Toes in the Water at OIB

After a five year hiatus, my family vacationed together at Ocean Isle Beach, NC.  From the time I was 13 years old up through 27 years old, we took a yearly beach trip over the week of the 4th with my Mom's side of the family.  Over the past 5 years, a few things have changed.  We have added another child, Owen, we are pregnant again, several people in our family had job changes, a marriage change and growing teenagers.  We were last at the beach with my family when Payton was 3 months old.  He's five now!  Luckily, we were able to rent our same ocean front house and despite the extended break, things were back to normal in no time! 

We traveled with my parents, our family of four, my aunt and uncle, my cousin, Kim, and her two kids, Aubrey and Evan, Kim's boyfriend John, Aubrey's boyfriend Ryan, and Kim's great-aunt Janet. 

The boys had fun playing out on the beach every day.  They had boogie boards for the 1st time and loved riding on the waves.  The water was extremely rough due to several storms so they didn't get to play in the ocean as much as they wanted.  They also enjoyed playing baseball on the beach with Daddy. 

I got it!

Payton throws the heat!

Hard to see in the picture, but Owen is leaning in to get the sign from the catcher.

They also enjoyed playing in the sand. On the first day, they made a huge boat with Uncle Bill and sat in it as the water rushed in around them.

Later in the week, they had Aunt Linda digging with them!

Grandpa had to leave for a few days for work, but they put him to work in the sand once he was back!

Grandpa gave Payton instructions on how to pack the sand in to make a sand castle.

Each year at the beach, we celebrate Kim's birthday.  Her birthday is July 2nd.

The ladies -
Aunt Linda, a very pregnant Jessica, Kim, Debbie, Aubrey, Janet

Cousins!

Payton and Owen sharing a little birthday love...and checking out Kim's princess cake.
Owen loved the Cinderella on the cake.

Happy Birthday America!!

We celebrated the 4th with the annual OIB parade - which mostly includes golf carts.  As always, it was hot and hilarious with several Duck Dynasty themed carts!

We spent the rest of the 4th on the beach.  We were happy to spend some time on the beach with friends from Chapel Hill - Brad and his wife Samantha and Porter and his wife Timpla.  They were at OIB for the long weekend and spent the day at the beach with us.

We wrapped up the night by watching fireworks from out porch.  

A day at the beach is exhausting and while the boys spent as much time as possible soaking up the sun, they did spend some time relaxing inside.

The obligatory, annual 1,000 piece puzzle.  

Considering we didn't even get started until a few days in, we did pretty good.  Chad and I may have regretted staying up until nearly 2:00 on Friday night to finish the puzzle...since we had to get up early, pack and leave to drive home....but, it all worked out...and here is the proof!  

I have several pictures of the boys boogie boarding to share in another post.  

We had a great week!  It was so great to renew our annual tradition and always a wonderful chance to spend extra time with family that we don't often see outside of rushed holiday gatherings.  We are looking forward to being back at OIB for the 4th next year....with a 6 year old, 4 year old and 10 month old...yikes!