Is what I’ve had since getting home this past Sunday. We went to New Jersey for 10 days and had an absolute blast! The 5 of us hadn’t been back since we moved 5 years ago and it was so needed.

We stayed at our best friends’ house and it felt like home. I now seriously miss it up there (even though I had been hoping to go up and the weather would be much cooler then it was here – it wasn’t – it was hotter!!!!!!) We also got to see good friends of the family which was nice. Especially since my one friend and I hadn’t talked in about a year. It felt like old times with all of them as well – we always go back to where we left off with them too which is nice. Also got to hang out with other good friends of ours at a minor league baseball game. We hadn’t hung out with them as a family since before moving so that was pretty awesome as well.

We got home Sunday night and walking into the house felt so weird. It felt like we’d been gone much longer then we had been. And I SO did not want to be back. I’ve been giving it some time but I think Tampa has lost it’s luster for me. I miss the change of seasons – something I didn’t realize until being up there. Even though it was hot as hell up there, I could still sense it if that makes sense? I LOVE the tropicalness of Tampa. I LOVE being able to be outdoors all year long. But I keep getting the longing to go to the mountains and I think it’s because Tampa has no change of seasons. (Well, I think that’s part of it). So I don’t necessarily want to move back to New Jersey – I just need a change of season!

where we first started our trip. We had a great time again last night partying it up. Sitting in the hot tub, laughing alot, and playing pool. We had so many laughs this week and the kids had such a fun time. Goodbyes pretty much sucked this morning. But, I have to say, because we see them so many times throughout the year..the goodbyes are getting easier. It’s just a given that our friendships are ones that will last! We’ve almost reached that 5 year mark since we moved and there has been no lack in communication! There’s no other family out there like them! We love you guys and miss you already but are also already looking forward to when we see you again this July!!!!!!

We left there this morning around 8am and for the first 20 minutes or so all you could hear from the kids were sniffles. Then they were OK. Until lunchtime when Tristan got all teary eyed talking about Taylor. We got here to my parents house in Jacksonville about 7:45pm. And I was so ready to be out of the car. Traffic was fine and so were the kids….but being it’s the last day of vacation I’m ready to be home.

Early bedtime tonight for everyone!

We knew this day would arrive at some point. It sucks. BUT, at least we had this week to hang with our friends and enjoy the beautiful Outer Banks. It was a great week. We had great weather and actually saw the area alot more then we did last year. I think it has to do with the weather being 100% better this time around. We’ve seen some great sites as well as some beautiful sunsets on the Sound.

Today we split up and we did some last minute shopping. Then went over by the Currituck Lighthouse and walked around by the Sound. After that we grabbed a quick lunch back at the house (to eat up some of the food) and then met our friends at the beach. And it was COLD there! Poor Kim was wrapped up in about 3 towels to keep warm. Meanwhile our kids were running around in their bathing suits going in and out of the 56 degree water. CRAZY!!!!!! After about an hour of the cold we decided to head back to the house and let the kids swim in the nice heated pool!

Tonight we plan on partying it up one last time!

WHAT a day we had today. Unbelievably awesome. We decided to do a wild horse tour out on the sand dunes of the tip of the Outer Banks and I am so happy we did. The wild horses were gorgeous! (Not to mention the huge mansions out there were gorgeous too.) The entire tour took about 2 hours and the 10 of us were all able to fit into one car. The kids loved it – although I think they liked riding in the back of the car the best.

I’m not so sure about living out on the dunes like some do. It’s so desolate out there, plus you can only get in and out when the tide is low. So if you’re in trouble and have a medical emergency and it’s high tide – forget about it.

Here are some pics I took of the horses:

After the tour we had a quick lunch at a local pizza place. Then we split up again and we went back home so the kids could work on their homework. The amount of work my daughter has to do is insane. And she’s only in 3rd grade. Tristan didn’t have to do half this much this week.

Last night was yet another fun night. Justin babysat the kids while the 4 of us went out for dinner and drinks at a local pub/restaurant called Snap Dogs (did I get the name right Kim?) After that we came home and played some pool.

Today was a nice, laid back day. We had a bad thunder storm come in so after it was over Sean and Kevin took the kids to the community center across the street to swim in the inside pool while Kim and I went and got pedicures. And it felt awesome. She did such a great foot massage! I could have fallen asleep right then and there. I love the color on mine too. A light lavender.

Oh and I think the keg is already kicked!!!!

Cannot wait for tonight. We have a Luau themed party planned for Kevin’s 40th (shhhh – it’s a secret!). Sean and I went out today and bought a few more things for tonight such as a beer pong kit. Tonight is going to be FUN!!!!!

Last night was a blast! Tristan played some tennis across the street from our house with Justin. The kids played ouside on bikes and scooters. Then also played inside on the ping pong table or a game of pool. This house has it all. Great location (where the kids can actually play outside. Last years house didn’t have that. Plus it’s a nice, quiet street with not many cars going down it.) We all stayed up until I can’t even remember when. Maybe 2am???? We are loving the hot tub!!!!! All I know is we’re having a blast.

Today we didn’t do too much. Nice and relaxing day after spending all day yesterday in the car. Kim, the kids and I took a short walk on the Sound. The rest of the day the kids swam in the pool or played in the game rooms. While the adults just hung around. Not sure how much partying we’ll be doing tonight since tomorrow night we’re celebrating Kevin’s 40th birthday.

The guys did go and get a keg today from the Brew Thru. Awesome idea. It saves us money and also saves the recycle bin from being over loaded (we only have one bin).

We are here and ready to hang and party with our best buds!!!! We left my parents house in Jax around 5am and got here to the house in Corolla, Outer Banks, NC around 5pm. Would love to sit and chat but would MUCH rather go and hang with our friends!

Here’s a few pix I took with my cell phone during the ride up.

Sunrise over Georgia.

Brrrrrrr!!!! That’s what it read in South Carolina around 10am.

South of the Border – HUGE tourist trap! Advize not to stop there!!!! (And we did not – been there done that many years ago.)

Made it to the outskirts of OBX around 4????

This is the view from our back porch.

Back of our house. (I love how it has that southern look with the back porches!)

Front of our house.

to Jacksonville today for the first leg of our trip to the Outer Banks. I’m SO psyched to be spending the week with our best friends – they are like family to us. We’re going to have a blast! I just can’t wait to get there! We’ll probably get up tomorrow morning at 5am so we can be there partying it up with them by 5pm!