THURSDAY

We went to see Bodie (pronounced "body") Lighthouse this morning. It is one of a few on the Outer Banks here. We could not go up to the top because it is a working lighthouse and not equipped for visitors. What was neat is the gentleman who was working there (park ranger type of working) is actually the son of the last on site lightkeeper and grew up on the premises. I could have listened to him talk all day. Mama, you would have LOVED this!

After lunch, naps, and pool, we headed to dinner. I finally got me some seafood! So good! The we went to the sand dunes for the sunset. This is what Paige has been asking to do all week. It was massive!

The munchkins played and played. We ran down the dunes, rolled down the dunes, made sand angels, and took lots of pictures! The sand was amazingly cool to the touch. People handglide from these dunes, too. Oh! So beautiful!

We had the Atlantic behind us and the sun set over the Sound.

We saw the Bodie Lighthouse doing its' work while we were on top of the dunes. 2.5 seconds on, 2.5 off, 2.5 on, 27.5 seconds off is its' signal. Every lighthouse has their own individual shape and color pattern as well as their own blinking pattern so that you know where you are if you are at sea.

FRIDAY

This morning we headed back to the beach with Ed and Heather. Some people that were there let Hannah use a boogie board and she got to ride some waves in. It was fun to see her stretch her comfort zone a bit. The lady was so kind and helped Hannah learn what to do. I think we might have a beach bum on our hands!

Ed and Heather left earlier today. We had so much fun with them and I know the kids really enjoyed their company, too. It was funny though. Abby would just look at Ed trying to figure him out. What I found out while they were here is how much Abby and Angela are alike. If that's the case, then I guess that means we'll have some whopper of stories as she grows up!

Tomorrow we head home. But not without getting sandy and wet before! We plan to hit the beach early morning and get in one last hurrah, dip in the pool, shower and change, then find our way back to reality. But we take home a little bit of souviners and lots and lots of memories!

Nags Head, NC

We have come for a week to the shores of the Atlantic. We are staying in an amazing beach house in Nags Head, NC. We have a pool in our backyard and we are a 3 minute walk from the beach. It has been such a relaxing time so far. Here is the lowdown...

SATURDAY
We left the house at 7:40 that morning. After doing a stop or two, we finally got on the freeway at 8:00. We arrived on the island about 5:30 or so. We brought our stuff in and made a run to the store. After getting the essentials, we came back, ate dinner, and headed to bed.

SUNDAY

The kids were up at 6:00 (don't they know it's a vacation???) We were at the beach by 8:15 and the older 3 jumped right in. Adam and Jenna on the other hand, enjoyed hanging out away from the water. Then it was the pool about 9:45 and naps after.

MONDAY

Hit the beach early morning followed by the pool. Ed and Heather got in and we went to dinner that night. Nothing big happened, but definitely relaxed.

TUESDAY

Did the beach and pool thing again. Hannah and Abby are getting so much better in the water. This week will be good for them to practice swimming since they won't get lessons this summer. Jenna made a break through in the ocean today. I finally got her to go out with me and let the waves hit her. By the time we left, she was playing in the water on her own. Even when the waves got her in the face, she was happy. Adam, on the other hand, does NOT like the ocean water and is content playing in the sand. He does like to play frisbee, though. And he is amazingly good at it. Even at the pool, he chooses to hang outside the water. He might put his feet in while sitting on the steps. I repeat, he might... Paige finally did jump in the pool with only her water wings on (she had been in water wings and a fish float). I'm glad to see her making strides as well.

Paige and I were playing in the waves. After a while, she looked at me and said that she thought this was enough water and someone needs to turn off the faucet!

After lunch and naps, we went to the North Carolina aquarium. It was very neat. There was petting of starfish, sea urchins, and sting rays, and we saw all kinds of fish. Jenna especially loved the alligtors, as they are one of her favorite animals. The sharks were amazing. Definitely like glass being between me and them. Adam just stood and gaped at everything. He was in awe.

WEDNESDAY

This morning, we went to Kitty Hawk, NC (3 miles from us) and saw the Wright Brothers Mational Memorial. I did not realize that this is where the first flight took place. It was so cool to see where it all happened. They have done a fabulous job of preserving the site. If anyone ever gets the chance to see it, it is well worth it. The kids did great - there was a TON of walking. Not easy, but they did it. So they got rewarded by us deciding to not drag them to the lighthouses tonight! When they wake up, we'll hit the beach and pool again. No burns as of yet and plenty of water drinking. We're on a roll!

I sure do wish you all could be here with us. Mema and DaddyWayne would LOVE that there is a porch on every floor of the house. The Cliffords would love having a foosball table in the house and being closer to the beach than the house they're used to (plus the pool in the back). There is horseshoes and we could put up washer pits in the yard! The Brown kids would love the pool and all the mamas would love sitting in the sun drinking the yummy drinks I am making! We have to figure out how to do this!!!

But don't doubt that I think of you all everyday. As much fun as I'm having being here, I miss you all so much. Amy, we have some C-O-O-L seashells for you and a couple of postcards. Lora, I've read a book in 2 1/2 days for you. Mama, I sit on the porch for you. Daddy, Mike C., and Michael Brown, I am drinking a beer for you. Clifford kids (you, too, Will), I body surf for you. Brown kids, we will make your name in the sand for you. Angie, Kristine, and all Mountain Chicks, I have toasted a boat drink to you. I love you!!!!

Friends who are stuck with us!

The Angst family just left us today. We are so sad to see them go. It has been a great week with doing lots of stuff in a short amount of time. We went to The American Girl store for some girl time. Hailey's Nicky got her hair done (which she needed badly!) and Hannah spent her money on some shoes for her Emma. You can spend a ton of time in that place (and a ton of money!). And to reward Jacob for dealing with the girl morning, he and Ron went to an indoor go kart racing place. I think he had a great time.

We did some fountain playing and our last day we spent the whole late afternoon and evening at the pool. We even ordered pizza there. It was SO much fun! And of course there was a round of bones played - Kristine and myself prevailed! I was not ready for them to head back, but yeah for Hailey for making All Stars! Adam loved having a boy to play with. Thanks Jacob for letting him be your shadow! Oh! And me, Hannah, and Hailey got our hair cut for Locks of Love and Pantene Beautiful Lengths. How cool is it that we will help someone who is sick?! (But, of course, we forgot to take a picture of my finished 'do). Thanks, girls, for doing this with me.

Jenna was in without her water wings and decided to go across the rope. I saw her do it and hollered her name twice. Kristine heard me and was in before Chris or Ron even turned around to see what was happening. She got a '10' from some gals who were at the pool. Poor Kristine. She didn't go in the whole time and this happened right before we left. The boys began calling her Flash. I, myself, let her dive right in because as I said, my hair was just cut and styled. So not only did she save Jenna's life, she also saved my hair!!!!

AND NEXT TIME THERE WILL BE WASHERS BY FLASHLIGHT!!!!

Mema & Daddy Wayne visit

Mema and Daddy Wayne got to come for a visit. We went to a Braves game on Memorial Day. It was Adam's 1st baseball game and he was EXCITED! He knew we were going and kept saying "baseball game?" over and over. It was h-o-t, but very fun!

We also went to Amicalola Falls, which is at the start of the Appalachian Trail. It was a pretty drive and the falls were amazing. There are 600 some odd steps that you can go from the bottom to the top. We started at the middle and went up. Mema chose to get the car and drive to the top, which was good because then we didn't have to come back down.

Of course, we did the fountains in the town center. Always entertaining for the kids.

They got to see the girls in their dance recital. They were the most beautiful girls on that stage! They were dressed as Belle and danced to "A Tale As Old As Time". Their Daddy gave them a yellow rose for The Yellow Rose of Texas. As fun as dance was, they are glad it is over.

Unfortunately, their visit was over and they had to head home far before we were ready.We miss you, Mema and Daddy Wayne!!!!