OBX, NC

It seems fitting today for this post that I have been wanting to get done . . .

It has been rainy, gloomy, and cold for the past 3 days . . .

Could really use some sunshine and warmth about now . . .

Looking at these pictures will have to tie me over for a while {I'm afraid a long while} . . .

The Outer Banks, North Carolina.

Best kept secret going in September.

The island to ourselves.

Gorgeous weather.

No traffic.

=FUN.

a few of our highlights:

~nonstop digging in the sand

~dug a hole big enough for the whole fam to stand in

~tired out kids every single night {check out her lips- ginormous}

~truly spent the majority of our time on the beach

~boogie boarding. Luke really got into it this trip. He tried so hard and finally mastered it after many, many, waves crashing on him and lots of tears.

~writing love notes in the wet sand

~spent a day on the 4X4 beach. You can only access this with a 4 wheel drive. It is a really awesome beach. It is where the wild horses roam. We saw quite a few this year which was really fun. Jacob also found his collection of sea shells on this stretch of beach. They really were cool looking.

~had to get in our yearly crabbing. This year we caught a lot. Jacob was in charge this year and new exactly what to do. We finally figured out our last day there that crabs LOVE chicken legs- that is the secret to catching those suckers.

~a new hobby for Eric . . . salt water fishing. It was fun for all even if only ONE fish was caught. The best time to go is sunrise or at dusk. The tide was high and a little wild which made it difficult to keep the line out. Yes, the one and only fish was used for bait (poor thing). And yes, Uncle Neil (Eric's little bro.) got to come with us this year which was such a treat. We all loved having him around.

~a little kite flying

~walking crab races in the swim pool

~E sporting some hot sun glasses (mine) AND the red swim suit again (he did purchase a new suit the last day- promise Jen)

~oh for the love of the Sand Dunes. Nothing beats getting sand in every nook and cranny. Imagine what our car looked like after a few hours at the Dunes.

~love this picture. I think it is a new fav. everyone is just doing their own thing (except I wish Claire Bear was in it).

~Claire was too busy experiencing sand, salt water, and mud for the first time. She completely was entertained for most of the week just messing around in it- oh, and eating it too.

~One of the best parts about being away in the Outer Banks was having Eric all to ourselves. There is nothing better than to be together with my family with no other interruptions. It truly was a vacation full of sun, water, sand & complete relaxation.

Until next year OBX. Love that place. We have one more year we get to go until we leave the East Coast. Would LOVE some company next September. . . any takers??