A couple of weeks ago, we had a wonderful family reunion in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. This gathering had been in the works for two years, ever since our last reunion in Island Park, Idaho. This time, Breck and Iris took the lead—and they truly went above and beyond. From finding the perfect AirB&B to organizing all the meals, stocking up on food and drinks, and planning every detail of the trip, they handled it all extremely well. They even prepared thoughtful welcome bags filled with saltwater taffy for each family and placed them in our rooms. To top it off, they brought matching t-shirts for all the grandkids, each personalized with their names. We’re incredibly grateful for all the time and effort they put into making this reunion so special.

This was our AirB&B in Avon OBX, and it was the perfect size for all of us. Each family (including Merinda) had their own room and bathroom, the great room was large enough for all of us at one time, and the dining room table had enough seating for everyone. The deck was huge with a picnic table, and adirondack and lounge chairs. The views of the Sound from the great room and deck (first picture) were gorgeous, and I just loved watching the novice and experienced wind and kite-boarders glide across the sparking water! Our AirB&B also came fully equipped with a hot tub, outdoor shower, and covered parking, plus, there was a free community pool just steps from our B&B. But best of all, we were within walking distance to the beach! We couldn't have asked for better accommodations, or location!!

View of our AirB&B from the peer

And views of the sunset, which were so beautiful every night!

Saturday May 24th:

Brad and I drove to OBX as well as Breck and Iris, only their drive was about half the distance as ours. They were however, nice enough to pick up Merinda from the airport in Virginia, and drive her to OBX along with Camila, Mancha, and all the food and supplies. Breck's truck was packed to the max! Brad and I were the first ones to arrive Saturday evening, and then Breck and crew showed up shortly after. Brad and I got reacquainted with Camila, and I opened my Birthday and Mother's Day gifts from Breck and Iris. It then took us the rest of the evening to choose the right rooms for everyone, unpack everything, and get the beds & pack n' plays set up for the grand-kids. Aubrey and family flew into Raleigh, rented a car, and drove another 4 hours to OBX. They arrived around bedtime so we visited with them for a few minuets and then got ready for bed. We called Brittney and family and gave them the code to the AirB&B, and explained where their rooms would be. They didn't arrive until after midnight because they had the longest journey flying from SLC to Raleigh, and then driving another 4 hours to OBX.

SUNDAY MAY 25:

Sunday Brad and I got reacquainted with Fin and Gus (who I hadn't held since he was a newborn), while Camila and Claire checked out the chairs on the deck.

Once the babies went down for a nap, Brad and I took Finn on a little adventure...

We looked at the fish swim underneath the bridge,got on a "water Morotorcyle"and walked through the kite-surfing and souvenir shops!We then walked to the beach and saw "the big waves!"Before heading back to the B&B, Finn collected some shells and put a couple on a "shell tree" (piece of drift wood who other people had started decorating with shells).

Once back at the B&B, Finn showed everyone is shells, and got them all excited to go to the beach.Claire changed out of her beachy shirt to get on her swimsuit, the other kids followed! Gus in his swimsuit and hat! Unfortunately, rain was forecasted for the entire week and Sunday was supposed to be the only sunny day, so we decided we wouldn't swim but get our swimsuits on anyway, let the kids play in the sand, and enjoy the one day of sun on the beach while we had it!

Grandpa and Mimi taking Finn back to the beach for the second time in one day!

Brittney, Sean, Gus and Finn chillin in the sand.I got these beach toys from the dollar store...best money ever spent!Gus not liking the sun so much, nor the feel of wet sand on his feet!Grandpa to the rescue! Finn and his Momma building sand castlesFinn and his Mimi "crashing" sand castles Raul showing Claire the big wavesand how to dig in the sand!(just don't drop that binkie!)Raul, Claire, and Aubrey enjoying the sun!Iris, Mancha, and Camila (trying to get into the beach thing!)Breck putting up the hammock for his Sunday nap!Iris and Camila (with her "Bebe") also ready for a Sunday nap!

Brad and Merinda already snoozing!Aubrey, Brittney and I admiring our matching swimsuits! I loved the girls swimming suits so much and then they surprised me by getting me one for my birthday! There were other patterns but this is the one we all liked the best! The girls tricked me by having me "help" Aubrey pick out a cute color and pattern.The state of Brittney's feet after walking to her car to feed Gus...although excruciating, she couldn't sit down or put down Gus down to pull out the throngs until they made it to the car. This really depicts the life of a mother!!After everyone was beached-out, we headed back to our B&B (I love Finn's plumber's butt in this pic).

Before washing up for the day, Brittney and fam, and Merinda & I, sat in the hot tub to try it out!

After getting clean-up, the kids shared watermelon with each other and played in the living room until Brad and I were finished grilling hotdogs and hamburgers for dinner.Merinda, the keeper of the babies!After dinner we watched a documentary on tv because everyone was exhausted (especially the babies). We said family prayer, put the babies to bed, and those of us who had a little energy left, played card games! That first full day of our reunion felt like an entire week...but it sure was fun!!

MONDAY MAY 26:

Monday was kind of a yucky day but we decided we needed to get the little ones out of the house anyway. Breck and I were kind of pushing to go see the lighthouses so we set out for Cape Hatteras Light House. This is one of my favorite light houses and I excited to show it to my grandkids, however, when we arrived there the entire lighthouse was rust color and covered in scaffolding! There was construction going on with these tall gates everywhere, even the museums were closed. I spoke with the Ranger who said Ocracoke Lighthouse was open and there were things to see and do on the island. She convinced me even though the ferry ride would be 1 1/2 hours one way.I wasn't sure how the little ones would do on the ferry, but Breck was sure in his happy place.After Breck convinced us it wasn't too cold out, we decided to venture out of our vehicles!It was still a bit chilly and windy for the little guys!Here I am explaining to Finn what a ferry boat was since this was his first time on one.We looked at the engin and motor,and watched the propellers spit out the water in the back.We took picture in front of the stairs before climbing them to check out where the passengers without cars could stay.It was a little tight inside and you could really feel the boat rocking back and forth so we didn't stay there too long!Gus not quite sure if this was the adventure for him!

Once on Ocracoke Island it began to rain!

And once again, the lighthouse was under construction, only this time from hurricane damage.

The spiral staircase to the top, and the living quarters-turned museum, were both closed.As we squished inside the bottom of the lighthouse to get out of the rain, we once again spoke with the Ranger who recommended some restaurants for dinner. Even though it was quite early for dinner, the ferry line of cars trying to get off the island went on for miles when we arrived, so we knew we could be in the ferry line for a very long time just to get back on the boat.Claire waiting so patiently while we figured out what to do next!Breck was very intrigued by the little Island and wanted to check out some of the local artisan shops. The stores were land-mines for little kid hands, so Aubrey and I stayed outside with Claire and enjoyed the quaintness and beauty surrounding us. I think it would be a nice peaceful place to visit without little kids.

Breck and Iris did enjoy the shopping, and Iris even got a new custom-made opal ring!

After shopping, Sean and fam were waiting at Howard's Pub where they were able to get a table for 9 adults plus room for 4 high chairs! Of course the table was on the covered porch area of the restaurant, but it was warm enough with thick plastic covering the windows and keeping the wind out! It was also nice to eat in a place where the kids could be noisy and messy and no one had to stress!!

Brad being the baby keeper this time!

The girls got their own cool cups with straws,and Finn's meal was served on a real frisbee! Any jackets you see Brittney, Sean, Finn and Gus wearing the rest of the reunion were donated by the rest of us since they didn't pack ANY jackets for the trip (you'd think they came from a dessert or something). Gus is borrowing Claire's jacket, thus the pink color! OBX does not get scorching hot like other coastal areas in the summer. In addition, it rains quite a bit year-round, and the wind never stops blowing (one reason it is such a popular destination for wind and kite surfers).

Gus was just happy with a big-people's fork!

My hushpuppys & fish were excellent, and hopefully everyone else enjoyed their meals and gave our waiter got big tip because he really did a great job!! All too soon it was time to head back and get in line for the ferry!

Luckily, the line to get on the ferry wasn't too long! After about a 20 min wait we were back on the boat, and the little ones were thrilled! I really think the ferry ride was the highlight of the entire trip for our little people! When else can you sit in grandpas lap and "drive the car",or stick your head out of the sunroof and feel the air in your face,or have full reign of the back seat while Mom is in a deep conversation and not paying any attention to you,or have full reign of the front seat, and then sit on Mimi's lap while looking at yourself in the mirror and endless amounts of "aqua" out the open window?!These kids were really living their best lives, and it was so fun to watch the pure joy on their faces!

TUESDAY MAY 27

I love this picture of our kids all together! It's a rare thing to see now days, especially since they live on opposite sides of the country!

On Tuesday, since it was going to be overcast but not a full rain-out, we decided to drive to Pea Valley Nature Reserve and check out the sites there before visiting Kittyhawk. The first thing we did at Pea Valley was walk through the visitor information center and talk with Rangers who told us not only about the protected wildlife, but also how they recently jacked up the visitor center several feet due to flooding. Even on the day we were there the waves were so high it was easy to see how they could circumvent the eroded beach, flow over the main road, and flood the building!

Camila being such a good little mommy, never leaving her baby behind!

Looking at the turtles...these larger ones are snapping turtles!

Everyone enjoyed walking the beautiful Nature Reserve's trails and boardwalks on the Sound side of the narrow island.

Time for a little bathroom break before heading onto our next adventure!

Merinda, Claire, and Aubrey waiting for their Açaí bowls at "The Spot", for lunch!

Everyone enjoying their bowls...

especially Gus!

Next stop, Kitty Hawk, and First Flight Museum! Finn looking at a replica of the "Wright Flyer", the first manned aircraft!

Finn was old enough to learn about the Wright brothers, and their first airplanes and flights!

Orville piloted from the wing of the very first flight on December 17, 1903. The brother's took turns flying the four flights that day.

Re-grouping before walking the grounds. The Wright brother's first flights were actually at "Kill Devil Hills" just south of Kitty Hawk. Although they were from Dayton, Ohio, the brothers chose Kill Devil Hills because of the consistent winds, soft, sandy landing surfaces, and relative isolation without interference or scrutiny from the public.

Orville went 120ft in 12 seconds at a speed of 6.8 mph the vert first flight. The next two flights covered 175ft and 200ft with both brothers taking turns piloting the aircraft. The fourth and final flight of the day, piloted by Wilbur, went 852ft in 59 sec.Walking the marked path of the flights taken December 17, 1903. The brothers are famous for making and flying the first controlled, engin-powered, heavier-than-air, aircraft!

Walking past the Kill Devil Hill's camp, where the brothers worked on the aircraft's components. (you can't tell by the jacket Aubrey is wearing, but the weather ended up being as nice as we could of hoped for!)

Walking up the hill to the "Wright Brothers National Memorial".

Sean and Finn on the edge of the memorial.

Brad helping Finn down.

Finn on the steps of the memorial.

Coming down all by himself!

Camila putting Daddy on baby duty so she can also climb the steps, just like her cousin Finn!

Camila not as steady, however, on the cement steps!

Brittney with Gus (wearing Claire's jacket) discussing their Scrubbin' Pup business.

View of the flight paths from the memorial.

Sean, Brittney, and kids going full-speed down the big hill!

Camila also walking down full-speed until she took a little tumble!

Grandpa carrying Finn on his shoulders for the long walk to the vehicles. Some of us stopped at the Outlets in Nags Head, on the way back to our AirB&B, to do a little shopping.

Me feeding my little baby birds some snacks while Sean and Brittney prepared honey lime enchilada's for dinner (and of course they were amazing!!).After dinner and clean-up, and kids were in bed, we played a dice and card game we learned from friends called "Bank" and "Skyjoe". Either the kids really enjoyed playing, or they were just being good sports and humoring mom and dad!

WEDNESDAY MAY 28

Wednesday morning was a total rain-out so we stayed inside the airB&B to do laundry and just let the kids play.

The kids playing with their beach toys inside.

Breck playing with nephew Gus!

Finn decorating his Christmas stocking.Mimi reading to ClaireMimi reading to Gus

Sean & Finn, and Aubrey, Raul & Claire taking a walk to the dock and sound-side beach for a little fresh air.

The weather got much better in the afternoon so it was back to the beach!!

Sean & GusBrittney, Sean & GusMimi, Finn & seanMimi, Finn & BrittneyAfter wading in the water (it was too cold to swim), playing in the sand, and taking some family beach pictures, we walked back to our AirB&B.

The little ones still had their heart set on swimming so Aubrey, Raul & Claire swam in the community pool...

and Brittney & Sean & boys swam in the hot tub (that was cooled, and without jets) at our AirB&B.

Breck and I helped Iris make pupusas for dinner while everyone was showering and getting ready to stay in for the night.

And of course they were amazing!!

After dinner clean-up, family prayer, and putting the kids to bed, we played more games of Bank & Skyjoe, while Sean and Raul played an intense game of chess!

It was another nice evening of family bonding!!

THURSDAY MAY 29

Sean, Brittney and boys were flying out of Raleigh and back to Salt Lake City Thursday evening. They still had a four hour drive to Raleigh, and had to drop off the rental car, plus they wanted to give the boys some running around time and a good meal before boarding the plane, so they decided to leave Thursday morning.

Brad and Finn cooked up some eggs for breakfastand then Brad and I spent a little more time with the boys.We then took pictures with everyone on the back deck. Iris balanced her phone on the handle of the sliding door as we started the timer, so this was the best we could do under the circumstances!

We then took a couple individual family pics,

and pictures with the grandkids!

We wanted to get a picture with all the grandkids together, in their adorable shirts that Iris made for each of them, but maybe that was a bridge too far...It was then time to say goodbye to Brittney and fam which just about broke my heart! The only consolation I had was that I would be seeing them again in six weeks when Brad and I go to Utah for the 4th!

After they left, Brad and I took Mancha (the only grandchild not taking a nap) to the candy store to ease some of our sadness!After the girl's naps, the sun came out for a moment so of course we headed to the beach!Close-up of the "Cousin Crew" shirts Iris made!Mancha being a stinker and getting sand on the towels.Daddy taking her out for some fun in the waves!

After Aubrey's delicious dinner of queso chicken with beans, rice and chips, we drove to Cape Hatteras for a dolphin, sunset cruise on Miss Hatteras Head Boat!Raul was really hoping to see dolphins but unfortunately we didn't.We also failed to see the sunset through the thick clouds!But I guess you could say the boat ride was very relaxing (for the adults who didn't have to chase little kids around the boat!)The highlight of our evening was stopping for ice cream at "Chilly Hanks" on our way back to the B&B. It was actually Merinda who said, "I am craving ice cream" and the rest is history (she actually read all or our minds!). Sadly, I didn't get a picture of my delicious two-scoop waffle cone, but I did get a pic of this little frog just chillin on the railing! I don't want to be a Debby Downer, but for the money, I would not recommend Miss Hatteras boat tour!!

Oh, and Brittney and fam made it on the plane and back home safely!!

FRIDAY MAY 30

The next morning while parents were washing laundry and packing our little "CC Twins" were playing so nicely!They finally figured out how to share.But after exhausting all the toys that Mimi brought from home,it was time for another afternoon at the beach!Camila finally getting the hang of this beach thing,and Claire's parents making sure she gets her fill of the ocean!The girls even did a great job sharing their beach toys!That evening the kids went out to eat at a nice restaurant (with fresh fish) while Brad and I watched the CC twins! They did great while their parents were away. There was no screaming, fighting, or crying!Just lots and lots of lovin!!They even put all their toys away when they were done playing with them!It was such a joy to babysit the girls!And the kids had a lot of fun eating out, and getting a little break from their kids...it was a win win!!!

SATURDAY MAY 31

The last day of our wonderful reunion was travel day! Aubrey, Raul & Claire were the first to leave, waking up before everyone else to drive the 4 hours to Raleigh and then fly home to Kentucky.

Claire had some melt-downs on the way home but finally fell asleep on the airplane!Once at the Cincinnati airport she kept herself busy sticking the car keys into the vent while her dad had to go back into the airport to find her car seat!

Brad, Merinda & I and Breck and fam were all packed and ready to go by 9:30 am. Breck and family drove back to West Virginia and Camila did great on the drive, and enjoyed reading her OBX board book!

Brad, Merinda and I drove to Raleigh and had lunch at Bojangles and dessert at Goodberry's frozen custard before dropping Merinda off at the Raleigh airport so that she could fly back to Utah. Brad and I then drove 8 more hours back to Kentucky!