Atlantic Beach Vacation...Ft. Macon State Park

On Monday, July 29th we took a break from the beach and headed to Ft. Macon State Park. There were some dark clouds in the area but we made it through without getting rained on. For my local Maryland friends, this place could be compared to Ft. McHenry in Baltimore. Definitely a place that my kids would love to go back to if we ever get to Atlantic Beach again. 

One of the many very cool cannons around the park.

Great photo op....kids and Daddy take a break on a wall with water and ships behind them.

Another great cannon...every Wednesday they fire these in a demonstration...maybe next time we'll make it for that!

The walls in this place were amazingly high...the kids had a blast running in and out of the dark corridors and hidden rooms.

Another great picture to give you an idea of the height of the walls...and no, there aren't any fences or barriers to keep kids off those edges....they tell you that this place was built for war, not safety...very true!

Firing their pretend guns at me!

American flag with cannon in the foreground and the stormy clouds in the background.  

Atlantic Beach Vacation...Riding the Waves

The water was perfect temperature for playing in the waves.  It's been a long time since I've been in the ocean past my waist as typically it's too cold for me but this time I enjoyed the water as much as the kids! We brought a small boogie board with us but it became very clear very quickly that we needed more boards and bigger boards so we bought one and rented another while we were there.  Madison spent a lot of time out in the waves, fighting the current, and waiting for the right wave to ride in to shore. She said her legs were tired and I don't doubt they were!  Most of these pictures speak for themselves....not many captions needed!

The serious surfer!

Fortunately Jackson was not as brave when it came to the ocean as he was in the pool.  He stayed close to shore and didn't get fully wet unless we were taking him in for a dunking to remove all the sand that covered him from head to toe!

I love the pictures that I was able to get of them on their way out to the waves....they look like little professionals!

The pure joy they found when riding the waves in!

Many times Carson was able to ride the waves in all the way to the shore due to him being so light.

Atlantic Beach Vacation....Pine Knolls Aquarium

On August 1st, it was rainy and stormy so we decided to go to the aquarium down the rode....it was crowded....I guess that's what everyone does when it's rainy at the beach!  The kids still enjoyed seeing the different sights.

One of the really cool exhibits was the huge tank that contained a replica of a shipwreck with lots of fish and sharks inside!  We got there just in time to see the live dive...a time when 3 scuba divers get into the tank and talk about the exhibit and animals inside. 

I could actually see my water loving daughter do some scuba diving some day!

This picture was taken specifically for my mom...in honor of her birthday and her love for snakes.

A very amazing sand sculpture outside of the aquarium.

Atlantic Beach Vacation....Portraits of Kids.

It can't be all fun while at the beach so I made my kids do a little posing for some pictures with the surf in the background.  They cooperated for the most part.

Jason, my squinter!

Jackson, always pretty happy about most things!

Had to get a picture with his hat that we bought for him while there after he got a little too much sun on his face...it reads "here comes trouble"...so true!

Madison...great pose captured without even trying.

Probably my favorite of all of the pictures....she looks so cute even with wet, salty, sandy, messy hair!  Wish I looked that good after time at the beach!

Not as thrilled to lay down in the sand with the approaching water but she went through with it.

Carson with his nice new pattern in his mouth....has a gap between his two front teeth and lost two teeth on the bottom while on vacation.

Atlantic Beach Vacation....Killing Time in our Condo

We tried to limit our time in the condo as much as possible since the amount of space in it was limited for six people but we tried to bring plenty of games and toys with us to keep the kids occupied while we were there.  Jackson enjoyed his time getting re-acquainted with this truck and pushing the buttons over and over again.  Dancing to the music was clearly an option.

Madison....The Kindergartener

What a year it's been.  Madison ventured off to Kindergarten in August 2011 and has completed her first year of formal schooling.  She has learned to read and write and does math pretty well too.  We are so excited for her!  Here are a few first day and last day pictures.

First Day of Kindergarten!

Last Day of Kindergarten!

First Day.

First Day.

Last Day Class Picture.

Mommy and Madison.......last day.

Ms. Ng and Madison