This summer we returned once again, further solidifying Cape May as the McConnon-family summer tradition. In fact, this tradition now spans four generations, with Grumpy and Bossie visiting regularly in the 50′s and 60′s, my father working as a night watchman at the Chalfonte hotel in the 70′s, me and my brothers discovering the beach and boardwalk in the 90′s, and now Lilah, the newest McConnon, making her first trip in 2010.

This year we crashed at Nathan and Kendra’s awesome new pad, and flew out to PA on Wednesday morning. Luckily Lilah did terrific on each flight, not crying once the entire time (that came afterward in her carseat in the car).

My brother Andrew flew in about a half hour after we did, so the rest of us (inc. mom, dad and Coleman) occupied ourselves by packing and unpacking the Expedition to look busy enough to avoid getting asked to leave curbside pickup.

From the airport we headed downtown near Rittenhouse Square, to visit my great uncle Jim and his wife Nancy (who own the house we stay in at Cape May). They’re a delightful couple–it was great to catch up with them after many years. After our visit, we headed over the the Marathon Grill to meet my Aunt Cathy, where she graciously treated the family to dinner. We only get to see Cathy about once a year, which really isn’t often enough. She surprised us with gifts for the boardwalk, and even brought a picture of me when I was almost exactly Lilah’s age. Great food, and great company and lots of fun conversation.

From there we headed down to Cape May to spend the rest of our days playing on the beach and our evenings biking around town. Lilah spent a good portion of it strapped to one of us in her carrier (thanks Jer and Ked!), which was a lifesaver.

Some memorable events that come to mind:

• Sunset swims with the bothers, after the beach was closed
• Jogging every morning to the end of the boardwalk (Kristie, not me)
• Dad getting interviewed about his experiences at the Chalfonte, to be included in a book being published next year
• Biking to Cape May point as a family, the Washington St. Mall, dinner at Louie’s, etc.
• Catching up with the Chalfonte regulars (Dot, Lucille, Anne Leduc)
• Coleman’s ordination
• Ella’s whole-fruit smoothies
• Lilah’s first contact with the ocean (a little cold for her taste)
• Getting burned to a crisp on Saturday
• Guesstures, modified Whiffle-Ball
• Our “best-of” pictures in a frame for mom and dad

Can’t wait for next year — we’ll be missing Coleman!