Jun
22
2010
Phase one {and more pictures than you probably care to see}
I’m trying to plow my way through the 800+ photos I took during our vacation…so here we go with the first 24 hours. Ok…not really the first 24…but you don’t want to see the back of my head in the car for 2 days do you??
Mr. P came home from work in the late afternoon Friday and we headed out to Mt. Vernon, IL. We tried to get as many miles under our belts as possible without pushing the kids to complete exhaustion (pretty sure we passed that point regardless). We got to the hotel at about 12:30 am. Our eldest was smiling and talking so fast you’d think she was hopped up on some type of energy drink and Ms. Middle was just plain ticked. She was tired and people were on her bed…and that was not a funny situation. Little man was completely out of control. Once his feet hit the pavement he couldn’t stop running (or talking). And as soon as we got into our room he ran for the phone…and for the next 30 minutes he did this: “HEWWWO?? Are do home? NO? Otay. Bye-Bye!” Rinse. Lather. Repeat. It would have been hilarious except that it was now 1 am and I was completely unamused and exhausted. So what did I do…I took a picture of course.
We finally got everyone settled in bed…slept a few hours…then loaded back up for a VERY LONG DRIVE to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The drive involved lots of bribery, sugary snacks, and ear piercing cries (mostly by me)…but when we woke up Sunday morning to this…it was complete bliss.
The girls getting ready to cross up and over the dunes right outside our window.
We didn’t waste any time flipping off our flip flops and running into the waves. For J it was complete love at first sight…she went running wildly straight for the water. A was a bit more timid but was still crushing pretty hard on the soft sand and frothy sea. We whipped out our cameras and started capturing as many little details as we could. Kind of handy to have that second shooter in my back pocket, eh??
The girls reluctantly flashed me a few smiles here or there to keep me off their backs while they played 
Little man enjoyed the beach (from a distance) for the first few days. Then he became mesmerized by drinking pails full of sea water. Not sure what was going on with that fascination…maybe some sort of chemical imbalance. Maybe we should set up a salt lick in our family room for him??
Little bikinis are a prerequisite for the beach. Feeling quite thankful that I successfully navigated not getting caught in any photos in mine!
Really digging this image for some reason. Looking at her wet little head…I can still taste the salt water and feel her little raisin puckered fingers.
I read 3 entire novels before we ever set foot on the beach…and then 2 more while we laid there worshiping the sun and waves. And other than the perpetual job of keeping Little Man from making himself sick on the salt water…it was really quite relaxing. We spent the mornings on the beach…packed lunches and successfully ate them despite the ravenous sea gulls…and then hit the pool in the afternoon while Mr. S napped. It was a constant struggle for me between toting my camera around and living in the moment. I hated viewing everything from behind the lens…but felt equally miserable “missing” the amazing moments that were happening at lightning speed all around me. The good new is: I’ve got a million pictures in my mind that I’ll never lose. And that is what vacation is all about.
Holy clarity batman!! These pictures are crystal clear! Love every one!
Hmmm…wonder when I’ll get the chance to read 3 novels? Maybe when MY youngest is two? Because I certainly can’t now! Gorgeous photos; and I think it’s wonderful you can tag team taking pics with your dad. Gorgeousness!
Oh my goodness… I have the chills looking at these….I’m taking a break from frosting right now…and so glad I did…. LOVE, LOVE all of the pics!! I love the first one and the look on J’s face (reminds me of my Sophia). Love the black and white of the girls…such a great “sister” memory for them, love A’s pigtails, and of course always love S’s bright eyed smiles! Can’t wait to see what my kiddos will think of the beauty the ocean offers. I have so much to do before we leave…but you just reminded me how worth it..it will all be…:)
I *LOVE* the Outer Banks!! We’ve visited there 3 times and each time was wonderful!! Would love to go back!!
BLISSFUL!!!! I wanna go! I wanna go!! I wanna go!!! *stomping feet on the ground*
Your photos are amazing, per usual. Takes you right to the moment and you tell the story beautifully…in your photos, per usual. I dunno how you get those bright sunshining photos without a bunch of squinting eyes. Love how you captured your dad taking the photos too and the black and white of the girls…def. framer. What kind of camera are you using these days?? And the lens? I’m saving for a new and would love to know what you use to get the crisp, clear images you do!…if you don’t mind sharing.
Oh, J, keep ‘em coming! These pics are so lovely that I feel I was there with you. Really glad you & the fam had a great vacation & started summer on the best foot possible. Loving Sam, the b&w’s, the girlies splashing in the waves together – all of it. And the phone call? Too funny, though I understand you not being so amused at 1AM.
P
Love these, Stols! Looks like a super FAB time!!
Great commentary on your trip. These pictures are so wonderful – i can feel the joy! I am curious what your favorite lens is? Is there one that you find yourself using the most?
Hilarious story about the kiddos and the 12:30 arrival time. Heading to OBX currently and just arrived at our “pitstop” (Nana and Pop’s house) and my little one “found somebody sleeping in her bed” (her cousin) and she is just chatty, chatty chatty over it. HaaHaa!!!!!! Sooo wish I had you to capture some of the BEAUTIFUL photos of my little one this coming week. EVERY photo is soooooooo awesome!!!!!! Can’t wait to see more…..
Glad you guys had such a good time! I am LOVING the photos… can’t wait to see more!!!
oh my goodness these pictures are amazing! You are making me SO excited for our trip to the OBX in aug!!! ah cant wait. What area did you guys go to? We will be going to Corolla Light (we love it there!). So excited for you guys to be #3! Was that your official June number or unofficial? SO close!
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