Jen and Jeremy

It's been a month since our vacation to the Outer Banks. I'm a bit late on the posting, but a lot's been going on so bear with me as I catch up! It was our first time vacationing there. We spent the week in a house on Walehead Beach with my family including my parents, brother Joe and fam, and brothers Dave and Matt. Splitting up the drive on the way down was the best plan. Friday night was only six hours of driving and Saturday was a lot longer only due to traffic. Anyhow, we arrived Saturday afternoon and kicked off the week with a trip to the ice cream truck! It pulled up while we were unloading the car and it was the perfect treat after the long drive (and getting rear-ended stuck in traffic).

We spent the whole week mostly vegging out by the pool. Having a kiddie pool was great for the little ones and there was a hot tub for relaxing after the kids went to bed. We took a few trips to the beach only a row of houses away, but it was kind of hard on Elliot. We had to prop him up under the umbrella and he inevitably got sand in his eyes so I mostly kept him home by the pool. The weather was wonderful and the kids had a blast with their cousins. I can't wait to go back.

Some highlights were....

Madeleine can swim! She kicked all the way accross the pool with no help from her dad. It was awesome!!! Uncle Joe also tried to help Carter with some swimming and he improved as the week went on.

Way to go Madeleine!!!

Jeremy dragged Carter around on the Boogie Board.

Kate and Carter hanging out at the kiddie pool.

Both of my parents have an August birthday as well as my brother Matt, so we did a group celebration.

We took a trip to the lighthouse, not far from where we were staying, but the line was too long and we'd rather chill by the pool than stand in line so we just walked around and then headed back to the house.

Carter found some pinecones.

Grandma with Kate and Leah

Elliot hanging out

Carter loves meat, especially as he says, "meat on the bone", ie. ribs or steak. Those are his favorites. He was so excited when Uncle Joe cooked steak!!

One night after dinner, we went out for ice cream. Carter and Leah had sprinkles!

Elliot sleeping by the pool

Leah spent most of her time in the baby pool, but we occasionally got her to float around with one of us. She liked the water noodles. Here she is swimming with Dad.

Our other outing was out to lunch. David could only stay a few days so on his way back to the airport, we all went out to a local restaurant. While waiting for our food, we took the kids out on the pier to look for fish.

A trip to the beach

My mom even took a ride on the boogie board!!!

Madeleine checking in on Elliot

Uncle Joe taking Leah in to rinse off the sand.

Madeleine busting a move!

Paul hanging out in his bouncy seat

One night, we went for a walk on the beach after dinner.

Ok, so it was a run on the beach..

We found some amazing sand sculptures. This lizard must have taken hours!

Daddy packed a treat for the walk. Carter, of course, had to have orange.

More swimming..

Carter jumping to Grandpa

Elliot and Grandpa

afternoon nap!

The kids waiting for the ice cream truck

"I think I hear it!"

We had a wonderful time. This was a vacation to remember....low stress with lots of fun and relaxation, sunshine and fantastic food.

Elliot was baptized on August 24th at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church after the noon mass. My parents are his Godparents. Here he is dressed and ready to head to the church. This is the same baptismal outfit Carter wore four years ago. The baptism of my kids is one of my most special days as a parent. On this day, Elliot received and began his spiritual life, being born again of water and the holy spirit. Congratulations Elliot. We love you to pieces and are so blessed to have you.