"I'm looking at this as an adventure." I told my mom. "I always knew you were adventurous." she answered.
Monday morning Cory packed our "stuff" into the wagon with the OKI tag on the front and the Runner Girl and 13.1 stickers proudly stuck to the back window. We prayed and waved and were then on our way.
The trip went much better than expected and after one quick stop for lunch at Wendy's (which I discovered the kids weren't impressed with) we made it to the house in about 4 1/2 hours.
We unpacked and headed to Southport for smoothies.
Next on the list, after our short trip to Southport, was....going to the store.
Walmart to be exact.
I hate Walmart. I'm sorry but I do. ACTUALLY, I despise grocery shopping but Walmart just makes it worse. But seeing that I had a few other non-food items that I needed Walmart was the choice stop. This was probably the least enjoyable of the entire trip but finally we were done and back home.
The kids wanted to go to the beach that evening and even though the temps were dropping and the wind was cool I couldn't say no.
The very next morning however was a beautiful day and we spent it on the beach.
Then that afternoon we got a hermit crab. Yes. Make that two hermit crabs actually. Cody and Emma wanted one so I gave in and did the cheesy "we went to the beach and came back with hermit crabs" thing.
We ate dinner at the Fishy Fishy Cafe (Emma's choice) and we always like it there. I didn't know that the older couple sitting across the room from us had been watching us. They complimented the kids on being well-behaved and not at all disruptive. I smiled and kindly thanked them. Sometimes the unexpected compliments are the nicest.
A few days before we left for the beach I had taken the kids to the library and checked out several books about the ocean, the beach, sea creatures, and seashells. Every night that we were gone we read one or two of them until they were finished. Emma was especially interested in learning the different types of shells. All of the kids liked searching for shells on the beach and also checking out Granny's collection of shells at the house. :)
Wednesday was one of the coldest days we had. It was only in the 60s so we just hung out at a couple different playgrounds and I planned out our trip to Ft. Fisher for the next day.
Thursday morning we were up and out of the house by 8:30 so that we could pick up a breakfast treat and make the 9:15 Ferry to Ft. Fisher.
Port City Java did not disappoint and we made the Ferry. I was glad we got there early because the cars started lining up quickly. Emma and Cody were so excited!
It was chilly on the ride over so we pretty much stayed inside the entire way but it was still fun and they loved it!
The Ft. Fisher Aquarium was our destination.
We saw ocean creatures and river and lake creatures. And check out this bad boy! He (or she, not sure how you can tell) was cool, calm, and collect with jaws that could snap your head right off your neck!
We had ourselves an educational good time.
The Ferry ride back was much warmer and this time we got out and went up onto the deck for a much better view.
Sometimes a little rain must fall, except it wasn't rain.
Fortunately it wiped off quite easily and he never knew what hit him. :)
Of our time spent at the house, some of it was spent on the screened porch. The weather was right for it and I was thankful.
I even spent some time out there alone while Beau napped and the other two watched a movie. I brought with me the book by Ann Voskamp. "One Thousand Gifts". It belongs to my mom but she found out that I wanted to read it and brought it to me.
So I read.
And it was peaceful out there on the porch swing.
And I was thankful.
"Life is not an emergency". I was greatful for being able to be there and make those memories with my kids.
What a gift!
But this isn't all.
I have more to tell and more pictures to share but part 2 will be for tomorrow.
The best (in my opinion) is yet to come.
