Noah at Ocracoke Island

This past week we took our first family vacation since our honeymoon.  We went to Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  We were able to stay with Brandon's best friend from high school since he is a park ranger at the beach.  We had a great time and were very appreciative of his hospitality.  We also were able to spend an evening coming and leaving with the Nugents since the drive is over 12 hours long.  12 hours in the car does not a happy baby make, so the Nugents were so kind to let us break up the trip at their abode in Virginia.  Noah still talks about their little boy Thomas non-stop. 

The beach was beautiful and Noah's love for the beach, primarily the ocean, was infectious.  Usually Brandon is not a huge fan of the ocean, but I think that Noah's joy might have even helped Dad to get over his dislike for sunlight and sand.  I love the beach, but I have even more love for it now that Noah loves it too! 

We couldn't keep Noah away from the salt water.  He loved the water crashing into his body and he loved playing in the sand.  After our first encounter with the beach, Noah then began to notice all the wildlife on the beach, particularly the birds, and decided that he was going to chase them all the way down the coast.  The third day at the beach Noah discovered the glory of seashells and decided they were indeed made to be thrown.  A new discovery for every day! 

We were planning on cooking and dining in at the island, but we quickly realized that this island is so very different than most American beaches and certainly most of the outer banks.  Access to good food and really anything commercial was difficult to come across.  There wasn't a real grocery store nor did we even see a gas station.  You have to take a ferry in order to even get to the island, so I am sure importing goods their is expensive and limited.  So, with little options, we choose to eat out at one of the few restaurants on the island.  But boy, did we ever make the right choice.  We went to Jason's the first night and had the pesto (I had it with shrimp and scallops and Brandon with chicken).  Even Noah loved it!  If you ever make a trip to Ocracoke, trust me and get the pesto.  It was the best pesto I have ever had. 

Sorry, dirty lens!

We had a grand time at Ocracoke Island.  But now, we are exhausted.  Vacationing while in the first trimester of a pregnancy and with an energetic 19 month old, plus driving non-stop does not exactly equate to relaxation.  But, we are glad to have made the trip and make new memories with our son. 

Do you remember your first vacation to the beach or your child's first vacation to the beach?  Did they like the sand and water or did they cry the whole time?