We returned from a family beach vacation in Corolla, NC a week ago. It was Avery’s first time to see the ocean, and everyone’s first time in the Outer Banks. I’m sharing our trip via posts one day at time. As I write this, I only have up to day two written, but the biggest takeaway has already been established; Avery loves the ocean!
From the first day to the last, our sweetheart relished her time on the beach. This picture, taken by my wife, captures her jubilation perfectly.
Spending time together in the salty water and sandy shores had us bonding as a family with experiences. No big plans to manage, just pure fun enjoying life’s simple pleasures together.
If you care, you may follow along in more details as I share each day of our trip. Check out our first day of just getting there and our second day soaking up all the ocean has to offer. Make sure to check back for the rest of the days. Not sure how long it will be, but the entire trip will hopefully be re-lived soon enough.
A big thanks to Darren and his never dull #MySundayPhoto linkup. Check out his blog full of beautiful pics and join in on the#MySundayPhoto action!
With our first day mostly spent travelling to our Outer Banks beach house destination, everyone was eager to spend the second day on the beach soaking up the sun. And that’s exactly what we did. More so for some, like my brother, than others, as he turned into a human form of Neapolitan ice cream.
Not so much chocolate as strawberry and vanilla, but I’d make the argument he’s neapolitan-ish. All of us were like….
But hey, you live you learn burn, right? He was in obvious pain almost the rest of the trip, but he handled it quite well. I’m sure his best friends Bud and Jack helped.
Going Mom, Avery, and I made sure to cover up with our skin-safe Badger Sunscreen and enjoyed our beach experience with only minimal burn. Not bad considering how long we spent digging in the sand and playing in the waves. The calm ocean waves made for a perfect first beach experience for Avery.
Not a lot of people out there, but more came as the time passed. No crazy crowds though, which made it perfect for a family-friendly vacation. My top two goals for Avery’s first trip to the beach were to dig a big hole in the sand and play in the waves with her. Both were accomplished on the first day.
We were so close to China! I swear I could hear labors working hard on cheap plastic products to ship to the U.S. That’s when we decided to stop and make use of the abundant water resource (aka ocean) to wash off the sand and sweat.
Avery took a few surfing lessons with good form.
After riding the waves, Avery seemed to have a newfound pride/confidence exuding from within. What do you think?
Yeah, I’m awesome
Our first day on the beach was a blast, and our daughter’s love of the ocean was confirmed.
From all of the family fun we had on day one, there’s no question we’ll make another trip to the ocean for a future family vacation. One of my other priorities while by the sea was to take advantage of the fresh, local seafood every day. For the first night, the seafood du jour was jumbo lump crab with chunks of avocado and a generous serving of veggies.
Kelley and Avery loved the crab. It was Avery’s first crab experience, and she was anything but crabby about it. Yeah yeah, I know, I’m corny. I was surprised that my wife, not the biggest fan of seafood, even enjoyed the meal. The three of us ate different meals than everyone else most of the time, but we did get to sit down together a few times.
Not a very clear picture, but I think it adds to the excitement felt by all. From left to right, that’s my cousin Aaron, grandma at the end of the table, and G-Ma, Avery, and my wife/Kelley/Going Mom. Avery could hardly sit still during dinner ever, but luckily G-Ma acted as a human restraint for the restless tot.
To top off the fun-filled day full of all play, no work (the exact opposite of The Shining for good reason), we watched the sun set behind a bushel of fluffy storm clouds emitting thunder and lightning.
A thunderstorm rolled by that night, but didn’t last long. Good thing, because we had more plans for family fun on the beach ahead!
We are having a blast at The Outer Banks with the family! Avery’s first ocean experience has been a success. We’re still here living it up, but just wanted to share some pics of the trip so far.
More details of the vacation will come later, but for now, enjoy!
Our sleeping arrangements, I’m on the top bunk.
The obligatory Outer Banks beach family selfie.
My brother Preston / Uncle P, said he applied sunscreen. I think he missed a few spots.
Avery soaking up the ocean air.
Digging to China with G-Ma. We gave up before seeing pandas, but it was a good hole for her first time in the sand.
This is taking a long time, so I’m done for now. We’re heading back to the beach and possibly kayaking with Avery (another first), so hopefully I’ll have more great pics of our Outer Banks vacation to come.
An at-home dad on a mission to keep it real when it comes to food, fun, and raising a healthy, happy family.
