Afternoon
Somebody fed me half a beer while we played a game of bocci ball 🙂
I’m not that good at bocci…
…but I’m not bad either! Kanz and I won!
While we played, mom and dad got deserted on an island
The tide was a’comin’ in strong!
Every night at the beach has a theme. Last night was fiesta, tonight we’re going to a restaurant called Havana’s. So we had a slight Cuban theme.
Shake it!
Slickers
Cheese n Crackers appetizer
OH, and mid afternoon we snacked on a few of Sweet N Salty By Design’s amazing pretzels!!!!!!!!!!!! I had a bite of the Resee’s – still good frozen and months later!
Cocktail hour appeared on time – ‘round 6PM after our showers. I mixed myself a tonic + lime and worked on the puzzle.
Did you know Dad and I are Puzzologists?
This is one of the hardest we’ve ever done!
Because beer is an art in this household…
Kanz prepared a barley wine tasting for us
4 different years of Sierra Nevada and one of his own:
I LOVEEEEEEEEE barley wine. It’s like a rich, malty, flavorful beer. So much better than the “yellow” ones
Because we’re also a family of jocks, we decided to walk to dinner tonight
About a mile to downtown Carolina Beach where there’s a county fair feel in the air
Dinner tonight was at Havana’s. I love Craftsman Bungalows!
Nice patio dining with live music
Our family loves to share – a way to get 100% of the flavor for less money and calories. Mom and I shared a glass of red, and Kanz and Larbs shared a glass of white.
There is only one kind of bread I don’t eat from the bread basket, and that’s a dry, cold french slice. Tonight’s rolls were doughy, and while they may have been par-baked, I still thought they were excellent.
For dinner I got a big salad topped with blackened mahi mahi, minus the eggs and cheese (which I don’t care for on salads). The fish was excellent!
Of course I shared my fish and had bites from around the table, but I ate most of it.
Lucky us, Thursdays are fireworks nights! We witnessed a great show.
My only request of beach week was one night out for ice cream. I love going out for dessert in the summer
Per usual, we did some sharing.
I got Resee’s and shared with Matt and Larbs
Who got a fudge sundae and shared with me!
Plus fudge for the group!
Fudge at the beach is the best!
We took the beach for the walk home. It was so nice out!
My feet hurt from sand!!
Nite 🙂
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
It’s so nice to see you relaxed and stress freeeeee!!! I miss the beach now!
Sara @ myfancytuna.blogspot.com says
Wow, sounds fun!!! 🙂
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday says
I thought those bocci balls were giant skittles in the first picture!!
Samantha says
Gosh I’m really enjoying your vaca!…and your cute hubby:)
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
What a great evening! Love the recap and love the photos!
The Wife of a Dairyman says
I think beer with bocci is the key! What a fun little town Carolina Beach looks like:) Super cute blouse you’re wearing too.
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
Have you guys ever done a puzzle upside down? My mom and I work them all the time too and we tried an upside down one..deeeeefffinitely not easy. That looks like a fun puzzle, though! The Simpsons rock!!
Meg says
Bocci is so much fun, but I am SO terrible at it, haha! It’s gotta be EVEN BETTER on the beach! And ice cream!?!? Fudge?! Ugh, Kath, you are a terrible, terrible person 😛 just kidding! You deserve this and I’m so happy to see all your beachy posts – they’re so fun!!
[email protected] says
Can I just say, the guys in your life dress so classy lol..Just sayin!
I LOVE going out for icecream in the summer…nothin better! 😉
Tammy @ Defining Wellness says
Looks so nice! So I take it you’re closer to Carolina Beach than Wrightsville. I can’t believe there is a restaurant and ice cream shop I haven’t heard of. 🙂
Eileen says
What a fun family! I’m enjoying your vacation pictures … keep on having a blast, you puzzologist.
Bonnie @ BonnieAppetite says
Totally agree with you on the barley beer. Mmm fudge. Now I’m hungry.
Bonnie @ BonnieAppetite says
Oops meant to say the dark barley “wine”!
Amanda says
I’ve done that Simpsons mosaic puzzle … with my dad!! Definitely a challenge!
Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf says
Mmmm. Fudge! I bought peanut butter fudge at the top of Pike’s Peak on my honeymoon. Yummy!
Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches says
I love the fudge from the top of Pikes Peak! It’s such a treat. 🙂
Christie says
FYI: You’re rockin’ your bikini!
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
you guys are having the best time! and i gotta be honest…i’m kinda glad that i see you have shorts tanlines 🙂 makes me feel better about mine!
Kath says
Oh gosh, and they’re not even that bad right now! They get much worse!
Katie @ Healthy Heddleston says
Looks like such a fun day. I really want a vacation now!!
A Teenage Gourmet (Sami) says
If you like puzzles, you must buy a Liberty wooden puzzle! They’re so beautiful! They’re made from thick-cut wood and the pieces are actually little people and animal shapes. I wrote about them on my “Peach Blueberry Cobbler” post. 🙂
Lisa @bakebikeblog says
Another fun day in ‘paradise’ 🙂 Not to mention ending with such sweetness by way of fudge!
Hannah says
Yum, sundaes and fudge! Win!
[email protected] says
What a nice night. I wish I had beer tasting at home!
[email protected]://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ says
What a fun day filled with good eats. I’m so jealous of the length of your vacation I wish I could have a long vacation.
Cynthia (It All Changes) says
Bocci is hilarious and reminds me of my grandparents.
Pamela says
I was at Carolina Beach tonight watching the fireworks too! It is NOT real food — but you should try a Britts dounut before you leave. They are an amazing once a year treat. Hope you’ve had a great vacation.
Kath says
Oh fun!!! I always wonder if blog readers are all around me 🙂 I’ve had Britts before but the line is sooooo long!
Chelsey says
I love beach vacations!
1. I love the bottlecaps on the eyes – that picture kind of startled me, but then I had a good laugh.
2. I love bungalows too! They might be my fav.
3. you look so happy and stress free! yay!
Diana says
I was just thinking of taking a puzzle on my upcoming lake trip. I was thinking that was a pretty random idea but I guess not. 🙂 What do you think? Is it worth it or should I stick to books, magazines, and other entertainment?
PS I love Bocci ball! Go team Kath + Kanz!
Kath says
Of course! So much fun
Melissa @ For the Love of Health says
looks like a wonderful way to spend a summer evening!
Elaine @ Om Sweet Om says
Bocci balls are funfunfun! 😀
The Simpson’s puzzle is too cute! I suck at doing puzzles. My boyfriend and I started a puzzle set a few weeks ago, and we didn’t make much progress. lol
Chelsea says
Love that the puzzle is The Simpsons!
Krystina says
You look so happy and relaxed 🙂
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
It looks like you’re having so much fun! 😀
And props for having a Simpsons puzzle! A decent pastime and show! lol
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i love the simpsons puzzle! and everything else you did today – looks like a blast.
Janna (Janna's Keeping It Real) says
two (three) things i love:
1) LOVE bocci ball! SO fun
2) also LOVE that you were having Sierra Nevada! The brewery is located in my college town, Chico, CA! i <3 crystal wheat!
Lyn says
omg you have the funnest life!! I have to get my kids to the beach this summer.
Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter says
I love reading about your vacation Kath! Glad you are really enjoying it.
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs says
That town looks so AMERICAN! It’s what I picture little American towns to look like in my head 🙂 Loves it!
lena says
Purple top looks great on you!
Jaclyn says
Love the dinner/family date night themes!! So fun!
WHere and when did you get those dipped pretzels?! I vaguely remember seeing them on your blog but they look seriously delish! Yummerz!
Stacey @ Tipping the (Kitchen!) Scales says
Lol at the picture of Matt with the bottle tops – so funny!! It’s great to hear about what you’re getting up to on your vacation and that fudge looks devine. I love fudge!!
Cara says
Puzzles and I are not friends! They always leave me so frustrated and confused…so go on ya for lovin’ them.
The boys in the one shot look very GQ.
Kelly says
It’s great to see that Carolina Beach is doing something with their boardwalk. There hasn’t been much going on there for the past decade or so. My mom sent me a photo a couple of weeks ago with her and my cousin on the same ride you photographed and I was like “Yay, new rides!”
Jil @ Peace, Love & Munchies says
Looks like it was a full, fun day! That mahi mahi looks delicious.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
Sunset Wheat is my absolute favorite beer!
Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches says
Looks like you’re having an amazing time! I love going out for dessert in the summertime too. It’s just so much fun….especially when fudge is involved. 🙂
Nessy says
Wow! This reminds just how much I would like to be at the shore right now! Great pictures!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
Lovely pictures! And I agree. Going out for dessert in the summer while at the beach is a must. Especially when it involves icecream. 😀
Wei-Wei says
How many swimsuits did you bring? You look fabulous! (And so awesomely muscular in one of your photos :D) I hope you’re having fun and relaxing (still)!
Wei-Wei
PS: I saw the video. I just love you guys and I proceeded to watch almost all the “Kath Eats” instructional videos. I’m watching Kath Eats Crepes right now – I LOVE your accents and never expected Matt/Kanz’s voice to sound like that! (I’m not quite acquainted with the different varieties of American accents!)
Simply Life says
I love doing puzzles – so relaxing and fun!
Anya @ Fitness & Sunshine says
I love sharing food when I go out since I like to taste different things, too. That ice cream looks delish! 🙂
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Beach nights are great! We used to go to Myrtle Beach when I was a kid and I still remember the air outside and walking to get ice cream. Glad you are having a great time! I hope you have a great day today!
Steph says
Great to see the Leinenkugel’s on your vacay! A Wisconsin tradition and I always think it’s great when I see it out of the WI/MN area. Always love Matt and your beer selections.
klm says
love your trip!!
Meagan says
Those bocci balls immediately reminded me of m&ms!
Becky says
I second the love for Leinie’s! I always get the red (or honey weiss if no red) while we’re out. I’m from the great state of WI, though, so it’s pretty easy and cheap!
Tracy says
Hi! Two questions….what is your sisters name (Larbs??) And the other is about your rental/condo? I love the long walkway to the beach and would love to find something like that for my husband and I for our anniversary trip. Any info would be wonderful! : )
Kath says
Her name is Laura.
We’re at Carolina Beach and we rented through Intercoastal Realty. Hope that helps!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers says
I’m pretty sure you have the funnest family out there 😉
Stacie @ Imperfectly Healthy says
Everything is so beautiful! And I love your purple top! Very cute!
By the way, everyone in your family looks like models and these pictures seem like they should be used in a Tommy Hilfiger or Ralph Lauren ad or something! 🙂
Lisa @ Early Morning Run says
looks like a great time!
I’m with you, ice cream is a must!
Daniel says
It’s pretty amazing that your whole family can get together and not have conflicts or anything – some families just can’t do that!
And I love sharing food and plates at dinner too! I’m sure you would love Greece if you went because the custom is to order a couple of entrees and appetizers and set them in the middle of the table and help yourself while talking and enjoying each other’s company for hours on end. It’s so social and fun!!
Good luck with the puzzle btw, I never have the patience to finish huge ones… 😛
Sarah R says
What is it about fudge from the beach? I think it’s the salty water/air, but it’s always excellent!
Camille says
Seeing photos of you and your family make me so happy. 🙂
[email protected] says
I love Barleywine too! You gotta be careful with that stuff, though, it’s strong.
Marissa says
Going out for ice cream at the beach is one of my favorite parts! I love that you can find little places that make their own instead of just mass-production chains like Baskin Robbins or Brusters.
Marla says
I don’t know why but I get grossed out licking off the same cone as someone else,or sipping from the same cup!
Do you ever feel that ick/shared saliva factor?!!
Marilou @ Mostly Healthy says
I’ve done that puzzle with the little image in each pieces!!!!! It took weeks to finish! We put it on the coffee table in the living room, and every time friends came to my appartment, they always tried to put a couple pieces.
Congrats on doing it SO FAST 😀
Meredith (Pursuing Balance) says
Cute swimsuit! It looks like you’re having such a fun, relaxing time. Good for you!
Laury @thefitnessdish says
Bocci Ball!!!! hahah….we have leagues around here…it’s SUCH an Italian thing, my pop pop and uncles were always involved in Bocci Ball tournys…it always cracked me up when they considered it their exercise for the week! Looks like a fabulous time…pretty pics!!
Anne @ Food Loving Polar Bear says
Your bikini is very pretty and you’re SO FIT!!!
Allison K says
what a wonderful day! Seems like you guys are having the perfect vacation!
Lana says
You have a very fun family – themes, sharing, celebration, puzzles and games, book discussion, and a love for art and things beautiful! 🙂
Do you always dress so cute on vacation? I usually feel slobbish….
Alyssa says
Kath,
Absolutely LOVE THIS POST!! So many good memories you have evoked for me 🙂 I absolutely LOVED Leinenkugel’s Sunset Wheat when I was able to drink beer. With a slice of orange, I was in heaven! Thanks for the good memory 🙂
My family plays bocci ball at my grandparent’s neighborhood in Cali…much easier on the turf!! I bet that you would be an all-star on anything but sand…tough terrain!
And lastly, that cheese looks like stilton with apricots!! My favorite!! They sell it at Costco in bulk in the winter season…stock up because it is super cheap!
~Alyssa
Teri [a foodie stays fit] says
We went to Carolina Beach a few weeks ago and also walked to Havana’s to eat. Our meal was just mediocre.