Going to Carolina in my mind

I think that we originally signed up for the Outer Banks (OBX) because it sounded like a simple trip – some drive time but overall relaxing and uneventful. It turned out to be quite an exciting, somewhat busy, and an emotional journey for this family.

June 25, the day we arrived in OBX, was Max’s 8-month birthday. In a seven days following, Max reached some pivotal milestones. (And we mean pivotal… as in groundbreaking and mobile.) He finally figured out how to use his knees when he crawled, which meant that he could take the pressure of mobility off of his now huge guns. I am convinced that out of jealousy for his cousin Sophia’s abilities, Max began to pull himself up to standing using all nearby stable furniture. Once mastering the upward motion (and expressing his excitement for doing so), he began to work on the “jumper’s ledge walk” to get from couch to couch, table to table. It always seemed like he was headed straight for the most dangerous things he could find – pointy table corners, wobbly chairs, beverage containers, and wall outlets. I think that J and I realized (even Greg and Amy) that vacations would never be the same with a baby around. You are always on alert.

All the while, we enjoyed some other fun experiences with Max and the rest of the gang. Playing in the ocean, smearing wet sand on our hands and feet, splashing in the pool by our condo, giving Max graham crackers for the first time, sunshine….lots and lots of sunshine. Adults and older kids enjoyed boogie boarding and tasty dinners in and out.

On our final day, J and I were awakened at 2:00 a.m. by our coughing boy…who had the dreaded “barking cough” that our doctor described as one of the only reasons we would need to get to an ER on the weekends. He sobbed as we tried to wake him fully and get him to the only emergency place closeby – an ambulance stationed at the local fire department. After checking Max out, the EMTs said that they couldn’t diagnose Max but figured he had croup, which needed to be treated at the hospital. So, away we went. Max cried in sync with the siren as we drove off into the night, swirving and turning through the winding beach road to the only OBX hospital. After treatment and 4 hours under watch, we returned home….just hours before needing to be packed and checked out of the condo.

We had a sleepy drive home, with one stop in West Virginia to see Grandma and Papaw Counts. Banana bread and happy memories from the week carried us home from there.

And home sweet home it is..

Some Pics & Vids of the Trip:

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