This past summer, my family and I decided to head down to Avon-by-the-Sea in New Jersey, one of those quintessential beach towns that reminds you why summer is the best season. It was one of those days where the sun, sand, and sea all came together to create the kind of memories you hold onto tightly.

This trip was extra special because my family was all there, from my wife and kids to my mom and stepdad, and even my cousin joined us. We set up camp with umbrellas and beach chairs, staking out our spot on the crowded beach as we prepared for a full day of relaxation and laughter.

The kids, as always, were the first to hit the water, excitedly grabbing their buckets and shovels, ready to build sandcastles and search for seashells. My wife and I, always with cameras in hand, couldn't resist capturing these moments. The photos you'll see here were taken on my trusty Olympus OM-1, using a combination of my 50mm f/1.4 and 35mm f/2.8 lenses, and of course, shot on Kodak Portra 400. The film really brought out the warmth of the sand, the vibrant colors of the umbrellas, and the laid-back, sun-kissed vibe of the day.

One of my favorite shots from the day is of my mom and cousin at the shore. My cousin, laughing, holding onto a bucket of seaweed, while my mom points something out, their joy completely unfiltered. It's one of those candid moments that feels so genuine, a snapshot of pure happiness.

As the day went on, we spent time walking along the shoreline, dipping our toes in the cool ocean water. The kids splashed around while we watched boats and kites in the distance. One of my other favorite shots captures a lone sailboat on the horizon, the kind of image that makes you feel calm just looking at it.

We ended the day sharing snacks under the beach umbrellas, the kids exhausted but smiling. We took a final group shot before packing up—it's the kind of picture that, years from now, will instantly transport me back to this perfect summer day. These beach trips are about more than just fun in the sun; they’re about the family moments we create, the laughter, and the time spent together.

This was the last beach trip of the summer, but it couldn’t have ended on a better note.