6 weeks after we got back from England (really, that’s too long in between vacations, no?); we strapped Jack in the car seat again and headed due east to Kitty Hawk for a week-long beach vacation with the extended Hauer family, which includes my two favorite redheads. It was the quintessential beach vacation schedule: breakfast, beach, lunch, nap, pool, dinner, card games. Repeat for 5 days.

While there, I made Bill and Jack visit the Wright Brothers Memorial with me — nothing like an outdoor museum on a 90 degree afternoon. I loved it. And upon a Google search of “musts” we made a side trip to the nearby town of Duck, walked along the pier and discovered Duck Donuts — on the last day we were there we realized there was one right down the street, but it wouldn’t have been the same (I said).

Some fond memories:

• Jack, for the first time in his life, falling asleep while eating lunch. It was his favorite, macaroni and cheese, so he kept waking himself up to eat a bite and then pass out again as we all watched and laughed. Kicking myself for not capturing it on video. 
• Kellan and Ida spending time loving on Jack. Tickle monster was the favorite. Though I think they enjoyed playing Bubble Mania on the iPad more.
• Spending more time getting ready for the beach than actually on the beach. It takes a lot of work to go to the beach in August and leave as white as you came.
• Successfully completing an 11 hour road trip, during the day, with a 15 month old. Such a good traveler!

The week in pictures:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Only change in schedule came mid-week. I turned 30. Balloons and streamers greeted me for breakfast, a homemade cake and calls and cards from my family throughout the day — and a bubble-blowing extravaganza at lunchtime — it was as wild as I wanted it to be. Bill had arranged a night out with dinner; and, even better, called ahead and had flowers delivered and sitting on our reserved table. A Long Island Iced Tea, a view of the bay and quality time with the love of my life. Happy Birthday to me. Ready to rock a new decade.