2017 :: week 32

SUMMER 2017 :: WEEK 12

John Family Reunion in the Outer Banks of North Carolina

August 6

John family members arrived at various times Saturday, with most arriving in the late evening. Our kids were in bed before everyone arrived. Sunday when everyone got up was the beginning of everyone being all together. Some of us went to the local ward for Sacrament meeting and then Nana and Papa held primary for all the cousins. They did a fun lesson about choosing the right and made an awesome CTR shield for each primary-aged grandkid.

August 7

The entire time we planned and talked about this vacation I never thought about the possibility that the weather would be anything but hot and sunny. Unfortunately it rained quite a bit and was windy and colder than we would have liked. We were still able to get some good water time in. After a great breakfast and Duck Donuts (two thumbs up!) we went the beach Monday morning. We splashed and played for about an two hours before a storm rolled in. Luckily the house we were staying at had a pool and hot tub, so we could still get in the water without the hassle of packing up and walking to the beach. We hit the pool/hot tub at least twice a day. Nana and Papa brought shovels and pails for each of the grandkids. The kids had great fun digging and playing in the sand.

August 8

Tuesday was the rainiest day of the week. It started out hot and muggy and we were able to get in some morning pool time, but out of nowhere a storm blew in and we had to hurry inside to take cover! We spent the rest of the afternoon watching movies and relaxing inside. The kids watched Sing several times over the course of the week and adults did a variety of relaxing indoor activities--drawing, puzzles, baking, cross-stitching, video games, visiting, etc. Tina hired a photographer to come take family pictures that evening and the rain cooperated just long enough for us to take some great pictures.

August 9

Wednesday was a blustery day. We went to the beach in the morning and had fun playing in the extra big waves. There were also thousands of dead jellyfish in the water. People were finding them in the pockets of their swimming trunks or inside the linings of their swimming suits. They were everywhere! And they did not sting anyone. Apparently several cities in the Outer Banks, including Southern Shores, were involved in a beach nourishment project this summer. As part of this project there were machines in the ocean pumping sand from the ocean floor to build up the eroded beaches and shorelines. This caused a lot of dead jellyfish to wash ashore too. They were round discs that looked like they were made of gel. 

August 10

We celebrated the late summer grandkid birthdays Thursday evening. Sadie turned 8 on July 29th and Elliott would be turning 2 the next day. Alicia made and decorated two birthday cakes--a Poppy (Trolls) cake and Daniel Tiger cake. These kids are so blessed to have so many family members that love them. My heart felt full as we sang to the kids and ate cake together. We had just returned from a gorgeous evening at the beach, which is my favorite beach time.

August 11

Our last day in the Outer Banks passed much too quickly. It was Elliott's second birthday! Carly and Hillary bought one last delicious batch of Duck Donuts. We went to the pool for a few hours in the morning while the weather was clear. Some of the uncles threw the older nieces/nephews into the pool. In the afternoon it rained and we packed and got ready to hit the road. Our last act of vacation was a final trip to the beach. We had originally planned to leave by 5pm, but then kept rationalizing with ourselves why it was worth it to stay a bit longer. It was a good choice. It was perfect way to end the trip. The kids splashed and ran in the waves and we soaked up as much ocean air as possible. Many tears we shed as we pulled away from the beach house. We drove the three hours to Richmond, VA, arriving around 11pm, after spending most of the drive talking about the many fun things we did on the trip.

August 12

Saturday was a travel day. We started the day in Richmond, VA, and traveled through Virginia, passed through West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana before ending our day in Mt. Vernon, IL.  The kids were great! I somehow didn't put it together that we would be driving right past Monticello. I almost made Anthony stop the car, but clearer heads prevailed. I still want to go, but we'll have to make that happen another time.