Emerald Isle, Aug. 2009

At the end of August, we had the opportunity to vacation with friends for a week in Emerald Isle, NC. Though the drive there (and back), was rather long, it was still worth it. We had the chance to hang out with friends all while enjoying the laid-back beach atmosphere.

We didn't hit the beach every day (it was about 30 minutes from where we were staying, and the kiddos-- Leah and Connor-- could only handle so much surf and sun), so we mixed it up by hitting some of the other local sites, too. We took in Fort Macon one day and the aquarium another. Leah didn't seem to mind either of those; actually, maybe she preferred them since then she wasn't subjected to the ocean water. (We dipped her toes in each day, but she was never in for very long.)

I would've included some video (from the camcorder) here, but I didn't realize until today (translation: didn't read the owner's manual) that in order to do so, I had to record it to a memory card instead of a cassette. Go figure. Anyway, the pictures still capture the story.Fort Macon

The Girls-- Me, Leah, & Amelia

Leah breaks out of the Fort

Safe in Daddy's arms

Testing out the water.

Beach Babe(y)

Yes, Connor's EATING sand.

Leah & Connor playing in the beach house.

Surprisingly, Connor could fit in the Bumbo.

Jason, Connor, & Amelia watch the shark tank.

Not the carseat again!

Watching the sharks with Daddy.


Outside the aquarium. How come we didn't think to take more family photos?