Our nights in Rodanthe

 In April we (Clark's comments in ocean blue) joined up with some good friends to spend a week on the Outer Banks.   We stayed in a nice beach house right on the beach in Rodanthe, NC. You may remember that beach city name from the 2008 cinema classic "Nights in Rodanthe" a story of a doctor (Richard Gere) who goes to Rodanthe, NC to reconnect with his son, but instead finds the arms of a housewife (Diane Lane) dissatisfied with her marriage.  I know, it's hard to believe a story about a disgruntled wife turning to the arms of a handsome doctor, but that's why you would find that movie under the"fiction" section and not "documentaries."  There were a few doctors on the trip, but luckily there were no disgruntled wives, so it was all good for everyone there.  Luckily for me, none of the doctors look like Richard Gere.  Back to the blog at hand.  Luck would have it that the week we were there the temperatures dropped ten degrees, but we still had some beautiful weather and were able to spend time lounging on the beach.  We had a great time hanging out with everyone, eating delicious food and exploring the islands.  The "islands" sounds really exotic, but it actually just means the two islands.

We headed out on the Saturday before Easter.  Emmett was a super traveler.  On the way there, he slept the entire way to Manteo where we went to the aquarium.  It was a pretty small aquarium and probably not worth the money, but we got to touch sting rays and watch some big fish and sharks.  I thought it was worth the money.  Amy didn't mention the documentary we got to watch on reptiles.  There was a boa that ate an entire antelope.  It was awesome.  The boa slides it's windpipe by the antelope and sticks it out of its mouth like a periscope in order to get air while it swallows the antelope.  It was awesome.  Also, since reptiles don't have to use so much energy to warm their own bodies, they can eat only like once a month.  If that is how humans had to live, I would get a gift card to Golden Corral for sure.

 On Easter Sunday we drove 40 minutes north to Nags Head for church.  It must be interesting to be in a ward where there is such a high tourist population.  Apparently in the summer there are so many visitors (hundreds) that they only hold sacrament meeting and have to fill all the other rooms and foyers with chairs to try to accommodate everyone.  The church house happens to be located right next to Jockey's Ridge State Park and it's enormous sand dunes.  We packed a little picnic and then ditched our shoes and walked around a bit while the kids played.

 Doesn't this picture show how great it is to be a kid?

 Our little family on Easter Sunday.  Not sure what face Emmett is pulling, but it's hilarious.

Clark had a hot look going on and little E got tired to enough to actually fall asleep in his daddy's arms. I look ridiculous I know.  It was my only option.  Also, I really adore my little son.

 Later that afternoon we had a little egg hunt on the beach before our tasty traditional dinner of ham and potatoes.  That is what was inside of the eggs: ham and potatoes.  

 This handsome boy enjoyed the challenge of getting the entire plastic egg in his mouth.

 We were usually out on the beach by late morning. 

Emmett had a great time playing and crawling around.  I may be a bit biased, but he is one cute kid in his swimsuit and beach gear.  

We definitely did some lounging on the beach, but we did lots of other things too!

 There was a major hunt for sand crabs (which was very successful).

We threw balls and frisbees and even played some kickball.

The boys took turns taking out the canoe.  Perhaps not the safest of ventures, but they did get some neat views of the dolphins.  

One thing there wasn't much of was getting in the water.  Pretty sure that those that did venture in either did so to fetch a ball or kite or they came out in tears.  :) Please don't zoom in on the above photo.  But if you did, you would see a look of absolute panic and fear.  I went into the water to fetch a ball for one of the kids, but it was so cold that you have a hard time breathing.  It was similar to claustrophobia I'd guess.

There was a little fashion competition, as well.  One of us is wearing a European bathing suit and the other is just wearing a pair of boxers.  Can you tell the difference?

On one of the cooler evenings, we had a bon fire on the beach--that is, once the guys got it started.  :)  We made "smeeps" by roasting our Easter peeps and making smores.  Mmmmm.

 Here are some of the kiddos.  Aren't they all darling?!

When we weren't playing outdoors, we had plenty to entertain us in the house.  We all played lots of games.  Hokey 5, Sequence and the hat game (complete with round 4--sound effects) made regular appearances.  The first two brought out some intense (yet friendly) competition and the latter had us laughing and laughing.  

Babies are the best of entertainment.  Emmett enjoyed (mostly) the constant attention, especially from the cute Hansen kids.  I also loved Matthew's "Baby Emmett" song to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."

 The modified xbox was a big hit for all ages and genders.  While at the beach we defeated Gunsmoke, Legends of Zelda, Contra (with the cheat code), Super Mario Brothers, and almost beat Bubble Bobble and Mike Tyson's Punch Out.  It's not over yet, Tyson!!!

Jenny and Amy were SO close to beating Bubble Bobble.  Props to them and their late night effort!

One of the nights we had a very official root beer tasting, complete with score cards and palate cleansers.  We all tasted and scored 13 different brands of root beer.   High scores went to IBC, Stewarts.  Surprisingly, My Essentials (Food Lion brand) scored pretty well, too.  Hands down, the worst root beer was Dad's.  Best pajamas definitely went to Steve and Jenny in their silky, chinese getups.  Very fancy!  We apologize to any fans of Dad's root beer.  Its indefensible.  It tastes like Root Beer Water.

When we weren't playing in Rodanthe, we were off exploring other parts of the Outer Banks.

 The Wright Brothers' National Memorial and History Museum in Kill Devil Hills.

 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

One day we took the ferry down to Ocracoke.  There are no beach houses on the beach--just beautiful white sand that goes on and on.   Until it reaches the ocean.

 The ladies:  me, Juli, Jen, Jenny, Aimee, Lizzy.

 Family photo op.

 Ocracoke Lighthouse.  The oldest functioning lighthouse in North Carolina.

Lunch on the waterfront.  Quite chilly but had the best coconut shrimp ever.  The onion rings weren't bad either.

Bodie Island Lighthouse
Other outings that were less photo-worthy included the Food Lion (only grocery store on the island = pricey!), the outlets and the Dairy Queen.  The Schmutzes are lame and went to the DQ twice.

Our beach house, Starboard Anchor.

Thank you, Starboard Anchor.  May we always remember that "Life is a present" and to "Untie the ribbons."  (Quote from the living room wall)  Also a quote from most Hallmark cards.