Summer Vacation 2009: Day Two (The Jersey Shore)

When I was in my freshman year at Wheaton, one of our favorite topics of discussions at mealtimes was discussing all of the differences in life and language from our respective home states. The clincher was typically "coke (little 'c' indicating the generic category which includes Dr. Pepper, Pepsi, Sprite, or otherwise)" versus "pop" versus "soda". Ice cream toppings also sparked controversy: "sprinkles" versus "jimmies". My same friends that used words like "pop" and "jimmies" also spent a lot of time talking about a place they called "The Shore". I knew these people were from someplace cold and couldn't imagine sandy beaches existing in such a place. Well, some thirteen years later, I finally saw this Jersey Shore and, by the way, it was a bit chilly!

During the trip from Columbus, NJ to Barnegat Inlet, Amity enjoyed entertainment by Lolly in the backseat. After lunch at a local diner, we arrived at the Barnegat Lighthouse at the northern tip of Long Beach Island.Some facts about the Barnegat Lighthouse:

• Built in 1859
• Today stands as the 4th tallest lighthouse in the United States
• Costs $1 per adult to enter
• 172 feet tall
• 217 steps to climb (Editorial note: Those 217 steps felt like a LOT more, especially when you try to pretend you are not out of breath as you encounter other visitors descending the stairs!)

Unfortunately, it was a rather cloudy day and we couldn't see more than a few feet from the tower. It was still fun to experience Amity's first view of the ocean.

This picture makes it official that Amity is truly Dennis's daughter! Check out those twin profiles...minus Daddy's "prominent" nose!
Amity's first walk in the sand

A rare Grover family picture
At the end of the day, two little girls enjoyed their first bath together. Do you think they might be getting some teeth in?