OBX 2011

We just returned from our most recent vacation to the southern Outer Banks.  Scott's family began vacationing there in the 1960s - long before it became a popular destination - and we have traveled there once or twice per year ever since we were married.  This photo captures one of Scott's earliest experiences on the beach while his father, Keith, fishes.

We tried to reproduce the photo with the next generation when we took Abraham to the Outer Banks for the first time last summer when he was just seven weeks old.

We enjoyed taking our new son to our perennial vacation destination last year.

But he spent most of his beach time like this.

This year was much more fun for him - particularly when he discovered he could crawl from his sheet on the sand . . .

. . . all the way down to the ocean water.

We bought Abraham a hat to match Daddy's.

And he sometimes wore both hats at once.

It was a fun, relaxing opportunity for our family to spend time together.

But we weren't alone.  Over the years we have had various family and friends accompany us, including Scott's parents, my Uncle Mark and Aunt Susan and their children, and - for the past seven years - our friends, Matt and Jodi Wentz, and their children Cooper, Jaci, Cori and Canaan.  Here's the group last year (minus me, the photographer).

And here are the children this year.

In the interest of full disclosure, I should note that notwithstanding all the photos on the beach, some or all of us spent a significant amount of time eating, reading, assembling puzzles and playing Settlers of Cataan.  Here's to next year with the hope that we have the same perfect weather we had this year!