This year we did something different for Thanksgiving. Instead of heading down to Va., we rented houses in Ocean City. Mom, Dad, Becky and Ari came up from Va., Dave, the girls and I, Joan, Dan, Maithili, Kishore, Ashwini, Julia, and Madeline came in from Philly, and Doug, Vicki, Carley and Chris came from W. Chester.
It was really a lot of fun. Warm at the beginning of the week, but chilly later one, and there wasn’t much open, but it was still lovely. We spent time on the beach, walking the boards, and then the day after Thanksgiving kicked off Christmas shopping on Asbury, where they had a parade.
On our last day we also spread some of Nana’s ashes into the ocean and along the beach. It was one of her favorite places, and the last time we were all there was for her birthday last October.
The Thanksgiving crew! The trip wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Manco & Manco’s!
In October Nana rented a beach house in Ocean City again to celebrate her birthday. The house was beautiful and huge and was right on the boardwalk. The girls and I came down on the weekends but most everyone else stayed the entire week. The summer season was definitely over, so there weren’t many stores open, and we went to Wonderland on the last night it was open, but we still enjoyed the time.
Kishore, Ari, Ashwini and Lauren on a deserted boardwalk Manco and Mancos! Last carousel ride of the season cool kids with their Kohrs Nana celebrating her 97th birthday!Enjoying some beach time and soaking in the sunOne day all 5 siblings were there to celebrate
This summer we took our Ocean City vacation a little later than usual and were there the second week in August. We had an unusually laid out house, but it was ocean front with a big porch, which is where we spent a majority of our time.
We had almost a perfect weather week, with just one day of rain.
I’m still on crutches, and using them on the sand is nearly impossible, so each day I traveled to the beach like a royalty, in a giant wheeled throne (nana and I shared the same moving throne!). Poor Becky ended up being the one who did most of the pushing. She certainly got the workout that I was missing.
Becky wheeling me in my beach throne!
The house was a ways from the Boardwalk, and we didn’t really want to spend much time there anyway since we’re still in the throws of this pandemic, so we ventured up there only a few times. We hit Wonderland one night so the kids could go one some rides.
Vicki and Lauren on the balloon ride
Ari and Lauren on the boats
wheelchair twinsies!
Lauren and Ari were of course close as thieves. I love that they’re such besties and hate that they don’t get to see each other as much as they want.
But mostly we spent time at the beach, which was just what we all needed!
My Nana turned 95 of October 28th. She had wanted to have a big party, but since that’s not possible this year, instead we all went to the beach! Nana rented the family four houses close to each other in Ocean City and we all spent time together outside – on the beach or on porches. Since the girls are now in in person school, we went town for a few days, came back for school, and then went back down.
Unfortunately we only had one nice day of weather – pictured below – where the girls were able to get in bathing suits and play in the sand.
The rest of the time was cold and rainy, but we still enjoyed it as much as possible!
one day we were the only people on the entire boardwalk!
hot chocolate on the boards
We had two mini “parties” for Nana, since not everyone could be there the entire time. One night we had one at our beach house with cupcakes and balloon hats.
Maithili, Dan, Vicki, Doug, Mom
The birthday girl!
in a balloon hat, of course!
Our girls and Ari had to do virtual school while they were there, which was somewhat challenging. Who wants to work while you’re at the beach?! But Ari did participate in Lauren’s class Halloween party, which was pretty fun.
Freeze dance Halloween party
While the weather wasn’t great, we all tried to spend time on the beach, especially Nana who love to just look out at the water.
Nana in her happy place!
On the last night we celebrated Dad and Julia’s birthday, which are both the first week in November.
Happy Birthday, Julia and Dad!
It was really a fantastic week, filled with family and celebration and reflection. While we couldn’t have a big bash this year, in my opinion this was so much better. We all got to see each other, which hasn’t happened in a while, and we all got to be in one of our favorite places. We were able to spend time together, and alone, and really appreciate where we are right now – which is not where anyone expected to be, but also finally together at last.
