Beach Trip and Nanny's 60th

This past week we spent in the Nags Head, NC to celebrate my mom's 60th birthday!  We started the (what ended up being) 13 hour trek Friday night after my little cousin Joey got married. We had high hopes that Ainsley would fall asleep in the car on the way there- but at midnight we realized that was not going to happen and ended up stopping at a hotel. oh, and I should add right before we stopped she passed out in the car. go figure. But it did make the next day of driving not nearly as long- even though we drove through torrential downpours and horrible traffic…  we made it! 

The house Mom and Dad found was perfect. It had a basement with pool table, pin ball and lots of toys to play with. We had our own pool in the back which was great for every one of us:) It had a swing on the front porch which A loved to swing in. Ainsley called it 'our blue house' for the week. 

We would get up in the mornings, take A to the beach for a few hours, come home for lunch and pool time, then put her down for nap. Several days were spent poolside during nap time and one day we ventured out to Roanoke Island to explore. 

At nights we ate dinner out mostly, but one night the boys got (a ton) of seafood that they grilled up for everyone. Philip loves grilling and he loves seafood so this was his favorite meal. He even made me chicken veggie kabobs which were yummy too :) We even managed to get in a family game of putt putt one night. The boys won:) 

Ainsley eating alligator. Asked Uncle Bubby for 'more alligator please' 

Philip got in a wreck dive that he had been wanting to do. But the boat ride out was 1.5 hours and the water was super choppy. He got sea sick, along with everyone else on the boat. And he said the water was so cold he could barely complete the second dive. Not the best dive for him, but at least he got to see the wreck.  One night we went to the Sand Dunes there (thank you for recommendation Lindsay!). They were gorgeous. It was sort of like a natural world wonder being there (on a smaller scale). Ainsley literally ran for what seemed like miles. Pop flew his kite. Matt and Rachel explored. Mom hung back with me while I did my best to climb the sandy hills. I finally made it to the top of the big one and was so proud, only to have the lightening sirens off and send everyone back down in mass exodus. Ainsley of course thought the rain and running (riding for her) was fun. 

And there was an ice cream shop just a very short walk from our house. 

Some of us enjoyed it more than others;) 

Mom's actual birthday started off with sprinkled doughnuts and 50+ cards her friends and family sent for her to open (thank you Aunt Ellen for that awesome idea and making that happen!). Then we hit the beach, relaxed by the pool and had a nice dinner out at Tale of the Wale restaurant. 

Philip bought fireworks (nice ones) to set off at the beach and has been so excited about them. We saw a small sign on the fridge saying fireworks were banned in Nags Head and he decided it was worth a fine to get to set them off at the beach. Upon further investigation, he found out it is a pretty strict 'no fireworks' law, requiring a mandatory court appearance and possible prison time. So, back to KY the fireworks came. Waiting to be set off since he had to work July 4, 5 &6.  Overall, Ainsley probably had the best time because she loved the beach. She loved the sand, the ocean, watching her daddy and pop 'ride the waves', and just running. It was pure joy to watch her. Philip and I had such a good time just being there with her and letting her have so much fun playing. 

telling us how 'the waves got me. every time. pop swimming.' 

"racing with daddy" 

It was a wonderful week and despite the craziness of having so many people under one roof with so many different schedules- it was just fun to be around family. We are so blessed with such amazing people in our family who not only love us but love our kids as well.   And to celebrate my mom who deserves celebrating more than anyone. She is the most selfless caring person we know, and we are beyond grateful for everything she does for us. We hope your 60th was one to remember!!!