Jersey Shore

YEAH BUDDY!

Okay, I'll cut the Jersey Shore stuff out, it's a Mommy blog after all!

As a child my family always took a week to go "Down The Shore."  We loved it.  We stayed in Ortley Beach for many years and Lavalette as I was a teenager.  We would visit Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights boardwalks one evening during the week.  It was great memories.

Now the tradition continues.  My husband and I bring our 3 little ones for one week.  This is going on year two.

When I was a kid, we always went to the ocean.  At first my husband and I always went to the ocean too.  When they were little, they were pretty scared of the waves crashing and would stay close to build sandcastles.

NOW....AU CONTRAIRE!  My youngest would dive right in!  (If you know my youngest, it's the truth!)

Villano Realtors in Seaside Park suggested this nice bay beach.  I believe it's call the 5th Ave Bayside.  We started going last year and my kids love it.  They call it the "little beach".  They talked about it for weeks after we went.

Why do we love it?
1.  Lifeguards are at the bay beach
2.  FENCING around the swimming area
3.  No higher then 3 feet - at max.  The kids can walk and splash.  My kids won't leave!
4.  A long fishing pier

I never thought I'd be a "bay beach" person.  I truly love this little beach!

Seaside Park is a beautiful town.  A very nice, long boardwalk to walk on.  There are many nicely cared for homes.  The bay area is beautiful too.  I know Seaside Heights gets a bad rap but Seaside Park is beautiful.  

This year we rented a Condo unit that was Ocean block and about 1 block from Seaside Heights.  It was great being able to take the kids out for games and rides at night.  While the area was a bit busy, it was still very quiet.

I highly recommend the 5th Ave bay beach at Seaside Park!  Can't wait to go back next year!

RSVP

What does RSVP mean?
Repondez, S'il Vous Plait

It's a beautiful French phrase seen on many invitations.

It seems that etiquette has gone out the window because I have seen many posts asking what the proper way to respond is.  I have heard horror stories of people not responding then showing up or people never calling either way.  This leaves to host guessing and wondering.

I have planned quite a few parties in my 30+ years and I have seen a bit of both.  Sometimes it's understandable if plans change and a person who previously said they couldn't come can come.  Sometimes the opposite can happen, especially with young kids!

What is the exact protocol for RSVPing?

Here's what I say:

RSVP if you are going OR not going.  Do not make the host track you down.  Get on the computer or phone and write a message saying "YES, I CAN COME!  THANKS FOR THE INVITE" or "NO, I CANNOT MAKE IT.  THANKS FOR THE INVITE."  

NOT HARD FOLKS.  NOT HARD AT ALL!

We are so "busy" these days that people often say, "Oh, I'm busy and I forgot!"  Ya know, because the person planning the party isn't busy?


Take those two minutes out of life and RSVP if you are going or you are not going by the deadline.