Finally I have found a use for that physics degree – building with preschool toys. Sadly, I’m pretty sure Noah is better at it than I am.

The boardwalk was nice to visit, but I think my city boy is glad to be back on his own sidewalk.

Although I suspect he’ll find it hard to say goodbye to the boardwalk, the rides, and the Dippin Dots vendor, there are some good things about the end of vacation. Pushing the luggage cart ranks pretty high on that list.

Noah and his cousins spent some time hanging out at a playground this morning. One of the great things about having a same age cousin is that they are a perfect pair for the teeter totter!

The pool, I’m told, is far less wet than the ocean.

This is close to the ocean as Noah is willing to get. Maybe he saw the shark warnings on CNN, maybe he has concerns about undertow, or maybe the ocean is, in his words “a little too wet”. Whatever the reason, we’ll be over here on the sand, digging holes, thank you very much.

It is still so strange to me that I have a child old enough to get in line for a ride on his own, clutching his tickets and never looking back. He says now he’s ready for a real motorcycle.

Noah is fascinated with roller coasters. He doesn’t want to ride them, but he loves to watch them and try to figure out how they work. Imagine his delight when he discovered that our hotel room overlooks the giant flume on the boardwalk.

Mama, why do New Jersey cheerios taste better than Massachusetts cheerios?

On a rainy vacation to New Hampshire this spring, Noah discovered bowling. He takes his stance very seriously and is quick to correct other bowlers who may try a non-standard technique. Some combination of his style and the bumpers on the lane seem to be working for him – he often scores more than his parents.