We had never gone down to the beach for vacation during a holiday before, especially for the 4th of July holiday. Let me warn you, it can get very crowded and don't ever try to leave on the 4th of July after the fireworks! We were there from Sunday to Friday last week so we didn't have any problems with holiday traffic...but from our hotel roof top balcony we could see the line, very long line of people leaving after watching the big firework show. It was the best show I've ever seen in person and it just worked out so well that it fell in the middle of our vacation. It also worked out that we were able to just go up on the roof top of our hotel and watch the amazing show! We love going to Ocean City, NJ with the kids, its such a great family beach to go to. There are no groups of drunks walking around, no gangs of Snookies or tough Jersey Shore wannabes trying to act cool, and no kids walking around with their pants hanging down trying to be gangster! It's a little old fashion mixed it when a little new school. There are kite flying events, family night on the boardwalk with mummers strutting their stuff, and beautiful sand sculpting contests. Our favorite thing to do as a family when we're down there is mini-golf, last year we ended up playing every night...this year we only played once...but still a great time!

It was very relaxing this year, no worrying about when to get up or when to go to bed. We just let things roll and didn't worry about planning anything. So where do you like to go on vacation, the beach, the mountains, overseas, fishing, just hanging out in the backyard, going for a train ride to the next city over, roadtrip, or just down to the local pool?

Click on Vacation title for more photos...

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY AMERICA!!

We hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday!! Enjoy the bbqs, the fireworks, the beach, or whatever you may be doing!!

PS I just finished reading "Baby Proof" by Emily Giffin and now Im reading "Heart of the Matter" by Emily as well. I really loved "Baby Proof" and would love to talk to any who has read it. What are you reading this summer? Any good books on your list for me to read next?

These firework photos are from the block party we went to last weekend...

MY LOVE!!

Also we are having a giveaway on AllWomenStalk...stop on over! Also check out the inspiring story of Laura from Asters in August. She has a wonderful jewelry shop on Etsy and she is hosting the giveaway on our blog.

Giveaway from my friend Diana!

As soon as I found her lovely blog Express-O I fell in love with her personality, her beautiful finds, and her great questions she always asks her readers. So it was only natural that her name was Diana too! And now she is hosting a wonderful giveaway from Fabric and Handle who has great tote bags and is giving one away! I love the pattern and color of this one:

(Source)

And here is one of the choices she is giving away on Diana's blog...

(source)

So head on over and give Diana some love...also check out her facebook and tell her this Diana sent you! <3

So what are your plans for the 4th? Happy Independence Day!