That’s how our three days with my brother Doug and his family went. Saturday was largely sunny, though only in the 70s, as has been the case the last two weeks at least, very cool for August, but we had fun at the beach, and I built this sand castle with some help.

Sunday was showery, though it never rained much, so we went to the Cape May County Zoo, which is really quite a good one.

The stars of the zoo are the current pair of Snow Leopard cubs, so very cute. It’s the third year in a row the Snow Leopards have produced a litter, and I’m guessing the cubs are being distributed to other zoos once they’re old enough.

A giraffe reaches for some distant leaves. He got them, too.

Some of the animals were sleeping or out of sight, but enough were out and being entertaining to amuse everyone.

The lion was roaring, which we heard but didn’t see.

Outside the zoo was a climbing wall, raising money for the animals. Haley and Charlie had a go.

Here’s the zoo’s photo op spot with our niece and nephews Haley, Charlie and Dylan.

Monday we were back at the beach, where the boogie boards were in good use. Mostly cloudy and still cool for August, but not a bad day.

The race for the shore.

Here are Monday’s sand sculptures, with Haley’s in front, Doug’s behind that, and my tall tower right.

The tower door, a separate piece. I haven’t tried that before, worked okay.

Tower with kids, for scale.

And finally, Doug’s deep hole. Fun was had by all, lots of ice cream was eaten, as well as excellent Japanese food at Murasaki and fresh corn on the cob at home. Ellen’s family will be visiting next week.