NC Outer Banks Trip

Last Thursday we left early on a 6 hour drive to the very popular Outer Banks of North Carolina. This trip was special because Amanda & Zachary went with us, we skipped 3 days of school, the trip was 5 days long, and it was our 1st time there.

First stop, the NC Aquarium at Roanoke Island. Always a big hit with the kids. One of the unique features of this aquarium was their turtle rescue center. Oh, how grown up this girl is looking.

Next stop Festival Park, also on Roanoke Island. It is a living history museum telling of the 1st settlers to the area. We got a personal tour since it was a weekday in May and not busy.

We checked into our place. The kids walked to the beach with Josh while the women grocery shopped. Here we are relaxing in the morning of day 2.

We explored the northern area and climbed our 1st lighthouse.

These 5 were amazing, not even winded after 200+ stairs.

I was shaking a little looking down through the steps. The inside of Currituck Beach Lighthouse was beautiful. I didn't get a picture of the outside because it was being painted.

Amanda and I on the Currituck Banks hike along a boardwalk to the sound side.

The kiddos getting ice cream before our safari tour.

Wild horse safari tour. The highlight of our trip!

Our guide was awesome & we had the entire truck to ourselves, which drove right on the beach.

1st sighting of wild horses roaming free on the beach. Gorgeous!

We stopped to look around and Zachary almost stepped on this skate, which we thought was a stingray. Our guide Terri picked it right up by the tail.

Addy with her rarely seen natural smile holding a crab.

Group shot at 2nd sighting of 5 more horses.

Day 3, another highlight, Jockey Ridge State Park.

This place was amazing! It's claim to fame is the tallest sand dunes on the eastern coast. Notice the ocean view in the distance.

Sand as far as the eye could see. The kids LOVE sand so they ran & played without tiring. Those spots in the distance are actually the kids!!! HA!

Jackson won for best jump off a dune.

This beauty liked the sound side of the park with a marshy beach.

The perfect, calm place for a yoga pose.

A kiss for my man. He's not having it.

Blessed. I love these people.

We drove as far south as Cape Hatteras along the National Seashore to see their iconic lighthouse.

The view from the top was even more amazing than the last as you could see water in all directions.

Lighthouse via selfie stick.

On day 4 we ate some famous Duck Donuts for breakfast. Then played at the beach.

Everyone's favorite PIZZA for lunch, before Amanda & Zachary had to leave.

Our family played adventure golf. A must on every vacation. Then drove through the Alligator River Wildlife Refugee & saw a BEAR! I was driving so we didn't get a picture in time. WAH!!!

The next morning we drove home. Jackson puked 4 times! Still thankful for another great vacation!