Coney Island!

Gramps had to leave early this morning to get back to work this week. We were all sad to see him go, it was so much fun having him here the last few days. The rest of us hit the subway for our hour long ride through Brooklyn to Coney Island! We thought it would be a fun place to spend the day, and get some beach time in too.
We got off the subway to head to the boardwalk. We passed Nathan's, where the world famous hot dog eating contest takes place every 4th of July.

 Our first view of the Atlantic Ocean at Coney Island Beach.

 Such a fun boardwalk, with lots of rides and restaurants.

After a quick snack, we headed straight to the old Cyclone wooden roller coaster.

 

 They had a blast! Then it was over to another fun roller coaster. They loved it so much they did it again.

 

We ate lunch at Nathan's...hot dogs, corn dogs, a chicken sandwich and fries.

 After lunch, we hit the beach. Mimi stayed up on the boardwalk in some shade, and the kids and I got to the water.

 It was crowded, and there weren't any waves (except for the one foot ones the kids tried to ride), but it sure felt great to be in the water! It was nice and cold, perfect for the hot and humid day.

After the beach, it was time for some dessert! Ice cream and Italian ice!

 By the time we left, the beach was a sea of umbrellas near the entrance. We couldn't believe how many people had come to escape the heat!

We also found another candy store! Zoe had taken orders from her new dance friends for Hi-Chew candy, and we found it once again. We stocked up and picked up a few more things for the week.

 We took the subway back to Manhattan, and while waiting at a station due to a delay, the boys entertained themselves by doing pull-ups. These boys are something, their energy rarely fades!

We showered and changed, and headed to Union Square to have dinner at Max Brenner. I was in chocolate heaven! We all enjoyed our dinner, and then moved on to dessert.

When you walk in the door, you just smell chocolate. It was truly my happy place!

I knew I had to eat some dinner first (even though I wanted to just skip it and go straight to dessert!), but I had a great Cobb salad to keep it light.

 Zoe had some of the best macaroni and cheese ever!

 We poured over the dessert menu, trying to decide what to get. It was a REALLY hard decision. This s'more sundae was amazing!

 After a recommendation by the waiter, I chose the churros with 3 fondue dips (milk chocolate, toffee, and raspberry). It was absolutely incredible!

Mimi had a tiramisu dessert that she said was delicious too, and the boys had milkshakes.

 This was our last subway ride all together. Zoe heads back to the dance studio tomorrow morning, and Mimi and Jax will be heading home.

  After getting off the subway, they said their goodbyes to Zoe. They do bicker, but there is a lot of love between them!

The boys spent their last night together in the hotel. They've been together 24 hours a day, for 2 1/2 weeks. They had a blast, and they are officially exhausted...and on chocolate overload!