Vacation report

We spent a week in Cape May, New Jersey, and we couldn't have had better weather or a lovelier time. Apart from a few child-related blips (e.g., James waking up at 5 a.m. the first morning, rousing the twins, insisting that they change into their bathing suits, only to be told by his cranky parents that "no one was going to the [expletive deleted] beach until a more civilized hour"), everyone enjoyed themselves tremendously.

We stayed in a charming little house that belongs to one of Tom's father's clients (Tom's dad is a painting contractor):



The house was conveniently located near a mermaid crossing:



Charcoal made the trip with us and was an all-around good sport. He (unlike the other children, I might add) did not whine or complain a single time in the car, and made himself at home in his little pen, although it was difficult to get him to put on sunscreen:



Doesn't he look more relaxed already?

The beach was gorgeous and the water was warm. Sand castles were built:



a real-live crab was spotted (and not on a dinner plate)



I got some knitting done:



sunglasses were worn:



and an adorable, curly-haired mermaid was spotted, trying to revive herself in a beach bucket:



Imagine my chagrin, however, when I realized that I had not remembered to pack my "brat" shorts:



Coming soon: more vacation pix and the long-overdue sleeve tutorial continues...