When we woke up Thursday morning we were all dreading the weather report. By 8 a.m. there was no news of an evacuation, but by 9 a.m. we were told a mandatory evacuation had been ordered. Within 2 hours all 25 of us were packed up and in our cars heading to the mainland. It was an amazing group effort and a lot of tense moments. I was just relieved that none of the children were injured or went missing during our hectic scramble.
It was so hard to say goodbye. I had just started mentally relaxing the day before (with 3 children, it takes awhile).
We hadn't had our girls night or taken family pictures or a night walk on the beach. There were so many fun dinners still to make, conversations to finish, stories to share and time playing on the beach. The list goes on.
In my sadness and disappointment, I saw a picture into my heart and it wasn't pretty. I have been thinking a lot about my response. I can't quite find the words. I have been stuck somewhere between being majorly disappointed, thankful for the time we had and knowing that fair worse could have happened. Plus, our vacation actually didn't end there. The
Cassadas, the
Youngs and our family drove to
Williamsburg, to the Great Wolf Lodge. When the evacuation was announced I spun around and around in frantic circles, Courtney on the other hand was quick on her feet and called the Lodge. We couldn't bear to call it quits and had no way of knowing exactly how bad traffic would be. We also thought we might return to the beach once the storm was over. Turns out we weren't the only ones with the same idea. The place was booked solid. It was far easier to leave the beach behind knowing we had some place fun to go with friends.
The kids had a great time. I would be happy if I never go again, but it was a fun experience. I am not a huge fan of fast pace water rides or indoor pools. We have always wanted to go, but it just never made much sense to stay in a expensive hotel so close to home. My pictures didn't turn out well, but I stole a few from
Courtney.
Mason got to sleep in a bunk bed for the first time. He was thrilled.
We had a funny breakfast of cereal in plastic cups, pineapple and precooked bacon. Between the 3 families we had a very random assortment of food from the beach house.
EJ and I took turns hanging back in our room while Ryan napped. Once the kids were in bed the guys hung out on one balcony and the ladies on the other. I was so thankful for a little more time with these ladies.
Our family decided not to return to the beach. We were already so close to home and I couldn't bear the idea of unpacking and repacking all over again for one more morning on the beach. Plus, we were all exhausted. 2 families, however did go back and enjoyed some beautiful weather.
We also had the
privilege of dinner with the
Ayers (who live in town) on Sat night. It definitely helped boast our spirits. We combined the food we brought home and had a lovely BBQ chicken dinner. Then, I also had some extra time with the
McClures b/c they stayed with us until their flights home on Sunday.
Not a relaxing week, but we made the most of it. And I guarantee, I will not complain about bad weather at the beach for a very long time as long as we are allowed to stay. And we will have Girl's Night on Monday from now on :)
Yeager, my sister's dog was visiting us for the day.
His shirt says "There is no off season"
Really ?!?!
Over the sumer, I forgot about the feeling in my chest.
Owen was looking pretty hard core.
It was a beautiful day.
I made them eat before they got too dirty.
Mason was not the least bit afraid.
We didn't get a picture, but I came out soaked.
Who knew 3 boys could ride in a double stroller?
Tomorrow it all changes. Owen is ready. I hope we can move fast enough to get to the bus by 7:25. I can't believe this time last year we were ALL about school. It even inspired our blog header. Now, it's old hat. We've hardly talked about it. We just found out his room # this morning (which didn't change). It helps that his teacher and class will be the same. I don't feel as nervous as I did last year, but my stomach still hurts ;) Mason starts preschool next week, so the stomachache will continue!
The kids had a great time. I would be happy if I never go again, but it was a fun experience. I am not a huge fan of fast pace water rides or indoor pools. We have always wanted to go, but it just never made much sense to stay in a expensive hotel so close to home. My pictures didn't turn out well, but I stole a few from Courtney.
Mason got to sleep in a bunk bed for the first time. He was thrilled.
We had a funny breakfast of cereal in plastic cups, pineapple and precooked bacon. Between the 3 families we had a very random assortment of food from the beach house.
EJ and I took turns hanging back in our room while Ryan napped. Once the kids were in bed the guys hung out on one balcony and the ladies on the other. I was so thankful for a little more time with these ladies.