Outer Banks 2009

Well, as you can see from the picture, we had a large crew come to the Outer Banks this year. Lots of friends, family, babies, toddlers, dogs and fun!! Between the beach and the hot tub/pool (and the amazing food) we all literally fell into bed every night exhausted from all the daily activities. All of the kids had so much fun together. Gwennie, Henry and Alexis motored around the house/beach/pool/hot tub while the babies - Clare, Addie and Hudson enjoyed the sun and warm weather.

Sunday we enjoyed the beach and the pool and Corbin/Dave took a shot at surfing for the first time in about a year. Baby Addie and Hudson chilled in the pack n play sport while the big kids ran around and Clark did some fishing.

Missy, Dave, Henry, Addie, GeeGee, PopPop, Gwennie, Hudson, Corbin and I all headed to the NC Aquarium (along with just about everyone else in NC!!!) for some indoor entertainment on Monday.

Tuesday Nancy, Jennifer and I did some retail therapy while my parents and Gwennie checked out the Currituck Lighthouse and Clark/Dave/Missy and Corbin were on kid patrol. Addie and Gladys arrived Tuesday night just in time for yummy Frogmore Stew Clark Style with steamers, shrimp, corn, sausage, potatoes and plenty of good food and great conversation!

Wednesday we were back at the beach in the morning where Alexis and Gwennie went sliding on the dunes and pretty much had sand everywhere! Gwennie has no fear in the ocean so we have to watch how far she goes. She loves to try to balance when the waves crash into her (which makes Corbin and I VERY nervous). Wednesday night Missy, Dave, Baby Addie and Henry checked out the Whalehead Club Wine Festival where Henry got his own kite! GeeGee, PopPop and Mimi (Gladys) stayed home with Gwennie, Clare and Hudson while the rest of us headed over to BluePoint for an amazing dinner!

Thursday was pretty rainy so we all laid low and played inside or ran out to the hot tub to check out the crazy surf.

Friday was another great beach and pool day and as you can see from most of the pictures, Tyler, Ginger and Ruby had as much fun as everyone else. Tyler would take leisurely swims in the pool while Ginger and Ruby would join him if a tennis ball was involved. On the beach the three of the dogs would run after the ball and each other until they were exhausted. Gwennie and Alexis also had fun playing in the sand/surf all morning. By the afternoon the dogs were pooped and so were the kids so they went down for a three hour nap! Friday night we got ready for the big packing session on Saturday morning when everyone said their good-byes and geared up for the drives home.

Overall it was one of the best vacations EVER and we can't wait until next year! Here are over 300 pictures from the week.