OBX

 This years summer journey to us back to the Outer Banks, it has been a few years since our last visit, so we decided it was time to head on down. 

 We decided to try Corolla this time.  Which we loved, except for getting there.  Nightmare on a Saturday just to get from Southern Shores to Duck which is like 10 miles at most, took us an hour. Once we were through Duck it was great.

 We went with our friends, so we were happy the kids would have playmates all week.  Well they all started out as the Bickerson's the first weekend and felt that they should be entertained by the adults.  But once we got them in line, it was much better!

 The weather could have been better, but given it was August down there, it also could have been alot worse.  The house was good, could have been a little closer to the beach, but you get what you pay for, but it had everything we needed.

 Maks! Haven't we told you, Crack kills!!

 The pool was always a hit and the hot tub an even bigger one!

 They always needed to test the limits and boundries in front of the "no diving" sign. Especially Maks, though we did allow his belly flops, after all it is entertainment for us.

 Sunday to Tuesday did not bring us the best beach days, peeks of Sun, but overcast and Monday was a bit ugly with rain.  So we snuck down to the beach and did a scavenger hunt, hoping the rain would hold off.

 A bit omninous looking...

 Maks bailed on the hunt as expected and decided to work on his beach handstands. 

 No gloomy day was keeping Alek out of the water!

 The sun was nice enough to come out at dinner time as we headed to a raw bar for some good eats.  It was right next to a mini golf course.  So we, well I, (yes Kevin I should have listened to you) decided while we sat on the deck we could let the kids play their own round. 

 The lasted until the 12th hole maybe and then our two had fought their last battle with each other as Daddy took charge and pulled them off the course to the car.  Tough love boys!! You did learn your lesson though--I hope!

 Life was great when the sun was out and we could stay on the beach. The kids played so well together, in the sand and the surf. Boogie boards were the best investment as the ones with the house were awful, plus one was a NYYankees one. We can't have that!

 They played in the tidal pools, Maks dug many holes, they created their own hot tubs and elaborate streams.

 The adults relaxed, swam, played paddle ball or ladder ball (Kevin and I are not good teammates)--when will we learn? :o)

 Seriously, could you boys be any more handsome!?

Tuesday night was kids make their own pizza, at the Tomato Patch.  That was a hit and the pizza tasted good after several days of seafood and shellfish! 

 Budding chefs!  Daddy is making sure Alek puts enough sausage on so he can steal a piece!

 That evening since there was finally no rain, we took the kids ghost crab hunting. Xander and Faith had never been.  Flashlights were ready, directions given and we enjoyed a beautiful sunset on the beach.

 Pretty soon there was lots of action, little crabs running everywhere.  Lots of reminders to Maks to leave them alone and not pick them up (he doesn't know his own strength--does Lenny from Of Mice and Men ring a bell).  I rescued 2 from him, not sure about the 3rd, hopefully he rebounded and hid in the sand the rest of the night.

 The kids had a blast, running, screaming and shreaking--oh maybe the screaming was from me when a rather large one ran over my foot!

 Great experience all around, or as Brandy likes to say, we made a great memory for them!  Plus they wanted to come home and read more about ghost crabs.  Bill Nye the science guy has nothing on me!

 Nice tattoo Maks!  I can easily envision a real one on him later in life--God help me!

 As I said, the boogie boards were the biggest hit. They stayed out there for hours.

 Shivering and all, they kept going back for more!!

 Thursday brought a little field trip as I wanted to see the Currituck Lighthouse. I love lighthouses, they are so beautiful and fascinating. I had been to the Hatteras one before, so I wanted to see this one. 

The boys were old enough this year to climb.  218 steps and they did great, no inhalers needed for Maks or Xander.  Alek had to be reminded several times of course, that this was not a race. Mommy needed to pace herself!

Success at the top!  Overlooking northern Corrolla beach area.

 It was nice and fun thing to do, the views were not as amazing as Hatteras of course, but it was a great experience. 

 Overlooking the Sound.

 Dont look down boys!  Of course the biggest hit was the gift shop and looking for some goodies to buy.  They each decided on a little pirate treasure box.  Good choice men!

Overall it was a great trip.  Was hoping for better weather, but we made do.  Friday night as we were packing we were listening to the weather reports and storms headed our way and tornado warnings in Ocrakoke--yea, it was time to head back north. 

Thanks for a great time OBX, I know we will be back again--just promise us sunshine and a lovely ocean breeze for the entire week!

Heading home and back to reality, one full week left of summer and than it is time to hit the books!!