Mercer's Summer Vacation: Part 6

In this final installment, Mercer eats some ice cream at night and hangs out with Hanna at a boat show/ice cream festival the next day. Strange, but true. Mercer and Hanna got to make small toy boats and sail them in a small pool. They also sampled ice cream flavors from all over New Jersey and partook in a few carnival rides.

Mercer's Summer Vacation: Part 5

We went to Jenkinson's Beach in Point Pleasant for their aquarium, games, and rides. The aquarium surprised us in its quality and the rides never disappoint. Mercer saw sharks, seals, penguins, and a crocodile. We didn't take too many shots outside by the rides because it was just too hot to make the effort. Even by the shore, it was brutal.

Mercer's Summer Vacation: Part 4

U-pick farms, orchards, animals, and tractors.

Mercer's Summer Vacation: Part 3

Tuesday was reserved for a trip to Great Adventure but the weather did not cooperate. By the time we got near the park, we were caught in a total downpour. Instead, we went to see Despicable Me (not good, but Mercer was very well behaved) and play miniature golf. It was Mercer's first time on the links and after dodging yet another downpour, we finally got to see Mercer's game.

All hopes of keeping score were dashed when Mercer decided to pick up each ball and drop it into the cup. Mercer had a distinct sweeping technique, not unlike something you would see in a field hockey game. It wasn't very efficient, but it eventually got the job done. The course was soaked and that added a bit more interest. Speaking of which, the only thing more interesting than playing miniature golf is looking at pictures of it (we hit some balls on the driving range first).

Mercer's Summer Vacation: Part 2

Island Beach State Park is a great beach just south of Seaside Park on the Jersey Shore. No boardwalk, no loud music; just sand and ocean. And a crazy 3-year old who wants somebody to carry him into the water and take all the punishment the mighty Atlantic has to offer. We went last year and Mercer had a ball. This year, Mercer was a bit apprehensive; perhaps more aware of the loud, crashing waves and shark-infested waters.







The evening was topped off with sugary sweet New Jersey corn on the cob and Pennsylvania sparklers. Mercer wasn't too into the fireworks, though. Pop would try to hand them over, but Mercer said "Don't fire me, Daddy!" The smoke seemed to bother him, too.