The Outer Banks

Two months later we found ourselves back at the beach! This time we were at the Outer Banks in North Carolina with some good friends. Emma and Peter are almost the same age as Lucas and Haley which makes them a fabulously fun (and exhausting?) foursome. And definitely gave us lots of photo opportunities!

We arrived at the airport late on a Saturday and had 4 mostly naked children running around the baggage claim while we were trying to wrestle them into pajamas. Glad the airport was mostly empty by that time. 

What excitement to all get to sit together. Apparently two lap children can't be in the same row ... so doesn't it seem like such a better idea to have the adult sitting with the two four year olds also be the one to hold the one year old. I think I drew the short straw on that one. But honestly, the kids did great on the flight. They were excited but they did great. 

"Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation" we were reminded as we exited the Norfolk airport. 

Ashley's parents, Linda and Gary, graciously put us up in their house for the week. We stayed right on the sound and had a blast enjoying all the sound waters had to offer.  

The kids thought crabbing was the best! And the big kids even tried some crab once it was cooked.

Kayaking on the Sound

Swimming. Voluntarily or not...

And fishing! No fish were caught but we learned that patience is not quite our strong suit. Hooking worms is fun though.

Maybe we should stick to catching fake birds. 

Our little ones were all smiles. 

Hales

Baby Reese

And we of course had lots and lots of beach time. We enjoyed the flat wide beach and watching the high and low tides of the Atlantic. 

One of the highlights: Matt, Lucas, and Emma learned how to surf!

The kids quickly figured out how to wear out their dads. Well I guess they already had good practice.

Wipeout!

The little ones had a blast too.

Yes, it's a bucket. A very popular bucket at that.

And even more fun with the big kids.

And here's our whole crazy bunch

We ended up with some very worn out babies

When we weren't at the beach the kids still found plenty to occupy them.

Riding trucks

Turning themselves into chalk faces

Bubbles!

Chowing down

Checking out Emma and Peter's Nana's new construction site

And having some downtime

We had some quibbles, or fights? And a "few" disagreements. But the kids were also so sweet with each other. I feel lucky that the kids have found such good buddies.

What a wonderful week of much needed and appreciated family and friend time. A whole week to spend with our little energy bundles was exhausting, yet fun.  

Thanks to the Shoemaker family for taking us with them to the beach!

And of course a big thank you to Ashley's parents Linda and Gary who put us up in their house for a whole week (not a small feat when you're talking about an additional 1 & 4 year old). We appreciate it!

An early flight home had us up before dawn. At least airplanes and airports are exciting even before sunrise.

The Emerald Coast

We've been going to Navarre Beach in Florida for several years now ... so even though our beloved beach house that we used to rent now has new ownership and was no longer available to us we headed back to our favorite island and had a wonderful week even if in slightly new surroundings. What a treat to spend a whole week with my favorite people, sand, sun, and water.

 

 And who is surprised that the kids had the time of their life?

Well maybe. HK was still getting used to the idea of sand and waves. It's so... wet and sandy.

Lucas on the other hand dug right in and became a master sand castle builder or at least master digger... with his favorite helper. 

 

Then there was the much loved and much used pool. A real upside to the condo way of life.

And then there was other family time, and play time, and rest time. All the time we miss when we work too much. The time that I soak up when I can get it.

 

  We can't wait to come back. Maybe we'll pack a little sand for our trip back home?