Day One in Emerald Isle

We have just returned from a few days in Emerald Isle, NC. My sister, brother in law, and nephews just moved there three weeks ago. My brother in law, Sean, is stationed at Camp Lejeune for a few years. They are renting a beach house in a wonderful neighborhood while they are there. I think we'll be visiting often. :-) In fact, I told the kids we may move in with them next summer when Sean heads to Iraq with the Marines!!

We left Saturday the 19th first thing in the morning for a 9 hour trip. What fun. The kids did pretty well. The little ones watched movies almost the entire time. But no matter how you do it, it's still a long day. On the way, Dave was surfing on his blackberry and told me we were heading right into a tropical storm. Ah, not good!! We wanted some beach time and really needed to take Katie's senior pictures while we were there. Rain would not be a good thing.

On the way there, the air conditioning went out in my van again. We knew there was a leak in the system but we were hoping the stop leak stuff the garage put in would stop it. I don't know what happened but for several hours we were hot. About 40 minutes from my sister's house, it all of a sudden started working again. Don't ask me why but we were pleased.

We pulled up in the driveway to be greeted by my sister and her family as well as my parents. It's a three story beach house. The ground floor has two rooms and a full bath; second floor has three rooms and two full baths (one being the master), and the third floor is the kitchen, living area, office, and another full bath. And, there are 32 steps from the ground floor to the top floor. 32 steps. 32 long steps. Whew. Let's just say they will all be in shape when they move out. And, don't forget something on the ground floor. It's a long way down. :-)

Here are two different views from the top porch. It was great just to sit up on the porch. The breeze was wonderful. No bugs and not too hot.




We did head to the pool the night we arrived (in between rain) so the kids had a chance to play. My nephews are entering 5th and 6th grades so are right in between my big ones and my little ones. Perfect!

Joshua

Anna Grace and Joshua

Katie

Alex and Abby

I don't know where Spencer was during all this---maybe inside with the adults or helping with dinner. :-)

We had a great dinner and headed off to bed in expectation of a good beach day when we woke up.