For the past 20 years of my life, my family has been "going down the shore" pretty much every summer. But, why? If you have never been to any Jersey beach you may not relate to this quite so much, but I hope to enlighten you why "going down the shore" is so valuable to me.

A few websites say the phrase is an idiom "that appeared over time." Other sites say it's a "way of life regarding relaxation full of sunlight, waves, and sandy toes." Urban Dictionary calls it a "term used to describe the trip taken while going 'down the shore' from your home in an inland county or town. The drive to whichever beach town you are going to be spending time in is going down the shore, but once you're there you simply go to the beach." Yes this definition is a little loose considering the term is used throughout, but the fact of the matter is, we as the people who go "down the shore" know what it represents.

Ice Cream for days and days.

And days, but being able to share it with family members makes it that much sweeter.

Boardwalk fries

And funnel cakes.

Finally, we've made it to the ever-desired Mack and Manco Pizza. That is now just Mack due to a law suit, but it'll always be Mack and Manco's in our hearts.

But, before you think that the shore is all about food. You are wrong. The whole point of going "down the shore" is to spend time with your friends and family while not having to worry about work or other obligations.

You dig a few holes until you reach water. And you wear floppy hats.

You soak up the rays and hopefully read a good book or two.

When you aren't body surfing you are using a blow-up boat until it deflates.

And you take endless family photos. That usually reappear for the Christmas card next year.

(Can you spot the one that's not like the others?)

But seriously, years and years of family photos.

It's with great happiness that we owe the Jersey Shore some of our best memories. The time we spend as a whole family is coming few and far between, but the years at the shore remind us how much we love each other. Jersey Shore (not the TV show), I'm coming for you. Twenty years strong.