We once again packed everyone up, all five of us, and headed to the Outer Banks with Ed's family. I anticipated this year to be the hardest one yet as we had a four month old baby that added a whole new twist to the trip. I was pleasantly surprised that everything went so well. From the first night in the hotel room to the 9 hour ride home Molly was a trooper. She made trips to the beach and slept in her car seat, slept through the night, made it up to the top of the Dunes despite the nasty blowing wind, and even survived sitting between her brothers for a ton of time in the car.
The boys deserve some credit too. They were troopers waking up early at the hotel, didn't complain all that much in the car, became more and more brave as the week went on, and finally on the last day even jumped some waves.
This is without a doubt one of our favorite weeks of the year. Since Ed and I took our first trip together nine years ago the week has definitely changed. From two people that were dating, to a married couple, then one child, followed by two, and now three kids two adults and a TON of stuff we have evolved. The trip is no longer about us, but about the kids. The memories they are making will stay with them forever. We may drink less, soak up less sun, and relax less on vacation, but the sprinting to the ice cream truck, chasing crabs on the beach, jumping waves, and endless giggles shared with cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends make up for all that we have given up.
The pictures tell the story. Until next year.....
Caden is not wearing earphones for the DVD player in the mini van.. no, those are ear protection to dry and mask Molly's screaming. It lasted all of 3 minutes and she fell asleep.
Early morning wake up call to get on the road to the beach.
We get the boys these hats each year at Morris'. They always turn out to be our best investment. The boys wear them all week and it helps so much with the sun.
These shells were all over the beach on the first day. The next day we came out and they were all gone. It's amazing how much the beach changes in one day.
Brave boys out in the water with Daddy and Ma Maw. Mommy and Molly were safe on the beach FAR away from that ocean!!
Aunt Linda scooped up Molly as soon as she got to the beach!! Molly loves Aunt Linda & so do we!
My first beer on the beach in many, many years.
JaNae was our baby whisperer for the week. She saved us time and time again. THANK YOU!
Jackson and Madi are so much fun to watch. They play together so well. I cannot wait to see them grow up together.
Again.. the life saver, JaNae!!
I have a feeling this girl is going to be a Beach Baby!!
I LOVE this black and white picture of Molly and Aunt Dee Dee!
She was a real handful at the beach.. can't you tell?
Pop Pop and Jackson spent a lot of time together in the ocean.
LOVE these pictures of Uncle Mike, Aunt Pammy & Madi.
My goofballs hanging out in the basement & playing on the computer.
Above: Em found a conch shell in the ocean. Below: Wright Brother's Memorial
Molly in her hoodie. The basement was a bit chilly some days. Molly rolled with it.
I got Molly all dressed in this cute suit and got ready to head to the beach, only to be greeted by Caden who was on his way inside. Needless to say, this beach never saw the outside of the house.
The Dunes!
Last day on the beach Molly rocked a bikini!
Above: Love that face. Below: Caden didn't really last that long on the beach until the last day. I went to the store and came back with sea animal figurines. This child sat on that beach for over four hours playing with these silly creatures. I learned my lesson and will be buying him new creatures on our very first day next year. Unless he's too grown up and not into sea animals a year from now. :(
Love these boys and I love it even more when they are getting along and playing together.
A comparison from last year:
http://www.littlecadenslife.blogspot.com/2013/09/obx.html
It's amazing what a difference a year makes. Until next year!!
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