Family Vacation 2010

The first week in August, we went on a BIG family vacation to the Nagshead, NC....Dad, Frankie, Dee, Buck, Kristin, Paul (her man), Kyle, Rick, Kristina, Jessica, Justin, and the 4 of us. Whew. We had to plan it a year in advance so we could get the dates locked in for everyone. It's not easy coordinating schedules with so many people. And, with so many people, we needed a house that was big enough for us all.

I was really surprised that the girls were not big fans of the beach. They did okay the first day, but were ready to go back to the house after about 2 hours. After that, it was a bit of a fight to get Lacey to go. She wanted to just play in the pool. I think that is mostly due to the swim lessons they've taken. They really wanted to swim, not play in sand. :-)

We took them to the aquarium to do something a little different. They weren't terribly interested in that, either. Although, once we got to the sharks, they were mesmerized.

Another day we went shopping and out to lunch in Duck with the girls. They got their hair done.

There was a ridiculous amount of jelly fish while we were there! Disgusting. I realize that without the tentacles, they can't sting you, but they are still gross! Paul & Kyle got stung when they decided to chance it on the 1st or 2nd day. After that, they stayed out. Wednesday, the jelly fish were gone. Not a sign of them. But, by Saturday (our last beach day), there they were again.

Saturday, Butch & I just took turns going to the beach since the girls had zero interest in it. It was nice to have a little time out there without having to entertain kids or watch them or do anything.

Butch, the girls & I shared a room. Initially we thought they'd have their own room, but I knew I'd end up sleeping in there anyway (strange place and all), so we decided to save money and get a slightly smaller house. Next time, I think we'll make sure they have their own room. It was way too crowded since the bedrooms aren't all that huge. I felt disorganized the entire time. Our room was on the same level as the kitchen and "party room" (aka dining room). The kids (and I) sleep to white noise anyway, so it wasn't too bad. There was only one night where it was LOUD. Considering how many nights we stayed, that isn't too bad, right?

We did family pictures one night. Everyone wore white shirts & khaki shorts/pants. It started out a bit rough for Lacey and me. She (the fashionable 5 year old) did not like the "uniform". Not one bit. The shorts I had for her were long (to her knees) and finally I agreed to cut them off if she'd stop fighting. (Everyone was waiting for us at this point.) Even after she was dressed, she said she didn't like the clothes. I told her Aunt Dee Dee had decided (not totally true) and did she want to hurt Aunt Dee's feelings by telling her she didn't like it? That did the trick. (Then, a week or so after we got back, she actually picked that outfit out to wear it. Little stinker.)

We weren't sure that Rick & Kristina were going to join us. Kristina started having terrible troubles with her back a few days before we left. She even ended up in the ER the night before because the pain was unbearable. Lots of drugs helped her feel comfortable enough to ride in the car for a few hours and she had a good few days there. However, by Thursday or Friday, she was having a lot of pain again. And nausea (thank you, pain meds). So, they headed back a day early. (Lots of doctor visits since then & we know she has a ruptured disk. She'll be having surgery in a few weeks.)

Justin wasn't supposed to come....since he was living in Tampa.... too far to drive & unable to get off work. For a few weeks before, he was giving a lot of thought to moving back to MD, though. When he gave his notice at work, they didn't have him work the 2 weeks. So, he was free to come! He got there on Wednesday and stayed until Friday. It was a great surprise!

What an awesome time. Truly. And, it was so great to see the girls having such a good time....enjoying time spent with family....and with us not focused on work.