We built an extra week into our schedule for a possible vacation, assuming I could pass my CDL test on the first try (no pressure). I passed on a Monday. Jen reserved a last minute deal for a beach house (she's really good at finding beach house bargains) on the Outer Banks of North Carolina on Tuesday. We worked frantically to get ready, and hit the road Friday. This was our fourth trip to Hatteras Island... the place is addicting!
The boys are veterans of this nearly 700 mile road trip.
Lily, on the other hand, had no concept of "vacation", "beach", or just how far 700 miles is. She was a good traveler, but she kept saying "beach too par". (She can't say the "f" sound very well). Many times when we stopped to rest, she got out of the van and asked "this the beach?" It was both amusing and sad.
The favorite part of the trek is Route 12 South... the road to Hatteras Island. Anyone who knows and loves Hatteras has a special affinity for South 12!
The Bonner Bridge on South 12 over the Oregon Inlet... the gateway to Hatteras Island!
Our home for the week. I love the traditional weathered cedar shake siding of Hatteras Island. Sadly, many large, colorful houses are beginning to crowd out the traditional beach houses and cottages that make Hatteras so quaint.
Lily and Ben see the ocean for the first time.
Loving the wind in his hair (what little bit he has)!
Our first day at the beach was slightly chilly. Lily was not sure exactly what to do, so she spent a lot of time sitting and watching the boys play. At first she said she didn't like the beach because the "water too coe (cold)". By the second day, though, her opinion changed!
Here is how Ben spent much of his time at the beach.
The boys love to dig.
Attempting to get a family photo.
Tidal pool reflections
The famous Cape Hatteras lighthouse
More tidal pool fun
The boys recruit Dad to dig them a big hole.
I like this one!
The last time we were on the Outer Banks, I was wrestling with whether we were to adopt from China. I received an unusual confirmation. You can read the story at the blog post, "beauty in broken things". Remarkably on this trip, here we sit, sharing that same beach.
Our house came with access to a community pool. We used it a few times when we got tired of cleaning up 12 sandy feet!
If you've seen the movie "Nights in Rodanthe", this is the house used in the film.
