Emerald Isle

We spent the past week at Emerald Isle for our summer vacation and had a blast! The weather was perfect despite Hurricanes Hanna and Ike. Only one rainy afternoon, which was a perfect time to visit the aquarium. We took over 300 pictures (yes we went a little picture crazy) and these are the ones that made the cut. Instead of a long narrative we will let the pictures do the talking. Here they are in no particular order.

Happy 36th Birthday to Darcy too!


The Beach House. Grandma and Papa found the perfect
house for all of us, right on the beach.


The kids showing off their annual matching t-shirts from
Wings.


Just hanging around. There were 11 of us and
more than enough room for everyone.


The grown up table. From left to right, Aunt Tracy and Kyle,
Papa Lou, Mike, Becky (AKA Aunt Gammie), Uncle Eric,
Mamo, Bebe, and Grandma


The kids table.



Mike and Kyle bonding.



We did a lot of dancing and singing during the week.
ABBA was the album of the week.



Getting ready to go into the Aquarium with Bebe.


Caught by the frog at the aquarium. Apparently this is the
Year of the Frog so there were many frog displays.


Checking out the big fish and sharks.


Lexa the crab


Leaving the Aquarium with lots of new toys.


Mike and Lexa and some big waves. The waves
died down as the week went on.


The annual sandcastle built on day one. Papa brought a sprayer
and Tracy supplied loads of Elmer's Glue to hold the castle
together. If your gonna build a castle, might as well make it
last, right?


Lexa playing in the pool on the beach. It is much easier
to swim in than the ocean.


Darcy and Lexa playing in the waves


Lexa and Kyle playing in the sand.


Posing for a picture


The kids playing in the sand under the tent.



Lexa and Riley playing "fireman" while filling the pool.
The first few days we actually hauled the water from the ocean
until we realized it was easier to bring out the hoses.


Lexa and Kyle enjoying a sand-filled snack on the beach.


Bebe and Grandma walking with the kids on the beach.


Tracy with Lexa and Kyle sitting in the waves.


Uh Oh, where's Kyle?


What a picture! Kyle and Papa walking on the beach.


Grandma and the girls searching for crabs at night.


Bumper boat time!


Darcy trying to squirt Mike while he takes pictures


Papa Lou really getting into it.


We had no idea we were going to get so wet. Check out Lexa,
she loved every minute. Check out Aunt Tracy, she is soaked.


Getting ready for her first go cart ride.


Papa Lou and Lexa beating Uncle Eric and Riley


Mike and Lexa driving the go carts. That blur is Grandma.


Getting ready to ride the train up to the putt putt course.


Papa, Uncle Eric, and Mike riding the train.


Riley's first put.


Lexa's first Putt Putt.


We all took family pictures on the beach. Bebe, Riley, and
Kyle.


Grandma, Papa, and the grandkids (Touchdown!)


Family Photo


Lexa and Darcy dresses alike


Mike and Lexa

THE END, told you we took a lot of pictures:)