Helloooooo! I am officially back in the swing of things. Thank you to all of you who emailed asking how our vacation to the OBX was. Oooooh, the OBX....We had an indescribably wonderful time - and made so many memories that I can't keep track of them all. But most of all, we strengthened bonds of friendship and family. Deeply. Deeply strengthened those bonds, and it's making me feel all crazy emotional. I learned new things about my family - new things about my friends - new things about myself - and I will carry with me the memories of the trip forever. The only way to describe how I feel is a little numb that it went so fast and a little sad that it's over, but most of all grateful and so crazy in love with and blessed by the 8 of you that were with me. I learned new things about each one of you that makes me appreciate you even more. It was a vacation that I will never forget. Never. Ever. Now, for the shining stars of the OBX (at least, the shining star kiddos - I'll post a photo album of all the photos eventually)...
My little Lily bug walking in the sand - doesn't this photo make you feel like you were there? This one is definitely going on my wall. I'm thinking gallery canvas wrap. I love it that much.
Mac cheeeeeeeeesing it up - while having his first experience eating the ever-so-healthy cheese balls. Remember those crazy things? I didn't even know they still made them. You would think that the FDA would have banned them by now. We called them fish eggs. Mac and his buddy Noah (and Lily too, for that matter) ate and ate and ate them. Lily walked around asking for more "sish." :)

The one in the sharks with the ribs poking out is my boy - mmmmm. How I love him.
Mid-week, we drove North about 10 miles from where we stayed in Duck to a town called Corova. We drove until the road came to an abrupt end, and onto the sand, we went. This beach is amazingly peaceful and limited to development because there is no paved road. The only access is via a four-wheel drive trip on the beach. Doesn't that sound fantastic? We drove right on the beach until we found a great spot for the day.
It is in Corova that the bulk of the Corolla Wild Horses reside. The
horses have broken into several small herds, and it has been said that at present, there are
nearly 100 horses freely roaming the beaches. The below photo wasn't taken by me - just wanted to give an idea of what we saw. Pretty fantastic, huh?
The kids were in heaven - we parked and stayed in Corova all day.
My dear friend Mandie's boy Noah below - I think this is my favorite photo of the entire trip. Perfect beach photo. Sweet, shirtless boy with the window down, sound asleep, beach towel in view. I didn't plan to take this photo of him - but I couldn't resist when I saw him. Sweet. Helps me remember the day perfectly when I see this photo.
Another one of my favorites of Noah below - and before you even ask - no, I didn't enhance his eyes at all. Those are his true blues. He's so stinking cute. Add his little personality to the mix, and he's just a little dreamcake. Full of spunk and innocence and fire and hilariousness and little teacher teachings and love love love for his Mama. I miss him so much after enjoying him 24/7 for a week. Lily's been roaming around the house saying "No-ah, No-ah, No-ah."
I am addicted, *addicted I say* to taking pictures of my baby girl from behind. The little wispy curls, the yummy chunky legs, her little hiney - mmmmmmmm. How I love her.
The view from our top balcony - a "ships watch" at the very top of the house.
The wonderful OBX beach house - 9 of us piled inside, and we still had TONS of room. I can't even begin to tell you how great it was. The owners thought of every perfect thing. Dreamy and relaxing and fantastic. Peaceful. Quiet. Heaven.
Of course, we had to have one family photo of the 4 of us. Like pulling teeth. My family - not a fan of the camera. Wonder why?
Oh, how I {heart} the photo below. Mac and Noah took off running for the beach. Cooooooooome on!!!!!!!!!!!! I can still hear their little voices.
Happy girl...

Mac's new Mr. Crabby Crabberson sunglasses. The crab's pinchers flip up. He's so proud of those glasses. Wore them to Mamaw's house today.
Okay, last one - I can't remember the last photo that I have of me with either one of my kids. That's what happens to us Mommies, right? We're always the one behind the camera. My sweet sister-in-law saw Lily and me snuggling after Lily woke up from a nap, and she grabbed my camera. She caught Lily bug mid-yawn. How I love my baby girl. Sweet and cuddly and smelling like beach weather.
Okay - off to answer many, many emails! Galleries going up very soon!!! XOXO