All good things come to an end

We all had a fabulous week in the Outer Banks last week - to be honest, this week was some what depressing simply because we were back to the same old routine and not spending our mornings poolside and afternoons at the beach! And that's probably why it has taken me so long to get this post up.

I was a little worried that little miss Emma would not enjoy the beach or the water. Why? Well for one, when we took her to the children's museum during the winter and tried to convince her to put her feet in the sand in the Ancient Egypt exhibit she wanted nothing to do with it. Secondly, swim lessons during January proved to be torture - for everyone involved. But, I am happy to report that Miss Emma loves the beach and water as much as the rest of us.

We slathered her up regularly with SPF 50, even putting some on her little bald head. She spent almost every morning into after playing in the water with Aunt Nee Nee and Uncle Brian.

This little tent was PERFECT and allowed for some shade. It also provided some shelter from that cool ocean breeze.

I think someone's hair might be a little curly!

When she wasn't busy playing the ocean or digging in the sand she loved to walk with Ga and pick up shells from the sand.

Some days we started out poolside - most of the beach houses in the area have their own private pools which provides a break from the beach. Even though the beach access was only a short walk up the street it was nice to just relax poolside.

All of my memories of our failed attempt at swim lessons were quickly replaced by a little girl who absolutely LOVED the water. And her Ga's raft which she quickly took over.

At first she was a little unsure...

But that quickly changed- each toss into the air would be followed up with an "Again Uncle Brian!, Again!"

Someone loves their Daddy!

Of course we also set up a little wading pool in the shade for some outside water fun with out the sun burn. It was a hit!

Somone else loved the water - both at the ocean and in the pool.

Each morning when we were getting ready to go out Max would pace by the back door. As soon as the door and gate were opened he made a beeline for the water.

Swimming laps, fetching his toys, lounging on the stairs - it didn't matter as long as he was wet he was a happy dog.

But this guy was more happy basking in the sun - so spoiled!

Once someone went down for a nap this is where you could find me - floating in the pool with a Margarita!

When you live in a beach town it's common for the ice cream truck to make the rounds multiple times a day. It didn't take too long for someone to figure out just what this meant.

And because it was vacation we splurged!

We only ventured out to dinner once - but instead opted to stay in cooking fabulous dinners with all the fresh seafood for sale along NC-12. From fish tacos, to crab legs, to clams - everything was delicious. And led to some very lazy post-dinner's spent on the balcony.

Watching for the ice cream truck.

Playing with toys.

Or checking out videos on the iPhone.

Overall it was a fantastic week - and I would go back again tomorrow in a heart beat. Minus the 11 hour drive and diaper explosion in Virigina. But that's a whole other post.

Family XOXO