OBX 2012

Memorial Day Weekend found us at the Outer Banks with George's sister Jen and her family. They often go down to visit the beach and stay in Eric's sister's beach house and this time they invited us! We were so excited to go, especially since residency is just a couple weeks away this may be George's last time visiting the beach in quite a while.

The boys were great on the drive, helped by our spacious "new" minivan! It's not new at all, but it's new to us and perfect for what we need. We love it!

And now for entirely too many pictures of the kids playing on the beach:

The beach house is just 5 minutes from the shore and with private parking for residents, it made getting to the beach pretty easy.

So excited to go! This is the first time Jude has been since he was about 9 months old. He couldn't wait!

He was a little timid at first and ran away from the water.

Bryce (and Lance getting pummeled by a wave). The way the beach sloped, the waves hit right on the sand, making for some intense water experiences.

The water was pretty cold, too. Didn't stop these kiddos from enjoying it!

Cole hung out in the shade most of the time.

Sweet baby. He was a very good sport.

George and Eric tried to catch a few waves, but they were crashing too close to shore.

Callie.

Getting braver...

Lance was a fish as usual. I think he spent 99% of his time in the water while we were there.

He made a little friend named Ethan that puppy-dogged him the whole time we were there. It was really cute.

Jen working her magic to put Cole to sleep.

Jude thought the sand was pretty neat and loved to dig in it.

The undertoe when the waves went out was very strong. Even I had a hard time maintaining my footing.

Crazy boy.

Funny/scary story. At one point on our first day, we turned around and could not find Jude anywhere. We panicked for about 30 seconds until Jen spotted him trotting down the beach about a tenth of a mile away, so far we could barely make him out. George immediately ran after him and when he finally caught up, Jude was happily making his way down the beach saying "Hi" to every person he passed. "Hi!" "Hello!" "Hi!" Totally unconcerned that he left his family behind. This little boy is friendly to a fault. Needless to say, we were much more diligent about keeping him in our line of vision at all times.

There is something about the beach that makes people sleepy...

That night we went out to dinner at Jimmy's, an all-you-can-eat crab leg buffet. It's a Glass family tradition and a fabulous one at that!

While we were waiting for a table, they had free pony rides behind the restaurant. The kids thought it was great!

First up, Callie and Bryce.

Jude and Lance were pretty excited for their turn.

Free pony ride. Can't beat that!

After the pony ride, we went upstairs where a guy was playing a guitar and singing while we waited a little more. We love visiting Jimmy's! It was a great dinner until Jude threw up all over. He does that sometimes--we think it's really bad reflux he's had since he was a baby--and felt better soon after.

Back at the beach house, we got to spend some down-time with the cousins.

We spent the night here at the beach house two years ago and Lance was introduced to a cat named "Two Toes" that visits from next door. Lance remembered and had been looking for him this trip. One morning, Two Toes appeared on the front porch and the boys spent a few minutes loving on him.

He's a very sweet cat and patient to allow these two over-affectionate boys to love on him. Jude kept petting him and saying, "I love my pet!" Precious.

Ah, vacation. Love it!

Jude was much more adventurous as the weekend went on and soon loved to be out in the water. In fact, we would take him out and try to hold his hands in the waves, but soon he was wiggling away so he could do it himself. "No, my turn!"

Cole put his toes in a bit, but mostly stayed on the beach.

Jen watched the kids for us while George and I ventured out into the water. It got deep pretty quick and the water was a little cold, but it was so fun to fight the waves.

Out with the dads.

Those waves were intense!

Attempting to body surf.

Jude was a little more nervous about the deeper water. Can't say I blame him.

Another night we went miniature golfing.

Jude had been once before with the Elmer's extended family while they were in town for graduation, so he was confident in his golfing skills.

Where did the ball go?

Love this boy!

Thanks, Aunt Jen!

Proof I really was there on vacation.

Four cousins!

Cole played through with George.

It was a fun night! Lance and I got to go go-karting with Callie and Bryce, too, while George watched Jude and Cole. It was a long wait for everyone, but Lance and I had a great time, so it was worth it.

What I woke up to in the mornings. :)

Since we were only there for a few days, we tried to pack in as much as we possibly could. Eric even took us fishing one day!

Setting up the poles.

Fisherman Lance.

Callie was the master-angler this trip. I think she caught something like four fish in the hour we were fishing. Not too shabby!

Lance wanted to check out the fins before Callie threw the fish back in.

Jude trying his hand at fishing.

We used blood worms as bait. Lance is pinching off a piece of one worm to use. Yes, Lance. I think it's a bit gross, too.

Yay! Lance caught one!

Jude wasn't too sure about touching the fish, so I made helped him.

See? It feels silly, huh?

He tried to hold it, but it flipped out of his hand, so we tossed it back in.

De-hooking a fish.

It was a great mini vacation! Thanks, Jen and Eric for treating us to a fun weekend at the beach! We had a really good time. I hope George's schedule works out in such a way that will allow him a few days at the beach if/when the whole Glass family goes back later this summer.