spring break mini vacay: kure, carolina and wrightsville beaches

We started the day at the NC Aquarium- Fort Fisher, about a half hour south of our hotel in Wilmington.

The kids love checking out the alligator exhibit-- especially seeing Luna, the albino alligator!

Fun at the aquarium!

We walked around outside the aquarium for a bit-- the kids thought the giant frogs were fun to "ride" and we spotted a family of seven (!!) turtles on a log.

On our way back north, we stopped at Carolina Beach for donuts from the legendary Britt's Donut Shop-- we actually planned out our days according to the Britt's opening schedule so that we could make sure to have their delicious, hot from the fryer donuts!  And they did not disappoint-- so make sure to go if you're ever in CB!!  And since we were there, we stopped at the Fudgeboat for some fudge to go!

- We spent the afternoon playing at Wrightsville Beach -

- Sweet Ellie -

Nick found a little crab and he and Ellie had a blast playing with it for awhile.

These kids could spend hours at the beach-- and they did!  They played and played and played... until it got too windy and cold and we headed back to Wilmington for dinner (pizza!) and bed.

SaveSave

spring break mini vacay: hockey and easter

Thanks to the generosity of WWP, we were able to attend a Carolina Hurricanes game in Raleigh!  Since the game was a couple of hours away and ended late at night, we opted to stay in a hotel nearby for the night.

Which meant that we celebrated Easter in a hotel room-- a first for us!!  Luckily, the Easter Bunny knew where to find us and the kids woke up to full Easter baskets and eggs to hunt for.

- Checking out their baskets -

Looking for Easter eggs!

Since we were staying in the Raleigh area, we attended the Easter service at the beautiful Duke University Chapel.

How we kept Ellie entertained before church!

We stopped for a quick lunch at Smithfield's Chicken and BBQ on our way to the BEACH!

- the Albaeck sweethearts -

We spent Easter evening wandering around Wrightsville Beach and wrapped it up with a delicious dinner at Tower 7.

SaveSave

road trip day twenty three: beach day

We met up with a lot of the California and Arizona cousins for a fun day at the beach.  As soon as everything was unloaded, the kids were all in the water.

Even Miss Everly wanted to join them!

Such a sweet, sandy boy.

Lucas played with this piece of driftwood and the frisbee for hours.

Sweet Ellie made sand angels all around my chair and then enjoyed a picnic lunch.

They were STARVING after playing at the beach for a couple of hours-- and apparently a bit crazy, too!

There were so many birds this time- and a lone seal (that I didn't get a good picture of) that scared Christopher when it popped up next to him!

Ellie and Journey played in the sand and every once in awhile, a big kid would come play with them too.

Fun in the sun!

road trip day twenty: avila beach to newbury park

We woke up and had a leisurely (and delicious!) breakfast at the inn and the kids all played while we packed up the van.

We headed to Avila Beach for some fun in the sun with Jacob's sister and her fam, and Grandma Robin, Fred and Abe.

These two had a ball playing in the sand with their buckets.

Fun in the sun.

- Addy -

Nick and Abe found a crab and brought it over for Grandma Robin to show the little girls.

Two of our nieces-- they have such different personalities!!!

- Avila Beach -

After a few hours playing at the beach, we said "see you later" and headed south to Jacob's grandparents' house in Newbury Park- but not before a quick stop at In-N-Out for lunch!

June 30 2017 - Newbury Park CA - State #10 - 3211 miles

road trip day eighteen: newport beach

Enjoying our first In-N-Out of the trip!!

Checking out Balboa Pier.

Sweet Ellie :)

The kids enjoyed the views of the coast and walking up and down the pier.

How old are you Ellie??  I'm "free"!!

There were a few sea lions playing around the pier-- the kids had fun trying to spot them!

We stopped at Ruby's at the end of the pier for shakes-- so good!

Sweet Lexie under the pier.

We didn't bring swimsuits because the kids weren't going to get in the water but that all changed as soon as they got in the sand!  The had fun playing in the surf and did their best to not get soaked.

Playing in the sand- she was so excited about the itty bitty shell that she found.

Fun in the sun!

Playing with (not in!) the water.

Nick LOVES geocaching with Grandma and Grandpa and they are always on the hunt when we're out and about.  He'll go to great lengths to search for the cache (and no, he's nowhere near where he should be so this should not ruin it for future hunters!).

She loved going down to the edge of the water and then waiting for a wave so that she could turn and run away.

Such a silly girl!

We had the most delicious Italian for dinner at Mama D's Italian Kitchen in Newport Beach.  The whole experience was awesome from the amazing service, to the delicious entrees, to the treats for the kids at the end!  Definitely go if you're looking for great Italian in Newport!

SaveSave