Outer Banks

This was our third annual trip to the beaches of the Outer Banks in North Carolina. We love to go to the bottom of Hatteras Island to a little dive hotel that is right on the beach. Being that I've been HUGE and pregnant two out of the three times we have been there, being close to the beach is a must.

Also for some strange reason, I only took pictures with disposable cameras. Therefore our picture are sad. And yet for some reason this post is a picture overload.

This year the Merchant's and the Warner's joined us for the fun on the beach. Our kids loved having their Merchant friends to play with on the beach. Mike's fishing skills were a hit with the kids.

Jeffery Merchant better start worrying, because I'm afraid that my son has a crush on his daughter.

Garrett and Mia had so much fun in the surf. They would hold hands, look for shells, Garrett tried to teach her to boogie board, and just splash around. They were so much fun to watch play together.

Odd to think that in just eight or nine years though it they won't be just playing together but flirting. Strange how age change how we interact with one and other.

This was also Garrett year to learn to boogie board. He could not get enough of it. Every other year, he liked the beach but wanted to go to the pool just as much but this year he never wanted to leave the surf. He didn't even want to build a sand castle or be buried.

Keith also took him out beyond where the waves break to snorkel and dive for shells. I think he was a bit amazed that there were fish so close to where he was swimming. Keith quickly realized that there was also jelly fish out there. Keith got stunging a few time but Garrett didn't. Oddly even I went away quite quick and wasn't that painful to Keith. He's no wimp!

Here's Garrett riding a wave all with way in just in time to take out his sister.

The kids were fascinated by Mike fishing in the ocean and actually catching fish.

Kendall and Maggie had so much fun chasing the waves or the waves chasing them, and collecting shells.

Taryn wasn't so much into the waves and salty water this year, so she spend most of her time collecting shells and making Sand Pies.

Taryn really enjoyed the swimming pool and playing around the hotel. But I love these pictures of her on the beach.

I applied too much sunscreen on face so she looks like a ghost.