Let me slip into something a little more comfortable.

We weren't even home an hour. Brian and I were still unpacking the car and this is how she sashayed out to the driveway. I am guessing to her, being with out a princess dress for a little over a week was torture. I am thinking it's like when you are uncomfortably dressed up for something and all you can think about is getting into a comfy pair of sweats or jammies. This is what it must have felt for her. Being in conventional clothing and bathing suits all week was tough. I love that she was in such a frantic rush to put it on that she put it on backwards and with only one glove too!

Princess Elizabeth has regained her throne and is once again ready to rule her subjects (all her dolls and stuffed animals.)

:)

Tara

Adios Bella Vista

We left yesterday morning, stopping by Bodie Island lighthouse.

The drive to Philly was easy and fast. The kids were great again. We decided to stay with Luke and Danielle. We definitely could have made it all the way home but decided to visit with them. The kids were very glad we stopped because they were able to see their dog, Zeke, and Danielle had made them cookies. Luke was in complete Eagles mode.... thank goodness they won! I try to avoid if I can "bad mood Luke".  :)

This was my position through out the week. In the chaise... proofing pictures or reading or both! We had a wonderful, relaxing time and now it's back to reality. Hopefully we will be able to spend 2009 here too.

~Tara

Landscapes and a Boy

Here is the infamous 'Nights in Rodanthe' house.

I made a point to get pictures of it on this trip... it's a safe bet that it won't be here next year.

The sea is claiming it as it's own.

I don't normally shoot landscapes. I just don't think that I am that good at it. 

At the beginning of the week I foolishly kept telling myself that I had all week to go out and explore. And photograph.

It's been raining off and on since yesterday. Lots of overcast, cloudy skies.

We had a break for a few hours during the afternoon.

It was now or never. So I decided to take a long walk... by myself. :)

I got a few things, but I sure do wish I had taken advantage earlier in the week.

My Boy

I had taken so many pictures of Beth earlier in the week.

I had to quickly get some of Sam.

He didn't complain too much. :)

Ocracoke Island and a couple of Lighthouses

Cape Hatteras lighthouse.

Beth has waited years to be able to climb the light house. You have to 42" tall and be able to climb the whole thing by yourself. All 257 steps! She did great and was much faster than I... she didn't even ever seem out of breath! Brian and Sam decided to stay on the ground this year.

All the National Park employees were so sweet to Beth, giving her high fives and wishing her luck. She was so excited.

Only 255 steps more to go!

Brian and Sam down below waving to us!

(standing near the entrance to the house)

My girl triumphantly making it to the top!

Another tourist was kind enough to take our photo.

The descent.

After leaving the lighthouse we caught the ferry to Ocracoke Island.

The kids love how the cars are loaded. They got out to walk around the boat. It's about a 25- 30 minute ride so I brought something to read with me.

Ocracoke Lighthouse

He had found a dollar in his pocket earlier this day. He asked me what the box was for and I told him it was a donation box. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his dollar. I kept telling him that nothing was going to come out of the box... no toy or prize. We told him that his donation would help maintain the lighthouse. He was happy about that and decided to do it.

It's little moments like this that make me s proud of him.

Monkey see, monkey do. At least he was being a good role model. 

One of Brian's favorite spots. We get the Carolina burger and oysters Rockefeller everytime!

I bought him a t-shirt and a new sticker for the garage fridge.

He loves this place because in addition to the great food there is an incredible selection of beer from all around the world.

The Outer Banks is known for it's beaches but more specifically for being able to drive on them. OBX is very underdeveloped (housing) as far as ocean front standards in the rest of the country are. There are literally miles and miles of unpopulated beaches. They want to keep it that way too. 

Ocracoke beaches are no different. There are many turn off points were you can just drive on down to the ocean. People come from all over to surf fish. Lately there's been a lot of controversy surrounding the idea of driving on the dunes... beach erosion, ect. 

I do see both sides of the argument. It's a way of life for the locals who have been doing it for generations. Whatever they decide in the future we will be ok with... but for now.... 4x4 is so much FUN!!

This is such a beach community, I love it!

Stormy Morning Out at Sea

This was the scene out my bedroom door this morning (7am).

As the first one up today I thought I would try to get some work done before everyone got up. I had to grab my camera first because there definitely was a storm out to sea. It never rained on us, but there it was in full force. That is one of the things I love about the ocean, the sea. It is in a constant state of change. It's several hours later now and beautiful out. Nature's simplistic rebirth and renewal is so peaceful, inspiring, amazing, and HopeFull.

As much as I love watching the Canadian Geese fly at home I love the pelicans here. They seem to have a lot of ambition and teamwork! They were definitely taking advantage of the stormy skies with their breakfast flight.

We are headed out to Ocracoke Island today. 

Black Beard's home as Sam remembers it...

Taking a ferry to get there is what Beth remembers.... and

Howard's Pub is all that is on Brian's mind!

On my mind is a tiny, quaint, enchanting island village (in a Stephen King type of way) that is full of history and somewhat trapped in time.

I'll have photos to share later!

~Tara

My Beach Baby

My Elizabeth.

Her and  I were in the hot tub tonight. 

I told her, "You look so stinkin' cute in that bikini!"

She said, "Hola. That's how I say thank you in Chinese."

:) 

Boogie boarding, fishing, pool...

We have had a lot of really great weather.

It was a little windier yesterday and the waves were really choppy. Perfect for boogie boarding and kite surfing! Sam did a great job and remembered how to do it pretty fast.

Brian and Beth tried their hands at fishing. No luck today.

Since Brian turned the pool heat to 90 degrees we can't get the kids out! I love it... they swim, and swim, and swim some more and then at 7:30/8pm they fall asleep on the couch!

Christie Brinkley.... eat your heart out!

Yes, she had 3 different bathing suits on through out the day.

Getting some reading and relaxing too!

Outside our bedroom on the balcony. I had lifeguard duty at the time.

Kite surfing... an Outer Banks staple.

I haven't been able to upload pictures since yesterday morning... sorry about posting so late!

~Tara