usually we wait until the end of summer to make a trip to the beach, but this year, we did the opposite, kicking off the steamy season with a weeklong trip to ocean city, new jersey, june 20 to 26.

we started our journey on fathers day by boarding the cape henlopen, one of the larger ferries in the cape may-lewes ferry fleet. what a fun way to start our day: a 90-minute trip across the delaware bay! once we, and our packed car, were back on solid ground, we made our way to ocean city to check out our rental. the barainyaks — beth, paul, sarah, jake, and josh — had already checked in. what a great, little place in a super neighborhood, very close to the beach! score!

we were fortunate to have beautiful, hot weather all week, with almost no rain or cloudy skies! we spent many days relaxing on the beach and playing in the waves, rented bikes and a surrey to ride on the boardwalk, checked out “toy story 3″ to escape some sunshine, played boardwalk mini-golf, visited the cape may county zoo, ate lots of tasty meals and desserts, and just generally enjoyed ourselves. check out the last three photos in the gallery below for a sneak peek at a beach portrait session for jackson and phoebe’s birthdays!

thanks to the barainyaks for sharing our vacation this year! what an awesome trip. the only downside? it’s already over!

christmas started for us on december 23, as jackson, phoebe, dave and molly traveled first to eagle rock and stayed with the fitzgeralds. brooks stayed at home this year, and kept our friend, katie, company!

phoebe’s first christmas was very special because she got to spend it with so many family members. here she is with daddy in front of nana and pop pop’s christmas tree, just before christmas eve dinner. she ate her first pierogies soon after this photo was taken!

not sure where dave and phoebe are looking, but jackson and molly got the message!

josh just loves his baby cousin.

nana and pop pop were happy to have half their grandkids for christmas eve. the boys are all smiles — and they haven’t even opened their new hess trucks yet!

aunt beth spoiled her little godchild this christmas, as usual.

the fellin family tradition is for the youngest child to place the baby Jesus in the manger once christmas eve dinner is finished. this year, it was phoebe’s turn (with a little help from cousin sarah).

then the portraits began. we started with the ever-photogenic fitzgerald clan. looking good, colin, jill and tim!

next up: mom, lynne and dad!

the proud godfather, colin, with his well-accessorized godchild.

speaking of godchildren… lynne’s godson’s not so little anymore!

thanks for another memorable, and delicious, christmas eve, everyone. dave shot some nice videos of casino day at eagle rock and christmas eve dinner, etc., which we’ll post as soon as we can!