We now have a new tradition to celebrate July 4th at my parents’ house in the Outer Banks. It’s such a great getaway and so great to be with family for one of my favorite holidays!
We went to the ocean 3 different times. The first day, Saturday, we went with Grandma & Grandpa.
The first day Leah was totally okay with the water—not a big fan and preferred to dig in the sand, but still okay with it.
The second day, when Brett got to go with us (he drove up separately after church Sunday) she was totally NOT okay with the water. She didn’t want anything to do with the waves. She wanted to stay far away from the tide. And she wanted me or Brett with her. Which wasn’t easy considering…
Her little brother could not get enough of the water! He kept saying “More water!” “I get in the water!” He would have stayed all day, gladly getting washed away by the waves if we let him.
So we took turns taking Andrew to the water while Leah built sand castles. And buried Daddy’s feet.
After the beach the first day, Grandpa took us to see the fire trucks at his station. Again, my easygoing little boy LOVED sitting on the truck. He sat in every available spot. Leah liked it too.
Leah also liked the kiddie pool my parents had set up on their porch. Okay, well, really she (and Andrew) liked running around the porch watering all of Grandpa’s flowers with her watering can. There was probably half as much water in the pool at the end but plenty in the flowers and on the porch.
Apparently, big sisters also need water to grow.
And they enjoyed eating watermelon, a 4th of July requirement!
And discovered the thrills of talking into a fan.
Monday we went to Kitty Hawk Kites, a 3-story store with lots of little beach trinkets and souvenirs. There was a cool sandcastle outside.
Leah and Andrew hugged a pirate.
And we all ascended a huge flight of stairs to get to the top of the building, where there’s a flying cow. (A kite one, of course, but if you ask Andrew, he saw a flying cow.)
That evening Brett and I got to go out on our own to play putt putt while Grandma & Grandpa stayed with the sleeping kids. It was a great little date night!
Tuesday we decided to add a little education to our vacation and went to check out the Wright Brothers Monument, the site of the first successful airplane flight. I’ve been here several times, but not with the kids. They have a cool replica of the first plane.
And we made the long trek up the hill to the monument. Trust me, this is not an easy hike when it’s 100 degrees and you’re 5 months pregnant (or if you’re pushing two kids in a stroller, like Brett). But it was a neat view from the top and I’m glad we did it.
Back at the bottom, there’s another replica of the plane you can climb on and hang out with Orville Wright himself.
The statues of Orville & Wilbur and some other guys instrumental in the first flight were our favorite.
Tuesday night we enjoyed some frozen yogurt at Sweet Frog—the most amazing ice cream place you’ll ever find! Seriously—look it up!
Here is one thing we learned about our kids. Leah doesn’t like to be hot or uncomfortable. She tends to complain when she’s in a situation that’s not familiar. Andrew, on the other hand, is so easygoing and laid back. We did A LOT of walking at the monument and at the Kitty Hawk store, and he never once complained. He just takes everything in and enjoys the ride, especially if it involves being outside.
The two also shared a room the whole time we were there. And they did so great! There were only a few times Leah got up but they rarely woke each other up and I think they were so exhausted every night they just went straight to sleep. Now I'm not so worried that they'll be ready to share a room here at home in preparation for the baby!
On July 4th, we spent some more time at the beach and then went to a little carnival at my parents’ church. It was a free event they used as an evangelistic tool for tourists, since they’re right on the beach road. The kids enjoyed the water slide and had snow cones.
They also LOVED the bounce house. In the past, we have not been able to get Leah to go in one of these. But after some coaxing, she got in and then we couldn’t get her out! Apparently they both figured out how much it’s like jumping on the bed at home—one of their favorite activities!
We decided not to go to any fireworks this year, since last year Leah really pitched a fit, and it was just so hot outside. Instead we watched them from the comfort of our air-conditioned home, and I can honestly say I didn’t miss them much. We got to enjoy so many other treats and had so much fun. We got to spend time with family, with our kids, as a couple, and time just relaxing and enjoying God’s creation—I can’t think of a better way to spend a holiday!
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