks today.

Caroline and I took a stroll around the neighborhood following the first rain we've had in months. Our front lawn is in serious trouble, and many of the trees have started shedding leaves from the stress of the drought.

Playgroup at Tanglewood Pool this morning. According to their thermometer, it was 102 degrees. The pavement around the pool felt twice as hot.