NJ Vacation: Cousins Camp

While the rest of us had a grand time visiting at our Meemom's and Cousin Dawn's homes, swimming, eating real Jersey food (cheesesteaks, anyone?), four of the children went to Grandfather's Shore House for 'Cousin's Camp'. There, Eleah, Matthew, Susannah, and Elijah enjoyed the New Jersey shore with our Grandfather, Grandma Diane and two of our cousins, Evan and Noelle. 

Below are excerpts from their journals about their vacation.

According to Susannah (age 10):

Day 1- 

On August 13th, we drove up north to New Jersey. It felt like forever going through Virginia and Maryland but we finally got to New Jersey. We ate at the Stafford Diner. Then we went to the park near Grandfather's Shore House. Then we went to the Shore House. Grandfather, Grandma Diane, an Noelle were there; Evan was going to be there the next day. The rest of the family left after a little bit. We went on a boat ride. Noelle, Eleah and I drove the boat. We got back and ate ice cream. Then we went to bed.

Eleah's big catch

Day 2 - 

After Elijah woke me up, Matthew, Elijah and I played cards. Grandma Diane woke up and we set the table for breakfast. Grandfather, Noelle and Eleah woke up and we ate.

After breakfast, we got ready to go fishing. I did not really catch any fish. Matthew, Elijah and I got tangled and there was a fish on one of the lines. I thought I caught it because I felt it tugging really hard. Eleah caught a bluefish that was a keeper. 

We went to 'Snail Island' and we found hermit crabs. We went back to the Shore House and got washed. Later, Evan came and Grandfather and I went to get pizza. After dinner, we had ice cream and played Michigan Rummy. 

Then we went to sleep.

Elijah's first catch

Matthew, watching Grandfather

Six cousins, a Grandma, and PIZZA

According to Elijah (age 8):

Day 3 -

I woke up Matthew, then I woke up Susannah and played cards. Then Noelle and Eleah woke up; then Grandma Diane woke. Oh, and we got our bathing suits on! Then we ate breakfast.

We got in the car and drove to The Judge's Shack. We looked at it and then went to the BEACH! We played in the waves a lot. It was fun. Then we went home and watched a movie, ate ice cream and went to bed.

Editors Note: Hmm... I'm noticing a trend here with ice cream...

The Judge's Shack

Six cousins and a Grandfather

Enjoying seafood night!

Day 4 -

I woke up Matthew and Susannah and played cards. Then the others woke up and we got on our bathing suits, ate breakfast, and left for Barnegat. 

Barnegat Light

We got to Barney and climbed the lighthouse. Grandfather and Grandma Diane did not climb. When we came back down, we ate lunch and went to the bathrooms. Grandfather got us certificates saying that we had climbed the lighthouse. Then we went to the tidal pools. We swam a little and then we went back to the shore house and got washed and waited for the rest of the family to come.

When they came, we ate hotdogs and hamburgers and other things. Then we ate watermelon and ice cream. Then we left.

Climbing ol' Barney