Rockaway Beach Fourth of July Getaway

The Fourth of July was a little bit different this year as we usually go to Twin Lakes, but it was just as fun and memorable as always. This trip, though, will hold a special place in my heart as it was the first time the kids experienced the ocean and we were surrounded by family, festivities and food.

The perfect view

The town of Rockaway has an annual Fourth of July parade, so we headed on over.

Cal was a little more interested in  kettle corn from Auntie Nicole and spent the majority of the time bumming off of her.

But Gwyn thoroughly enjoyed the parade.

Afterward the town holds an annual weenie dog race which turned out to be quite comical and was enjoyed by all.

The kids were beat by the time we got back to the house, so while they napped we enjoyed stuffed festive berries while playing various games inside the house and on the beach.

After nap included some snuggle time before the kids went skinny dipping in the hot tub.

A delicious surf and turf dinner while all around the table is just about as good as it gets and another sweet, festive treat for dessert capped off the meal.

Of course with the Fourth comes fireworks, so we made a fire on the beach and sunk our teeth into gooey S’mores.

The rest of the trip was filled with beach play, hot tubbin’ and more card playin’ which couldn’t have been more relaxing and enjoyable.

And one night a few of us went down to the Lion’s Club and played some Bingo. This ended up dragging on WAY later than any of us had hoped, but I DID win!

You’d better believe I shouted out a big ol’ BIIIINNNNGOOOOOOOO!!! while throwing my arms in the air.

A healthy (ish) breakfast of frozen Greek yogurt, berries and almonds in a fun cone and a little more beach play and then we hit the road for home.

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An overall wonderful mini trip. I hope you all were able to spend some time with loved ones and/or celebrating in some way, too!