We just returned from a week long trip to the Outer Banks with Bryan’s family. We hadn’t planned on going because of our obligations at Alpha Phi but as the trip approached we felt more and more sorry for ourselves until Bryan called our House Corp Board and asked for permission to leave the house in the care of some friends so we could go. Norah and I are so glad he did. The trip was well worth one scary phone call. We stayed at the same house in Corolla that we stayed in two years ago with them before we had Norah. I thought it was fun to return to the same spot and it brought back memories. We did miss Bryan’s youngest brother Taylor who is on his mission, but not enough for it to ruin the trip.
Norah slept fabulously while we were there – better than she ever has. She consistently slept from 7:30 to a little after 5 and went back to sleep for another hour or hour and a half. Bryan and I were disciplined about not staying up too late to miss out on her long stretches of sleep and consequently were well rested ourselves. I can’t remember feeling so well rested but I’m sure the last time was before she was born. To add to the bliss of a good night’s sleep, Bryan’s parents were extremely proactive in taking Norah off our hands. Not that we don’t treasure her, but it was nice to have a break. We were able to swim and play in the ocean for few hours at a time worry free. When we decided we’d had our fill of waves we came back to a baby with reapplied sunscreen and a bucket a seashells. Norah was very well cared for and managed to leave the beach almost as white as when she arrived. She was aided in this by her full coverage, Donald Duck style swimsuit. One little boy approached Susan and asked her about Norah’s unusual swimwear. When Susan explained that it kept her from getting sunburns the boy commented “I think it looks like Jammies.” To that I say “ Why not swim in Jammies?” We are on vacation after all!
Norah will never have enough balls. There were several beach balls to play with and she persisted in trying to carry them all at the same time. Unfortunately this particular one kept her hands too full for any others. 
This is a picture of Norah and her Uncle Kimball watching TV together. If you look closely you might notice Elmo’s eyes on her shirt. This is her very favorite Elmo outfit. Norah has lately been throwing tantrums when we decide to dress her in anything else. We just about took her to church in it yesterday rather than fight the issue. Norah is such a devoted Elmo fan that when she spotted an Elmo towel at a beach shop she went over to it and made it clear to her Grandpa that he needed to buy it for her.
Oh the luxury of the beach chair! Norah was not about to miss out when she noticed the rest of us lounging in them. She was not content to share and sit on our laps and spent a good amount of time inspecting and comparing the identical chairs.
Norah and Mimi collecting shells
Wild Horse Adventure
We took a guided tour of the wild horses on the beaches of the Outer banks. Norah slept through the tour but did enjoy this rocking horse in front of the office. 
Courtney and her bff Emily in the back of the Jeep 
From L to R: Susan(aka Mimi), Emily, Courtney, Greg, Guy (aka Grandpa), Kimball, Bryan
Aunt Courtney and Norah sharing a snuggle
Kimball, Norah and Courtney look at the canal that locals use to ferry their kids to school because of their remote location
L to R front: Guy, Norah, Courtney, Lindsey, Susan
L to R back: Emily, Bryan, Kimball, Greg
Norah and Grandpa Guy 
