OBX

Both Chip and I grew up going to the Outer Banks, North Carolina.  Our trips there have been fewer and further between since moving out west, and therefore all the sweeter when made.  A few weeks ago we were fortunate enough to join the rest of the DuRoss family in Avon, NC for a week of fun in the sun. The adults only outnumbered the kids by one.  Crazy! Ruby and Owen did amazingly well with all the travel.  Previous to this trip, the longest trip they had made was to the airport and back to pick up all the people visiting us.  I guess it was our turn to do the traveling, but I have to admit that this twin mom was pretty nervous about the long days of flights and driving to get to our destination (a full day of flying followed by their first night sleeping away from home, in a hotel,  followed by a six hour drive to get to the house).  It turned out to be such a great experience!  Not only did they get to meet some family we hadn't seen yet, experience and explore a new part of the country and environment, but we found peace, confidence, and liberation in our ability to function outside of our house and schedule.  Yahoo for that!

The ocean and beach were a hit.  We were afforded one day of perfect conditions at the beach for Ruby and Owen to swim in the ocean with mom and dad.  They loved the waves and sand and chaotic nature of the ocean.  They also really loved the pool.  This was an easier place for us to all get in the water.  We discovered that Ruby is a little fish.  She kicked her legs as we lead her around the pool.  She also goes under water and comes up with a smile on her face-so cute .  Owen also liked the water.  He prefers splashing constantly with his hands and grabbing onto anything within reach in the pool.

The kiddos were smiles and giggles all day, every day.  You could just tell they loved being with all the family, getting attention and love from cousins, aunts and uncles, and checking out a new environment.  They tolerated whatever we made them wear (hats and sunglasses most of the time as pictured above) as well as the lathering and washing of sunscreen each day. 

Nana and Papa.  We love them.  Everyone loves them.  In true form, they went to the beach at 9am, hung out with each family as we made our way to the beach, often in shifts depending when our kid's naps were, and then closed 'er down around 5pm, just in time for us all to enjoy dinner together at the house.  Each family took turns cooking for a night- a really fun way to make planning and cooking for so many people manageable.  Thanks to Nana and Papa for making this week possible.   

The cousins

Morgan- This is Hope's niece who joined us for vacation this year to help out with all the kiddos.  She is 15, very mature, and has an uncanny eye for knowing when to step to hold a baby, help with a bottle, entertain so the parents could get something done, or just play for fun because our kids LOVED  her.  She definitely made the vacation more stress free for us.  Thanks, Morgan!

Family Photos

Moments- Clockwise- 

Chip hangin on the amazing deck as we did every evening.  Finn and Judah playing in the evening on the same deck- we loved it. Derek and Judah with their adorable smiles.  Selah helping Owen stay happy so he could finish his lunch and could go to the beach!  Family time in the pool.  Finn holding Ruby- I can't believe how big she looks in his arms!  Nana and Papa holding down the beach fort.  Hope, Chris, Erika, Nola, Ruby and Mercy getting some cuddling on the porch in.  Selah reading with Ruby- precious and then also enjoying an incredible dessert that her mom whipped up on their night to cook.

Other awesome moments-

Surfing at dusk till the sun went down after the kiddos went to bed.  Luckily I am here to type about it.  A week after we left the island, there was a shark attack near where we stayed.

Discovering not one, but two new teeth (her first) in Ruby's mouth on our third day of vacation.

Pool Party 2011

Visors with names on them (and other fun crafts from Hope and Morgan)

Feeding the sea gulls

Girls winning Catch Phrase

Ipad star gazing

Evening walks with babies in carriers

Brotherly dawn patrol  surf sessions

Apply Uglies

Believe it or not, this entry will get longer.  I am waiting for a few great photos (these are not all ours- the camera broke on day three or so- thanks to Chris, Erika, Derek and Hope for your contributions) to add.

additions-

 DuRoss Clans (sorry about weird sizing- collage wasn't working with me)

 Just one more of them- too funny to leave out.

 All the cousins together- a tough moment to capture.

And finally, on the LAST night, moments before we disbanded for bedtimes(R&O already in their PJs you can see) and packing, we gathered one last time in this incredible place for a photo.  Till next time!  Love you all!

“Sponges grow in the ocean. That just 'gets' me. I wonder how much deeper the ocean would be if that didn't happen.”

--Stephen Wright