Also known as my giant exhale. Not that I was feeling desperate for a vacation, but the facts were that it had been three years since we went away for a full week’s vacation and we’d never been on a real vacation with the girls. With that being as it was, we excitedly planned a seven day escape to Oak Island on the North Carolina coast.
Neither David nor I had ever been there before, but chose it because it was close driving distance (about 4 hours) and it was dog-friendly, which is always important to us but even more so after Koda’s diagnosis. We found a place right on the beach using Airbnb.com and after the craziness of hosting Hailey’s party at home on Saturday, we took off for the beach Sunday morning!
Our place was great- a little 3BR/1.5BA right on the ocean. It was old but clean, which was most important to me. We unloaded, hit up the grocery store and like that, our week began.
You guys have seen how many pictures I take a day so imagine me trying to sort through a week’s worth of family vacation. It wasn’t easy, but I figured I’d just grab a few (dozen) favorites and share some trip highlights, starting with the beach.
Being right on the ocean made it easy to hit up the beach for shorter periods of time, perfect for the girls’ ages right now. We all looked quite sporty in our rashguards (this one is similar to the one I’m wearing and I LOVE it).
If you are thinking you’ve heard of Oak Island, you’re probably right. It’s where all the shark attacks took place this summer, so my paranoia kept us at about knee’s depth, but it didn’t hinder our fun.
While we were there we did see a fishermen right in front of our house catch a 5 foot black tip shark. Crazy.
We splashed in the water and spent hours covering ourselves in sand.
With a full kitchen, we were able to eat most of our meals at home, which worked out great for lunches.
The morning and evening temperatures were cool and the girls of course woke up early every day, so we eased into our days watching the sun come up.
And enjoying a leisurely breakfast.
Among several cups coffee on the back porch.
Being there a week, we invited both my parents and David’s to come spend some time with us and loved that they both accepted! Mema and Grandpa came for two days in the beginning of the week.
We explored the local fort and taught Hailey to fly a kite.
Which she loved.
Nana and Papa John joined us at the end of the week to keep Hailey’s birthday celebration going, celebrate my birthday and soak in some beach time as well.
My crazy beach hair don’t care.
To switch things up midweek, we took the girls into Wilmington, about a 45 minute drive from Oak Island.
It was a great break from routine and we loved seeing the historic little city and hitting up the children’s museum.
The girls loved the day trip and wore themselves out, making my bloody mary at lunch taste even better than it already was.
We took the adventurous route home and drove our car onto a ferry! It was my first time doing that, but don’t worry, I played it cool.
We managed two dinners out over the week, which is no small feat for young kids on vacation, where I proceeded to order ALL THE SEAFOOD.
But for the most part we cooked our dinners and enjoyed evenings on the porch.
It was a low key vacation, and though I wouldn’t say I returned feeling well rested, I certainly returned home with a full heart and feeling rejuvenated.
Thank you Oak Island for a fabulous end of summer vacation!
Katie says
LOVE that photo of the girls holding hands, looks like a great vacation!
Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl says
Looks like an amazing time. I’m sure the girls loved the beach – I’ve always been a sucker for oceans, boats, and islands since I was little! And such good photography as well 🙂
Gena @ orgenazation says
Thanks for sharing – looks like such a great vacation. We went to St. Augustine beach this summer and my brother fished and all we ever caught were teeny baby black tip sharks. Which means their mama was not to far away … But, we all survived 😉
Kathy says
Great photos and recap!! Welcome back !
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
Looks like you guys had an awesome vacation! The girls both look so happy and adorable! I love the matching outfits!
Kelli H says
Ugh, that sunset though! Looks beautiful! I haven’t had a week long vacation in 2 years and it probably won’t happen for another year and a half so I feel your pain! Glad you were able to get away for a week.
Liz says
That’s an amazing sunset photo! Also, super love the girls’ matching outfits – so cute! Your beach hair looked fab, too. Sounds like y’all rocked the vacation. Now, with young kids involved would you call it a vacation or was it a trip? (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/m-blazoned/vacation-or-trip-a-helpful-guide-for-parents_b_7789310.html)
Heather says
Looks like you all had a wonderful time! I’m finding places like Airbnb are definitely the way to go with small kiddos. It’s so much easier when you have a full kitchen and a home-like environment where the kids can unwind.
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
What a beautiful family vacation!
Ciana says
Lovely pics and family! Both your girls have the sweetest side profiles, so cute of hailey holding the coffee cup! Maybe your next beach trip can be to thailand 🙂
Jessica says
We love Oak Island! My husbands family has a house there and we spend lots of time there year round! It not overly touristy, so its rarely crowded & that’s what we love the most about it! Glad y’all had fun!! 🙂
Josephine says
Beautiful photos, really really lovely, makes me want to get the camera out and capture my family. Your photography is terrific. It Looks like a lovely vacation and just a teensy bit jealous the grandparents are close enough to join in the fun and make memories. Unlike us being in London with both sets of grandparents in Australia. Love the girls matching outfits too. Perfection.
Liz Hoffman says
The cottage you rented is my parents! https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1817056?s=aXpquxs1 Reading your post made me so happy. I am thrilled you had such a great time and that the cottage was part of it.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh that’s awesome!! We really did enjoy our stay- it was just what we were after!
loribelle says
we vacationed in Oak Island for years as our kids were growing up, and when they went off to college, i moved here. it is a lovely area, and still my favorite place in the world. glad your first experience gave you such great memories! thank you for sharing.
Cici says
Hi!
Nice pics! Were looking at an Oak Island trip as well–and from the look of it, I believe I am looking at renting the same house!
It looks like the beaches were very uncrowded-is that right? When did you go? Can I ask–was the rental ok? Were debating between a May trip or a June trip.
Glad you all had fun!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh that’s so funny! Yes, the house is dated, but clean. It worked perfectly for us, though it is good to know what to expect- not the most comfy mattresses, couches didn’t offer much support, etc, but for the price, it was great and we really enjoyed our stay. The beaches were not very crowded, though we probably just missed the summer vacationers, as our vacation was mid-September. There were several people fishing in the evenings on the beach, but that didn’t bother us. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Liz Hoffman says
Thanks so much for the comments on the house. Let me add that upgrades are made each year, both mattresses and sofa are on the list this year and your comments helps solidify the need to change them out. It is super important that guests are comfy!!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh that’s awesome feedback! We really enjoyed our stay at your property and am sure others will as well.
Heather says
Wow, that beach house is incredible and the view is fantastic! North Carolina is quickly becoming a much-anticipated travel destination for me and my family. Thanks for sharing!