2016 • year four

This was the year we planted some real roots in our year-round community.
We boxed up the store on the boardwalk and moved it into a storage until we could find a space on Asbury Avenue. There was this red brick building that I had fallen in love with near the corner of 10th and the Avenue. Unfortunately, it wasn't available. I had found another one on 7th street that was, but it just didn't connect with me like the other location.

And then a serendipitous chain of events suddenly unfolded. I was all set to move forward with the 7th Street location — and then the deal fell through. I was distraught. Then, out of nowhere that same day, the red brick building on 10th became available.

When I went there to check it out, I met the owner, Larry, and we immediately hit it off. We worked out a deal for him to live above the store for a couple of years. I can't tell you how lucky I was to have him there. Larry, who had owned the historic building for around 40 years, knew every inch of it, and was always there to help when I had a panic attack about this or that going wrong.

That year, we also started an initiative featuring a different local kid each week on our Instagram. I treasure those moments I got to spend with so many of you and your littles. I can't thank you enough for volunteering your kiddos' adorable faces for all these years. It's so fun looking through these photos years later and seeing them now. Time really does go fast 🥲