Outer Banks, North Carolina

So much fun to be away with family at the beach! And for a whole week! And I must say what a week it was. The cousins had so much fun together and it made me so happy to know they have each other. They are blessed to have so many their same age, what a fun group of kids. Most of these thoughts come from Greg (since I didn't document much that week).

 It involved a trip to the ER (Mark had croup), an evacuation to Norfolk (hurricane Arthur) and then a tornado warning in Norfolk. It was definitely chaotic but memorable. Kiersten was unable to make it since Stuart wasn't very old, but it was fun to have Nathan, Henry, and Charlie for a few days. 

The first night Nathan gave a devotional on prayer that spurred some great discussion. I just think it is the best to have deep and thoughtful gospel discussions with family. I love hearing different people's perspective and experiences and to know that we all have testimonies and can strengthen each other. It really is the best. 

Lily slept in a cousins room with bunk beds and seemed as happy as could be to have her cousins around. I honestly felt like I didn't see her a whole lot on the trip since she was at the beach a lot and I was with Max in the house. Ryan was a bit weary of the beach and preferred to stay in the house and watch from the balcony or do the marble run. He did come to enjoy the pool a lot though. And I'm just grateful for siblings (especially Ja and Laura) for keeping an eye on Lily when Jeff and I were with Ryan and Max. 

The kids had a fun time just hanging out in the waves. All the kids had a blast. The weather was perfect (no humidity) and the water was warm. There was mini-golfing, go-kart driving, a movie, lots of shave ice, games, the marble run, zombie dice, crafts, a wonderful magic show by Ja, a treasure hunt, and just enjoying one another's company. 

Some excitement came on Thursday night when we started preparing for Hurricane Arthur that was coming. We had planned to wait it out but then got a notice that we were being evacuated. We were able to get a hotel up in Norfolk so we packed everything up and went about 90 minutes north.

It was crazy, and yet a very neat experience. We had different opinions about what to do, but we all said a family prayer and we each received a consensus inspiration that we should evacuate. We found out later some families didn't leave, but we did feel good that we had made a decision together during a family council. I thought that was such a valuable experience for all of us as kids and the grandkids to have. And it was lucky my mom was able to find hotel rooms for all of us.

Apparently phone alarms went off with a tornado warning at 1am.  We didn't hear anything and didn't wake up and luckily the tornado never hit us but there was a lot of wind and rain outside.

The next morning we returned to the beach (again after having a family meeting). There was a lot of sand in the pool and the waves were going strong. But besides that everything was fine. Friday night we sat around and each couple told their engagement story. It was really fun to hear all of the stories. I treasure so much adult sibling/spouse time. This was the perfect set up to be able to share and still have kids in bed. 

After an eventful week we headed home, so happy to have been able to go and so grateful for my parents for making it possible. We are truly blessed!

Everyone wanted to participate in the magic show. 

Z (and Caleb too) loved Max. All the kids did, but Z and Caleb seemed they couldn't get enough of holding him. 

Getting ready for their "show" Addi directed. 

We're all there to watch the show. 

The pirates.

 

Luc has no fear. 

No pirate was complete without some drawn on facial hair. 

All the little girls loved Monica. 

Hurricane damage. 

I love our little family so much. 

All the boy grandchildren. 

All the girl grandkids. 

These five were born within a year of each other. 

Jeff with all the DeVore men. 

All the DeVore women and me. 

All the girls. 

The original nine. 

Look at those two lovebirds. It's amazing what they started! 

The whole crew. 

Such a good older brother and sister. 

Greg, Holly, Jacob, Brigham, Caleb, Mark

Such a good older brother and sister. 

I love this girl and her zest for life. 

I love my sweet Ryan. 

Greg and Holly's family plus Monica. 

I'm so lucky to be married to my best friend and the best dad I could hope to have for my kids. 

We still love gazing into each other's eyes, and see lots of love reflected in them. 

These girls are too cute. 

Their bond they made when we both lived in Virginia is still strong, I love it. 

Ja, Laura, Macy, and Anna. 

Devin, Deanna, and Oliver.  

Darin and Rachel. 

Nathan, Henry, and Charlie (minus Kiersten and Stuart). 

Trevor, Heather, Luc, Addi, Emmett, and Z.

Look at that doting father. 

Taking a picture with kids is quite the task. 

Max loves being all snuggled up in the moby wrap. 

Ryan loved being on that balcony.  

Ice cream and shave ice were definitely a highlight of the trip. 

A push-up contest ensues.

Ryan was up early so he got to go to breakfast with Jeff. He loved his one on one time with his dad. 

Max felt very loved on this trip, he always has someone to hold him.  

Part of their show.

Ryan couldn't get enough of the marble run. Thank you Holly for bringing it.  

Two buddies. 

Rachel is being a fun aunt and painting nails. 

I brought some 4th of July crafts (paper lanterns and wands) and the kids loved doing them. 

A guitar makes every gathering more fun. 

Ryan and Charlie. 

Ryan on his deck. 

Greg taking photos, he's got a great eye.

Lily exploring the sand.

Emmett has no fear with the boogie board.  

Ryan and has marble run. 

Ja doing his push ups. 

4th of July sparklers.