Camm's 70th Birthday Party

 Camm made it clear by summertime that she was having a party for her 70th birthday party.  Tim and I made hotel reservations early because we knew that (1) Carrie was flying into town and needed to stay at Camm's house and (2) we were bringing 6 people with us and just wouldn't fit for an overnight visit.  Kids LOVED the idea of a hotel at the oceanfront with an indoor pool and I loved the cheap off-season price!  We headed into Virginia Beach after I finished my morning string of 6 VIP Kid classes and it was smooth sailing down Rt. 17.  We arrived in time to grab Caroline and Garrett from a softball tournament they were attending near Dam Neck.  Camm's party started at noon and we got to hang out with Aunt Jilp, the cousins, the cousins' husband/boyfriend and kids!  Camm's teacher friends showed up as well.  We had some delicious BBQ and crab dip (of course).  Camm had set up a St. Jude's fundraiser on FB for her birthday gifts, so Carrie and I both donated to the cause in place of shopping.  A win win! 

 I took this pic after we checked into our hotel on Saturday night.  It wasn't that late (maybe 6:30 PM) but the boardwalk was empty.  The cold temps probably didn't help!  We stayed right off of 22nd street and opening that balcony door and breathing in salty air is like therapy for me  :)  

 Yup, couldn't escape a dip in the indoor pool!  Luckily for us, the pool was empty.  Our loud and excited children didn't bother anyone with their water play :)  It was nice to see that they hadn't lost all of their swimming skills from the summer!

 After our continental breakfast in the morning, we headed out to see the ocean.  It was much warmer Sunday morning than it had been the day before.  The kids enjoyed writing their names in the sand and watching the sea gulls.