Project 365, Week 26

This week we were in Outerbanks, NC. Such a great place!

June 25

Thanks to Shaun's sacrifice of a night's sleep, we arrived close to the island at daybreak. When we stopped for breakfast at Chick-fil-A, anticipation was high! There is one road in and one road out and all the rental houses turn over on either Saturday or Sunday morning. To avoid the inevitable traffic jam, we arrive early and set up shop at the public beach until our house is cleaned and ready later in the afternoon. Its fun to greet family members as they trickle in throughout the day.

For the first time ever, we stayed right on the beach as opposed to a couple blocks away. It was gloriously wonderful to have the constant view and sound of the ocean (and the close bathroom and kitchen!). It didn't get old for one second...it was amazing!

One house, 40 people. It was meant to be my mom, her brother and sister and all of their children/grandchildren, but at the last minute her brother was unable to make it, along with two of my cousins. Also, Maddy was only able to stay one night before she and her fiancé  had to head back home for duties. It was still a sizable group, but it definitely felt incomplete. 

The four siblings, rarely all together. Between us, we gifted our parents with twenty-one (21!!) grandkids.

There they are, first time all in one shot. They had the BEST time together and were largely interchangeable...girls with boys, old ones with young, athletic ones with the bookworms...it was so special to watch them interact and enjoy each other all week. 

There was pool time, beach time. There was a game room, movie room, family football on the beach. Photo shoots, sunrise watching from our deck, late-night poker playing, pool-side group workout, long walks around the neighborhood, 2 AM friendship-building and mentoring in the hot tub, kite-flying and all manner of beach games.

We always leave OBX with special memories...I'm so grateful for the ocean, family and rest.

There are SO many photos here, but maybe if you scroll through quickly it will play more like a short film. :)

'09 Club (+1), who are all officially teenagers this year! What?!?

The '06 Club, all getting their driver's permits this year!

My cousin Joy and her husband, the only representation from the Tennessee crew. They took our crazy crew in stride and it was fun having them be a part.

Friends for life. 💗

Shaun and I took a walk on the beach and high-fived each other. This day, June 30th, we sold an apartment building in our quest to simplify and focus on our current business and the following day we officially brought on a second financial advisor. Our marriage has been uniquely gifted with a tolerance and capacity for the crazy. No one I'd rather have by my side.

Find rest, my soul in Christ alone. Know His power in quietness and trust. When the 

oceans rise and thunder roars, I will soar with You above the storm. Father, You 

are King over the flood. I will be still and know you are God.

July 2

Heading for home before dawn to beat the traffic.

Chick-fil-A is something we can all always agree on. That cannot be said of many things.

SO good to be home, there really is no place like it.

July 3

Our church-wide picnic happened on a beautiful summer day.