OBX 2011

Another BIG excitement and perk of being back over summer break was taking a wonderful vacation to the Outer Banks.  For those of you who don't know, the Outer Banks (also known as OBX) is a 200-mile (320-km) long string of narrow barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, beginning in the southeastern corner of Virginia Beach on the east coast of the United States.  They cover approximately half the northern North Carolina coastline, separating the Currituck Sound, Albemarle Sound, and Pamlico Sound from the Atlantic Ocean.

I am proud to say that I actually know someone who lives on the Outer Banks.  My mom's oldest sister, Linda has lived in Corolla, North Carolina for years and years now.  This was my third time to visit and it was long over due (which may even be an understatement).  I had forgotten how much I love the beach!  The ocean, beach and I had some serious catching up to do.  It was also a great opportunity to see a lot of family.  Of course with the technology that we have this day in age, it makes keeping in touch much easier.  However, there is nothing like spending some quality time with those you love!   

Here is a glimpse of our week in the OBX...

Enjoying delicious Indian food in North Potomac, Maryland with Uncle Billy, Aunt Janet, Trina, Alex, Mike, Leigh and Mom.

Trina and I enjoying a night out on the town with Mike before heading to the OBX.

First afternoon at the beach.  Ryan and Alex buried me into the sand.  So good to be back at the beach!

Grandma Betty and Uncle Billy enjoying the lovely ocean water.

Mom, Uncle Billy, Grandma and Aunt Janet at the beach.  It was so great to have my aunt and uncle join us for a few days!

What a great way to spend time with family!

What would I do without this kid?!?!  What a brother!  I believe that bowl is for the crabs!

Ryan and Billy playing around.

Trina was getting lessons from Aunt Janet on how to eat a crab.  I stuck to the shrimp!

We got to help Kim celebrate her birthday.  Brendan was really ready for that yummy cake!

Happy 4th of July!  It started to rain though, so no fireworks this year!

Mom and I out on the dock.

Trina, Mom and I hanging out on the beach for another day!

Alex showing us how it's done on the buggy board.

Playing in the sand.

Trina, Katie, Aunt Linda, Grandma and Mom...that's a lot of bathing beauties! ;)

It was so wonderful to have a best friend with me on the trip.

Always lots of crabs on the beach...

It was so wonderful to see my cousin Erin and her husband Chris and their little Liam!

Currituck Beach Lighthouse.

A view of Currituck Sound from the top of the lighthouse.

 A view from one of the windows as we climbed up the stairs.

Another view of the sound and the Whalehead Club Historic House.

The 4 amigos at the top of the lighthouse.  What a great vacation!

We had lots of dancing stars at the big seafood dinner!

Trina gave us a nice view of the ocean!